Sonny Clark - Leapin' and Lopin' (1961) [1988]

Sonny Clark is not often heralded as one of hard bop's great talents, but albums like Leapin' And Lopin' should rectify that oversight. An excellent pianist, composer, and bandleader, Clark demonstrates all three capacities on this 1961 date, turning in a host of fine originals and even better performances.

The personnel includes tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse and drummer Billy Higgins, among others, and there's fine playing all around, including Clark's elegant skills on the keys. This album was the artist's last as a leader (he died two years later), and it's a fitting swansong, as well as a thoroughly satisfying listen.

„Perhaps the names of the musicians in this supporting cast are not quite as lustrous in reputation, but the final result is the best album Sonny Clark has presented to date. Sonny Clark has come of age.“ (Ira Gitler, from the liner notes)

Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on November 13, 1961 Engineered by Rudy VanGelder
Produced by Alfred Lion and Michael Cuscuna


Tracks:

01. Somethin' Special 6:24
02. Deep in a Dream 6:48
03. Melody for C 7:51
04. Eric Walks 5:42
05. Voodoo 7:40
06. Midnight Mambo 7:16
07. Zellmar's Delight 5:44
08. Melody for C [alt. take] 8:14

Personnel:

Sonny Clark - piano
Tommy Turrentine - trumpet
Charlie Rouse - tenor saxophone
Ike Quebec - tenor saxophone
Butch Warren - bass
Billy Higgins - drums