Just In Case You Forgot How Bad He Really Was

Immerse yourself in the raw, electrifying energy of Sonny Stitt's final live performance with "Just In Case You Forgot How Bad He Really Was." Recorded at the legendary Keystone Korner in San Francisco, this album captures the saxophonist at the height of his powers, just months before his untimely passing. Stitt, known for his blistering technique and soulful phrasing, delivers a scorching set that showcases his mastery of both tenor and alto saxophones.

The album is a testament to Stitt's enduring legacy in the jazz world, featuring a stellar lineup of musicians including pianist Cedar Walton, bassist Herbie Lewis, and a drummer. Together, they navigate a mix of bebop classics and standards, each track a testament to Stitt's virtuosic skill and deep musicality. From the up-tempo "Dig Dr. Woody" to the tender ballad "Laura," Stitt's playing is as nuanced as it is powerful, reminding listeners why he was one of the most respected and influential saxophonists of his generation.

"Just In Case You Forgot How Bad He Really Was" is a thrilling snapshot of a jazz master at work, a document of a legendary performance that stands as a fitting tribute to Sonny Stitt's extraordinary talent. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to his music, this live album is a thrilling journey through the world of bebop, hard bop, cool jazz, and acid jazz, all filtered through the unique lens of one of the genre's true innovators.

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.