Brothers 4

Dive into the rich tapestry of jazz history with "Brothers 4," a captivating album by the legendary Sonny Stitt, released in 2001. This collection, originally recorded in 1969, features Sonny Stitt alongside the talented Don Patterson, offering a blend of bebop, hard bop, cool jazz, and acid jazz that will captivate any jazz enthusiast. The album spans a generous 1 hour and 15 minutes, providing a deep dive into the intricate and soulful sounds of these jazz masters.

"Brothers 4" includes a mix of classic tracks and bonus material, with 10 songs that showcase the dynamic interplay between Stitt and Patterson. The album kicks off with "Brothers-4," setting the tone for an engaging journey through jazz history. Standout tracks like "Creepin' Home," "Alexander's Ragtime Band," and "St. Thomas" highlight the versatility and virtuosity of Sonny Stitt, while "Good Bait" and "Starry Night" offer a more laid-back, cool jazz vibe.

The 2001 release on Prestige Records includes six bonus tracks recorded during the same session but previously issued on other albums, making this a comprehensive collection for both longtime fans and newcomers to Sonny Stitt's work. The album was recorded on September 15, 1969, in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, capturing the essence of a golden era in jazz. Whether you're a seasoned jazz aficionado or just discovering the genre, "Brothers 4" is a timeless addition to any music collection, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience.

Sonny Stitt, born Edward Stitt in Boston and raised in Michigan, was a pioneering American jazz saxophonist renowned for his warm, distinctive tone and his mastery of the bebop and hard bop idioms. Nicknamed the "Lone Wolf" by jazz critic Dan Morgenstern, Stitt was known for his relentless touring and his preference for working with different musicians, rather than forming a permanent band. Initially, Stitt's style was compared to that of Charlie Parker, but he soon developed his own unique sound, particularly on the tenor saxophone. His extensive discography, featuring over 100 albums, showcases his versatility and innovation. Stitt's career spanned several decades, from establishing himself on the American jazz scene in the 1960s to making a significant impact on the UK jazz funk scene in the mid-1970s. He was also known for his sax duels with contemporaries like Dexter Gordon and Gene Ammons, further cementing his status as one of the finest bebop saxophonists of his era.