Sonny Clark - Standards (1959) [1998]

The sessions that comprise the 14-track Standards were recorded by Sonny Clark at the end of 1958, with the intention that his interpretations would be issued as 45-rpm singles. His takes on these 12 standards (two of the tracks are alternate takes) are exceptional. Supported by drummer Wes Landers and, on varying dates, either Paul Chambers or Jymie Merritt on bass, Clark turns in lyrical, sensitive renditions of "Dancing In the Dark," "All of You," "I Cover the Waterfront," "I Can't Give You Anything But Love," "Black Velvet" and "I'm Just a Lucky So And So," among others. Although some of the performances are a little brief, limiting his opportunity to solo, Standards is a lovely collection of beautiful music that's a welcome addition to Clark's catalog

Tracks:

01. Blues In The Night (5:57)
02. Can't We Be Friends (4:19)
03. Somebody Loves Me (4:17)
04. All Of You (3:56)
05. Dancing In The Dark (3:32)
06. I Cover The Waterfront (4:41)
07. Blues In The Night (alt. tk) (7:16)
08. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You (4:01)
09. Ain't No Use (4:50)
10. I Can't Give You Anything But Love (3:52)
11. Black Velvet (3:23)
12. I'm Just A Lucky So And So (4:34)
13. The Breeze And I (4:00)
14. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You (alt. tk) (3:50)

Personnel:

Sonny Clark - piano
Paul Chambers (#1-7), Jymie Merritt (#8-14) - bass
Wes Landers - drums