Soul Girl

Dive into the soulful world of Sonny Stitt with his 1973 masterpiece, "Soul Girl." This timeless album, released under Paula Records, is a testament to Stitt's virtuosity on both the alto and tenor saxophones, showcasing his distinctive tone and brilliant improvisational skills. With a genre-bending blend of bebop, jazz, hard bop, cool jazz, and acid jazz, "Soul Girl" is a journey through the rich tapestry of jazz history.

The album kicks off with the upbeat "Got to Get Over," followed by the title track "Soul Girl," which exemplifies Stitt's ability to infuse soul into his jazz compositions. "Jeep Blues" and "I Know That You Know" highlight his mastery of the blues, while "I Should Care" and "Eight Track Blues" offer a more introspective side. The album concludes with a rendition of the classic "Gone with the Wind," adding a touch of nostalgia to this dynamic collection.

Recorded in Chicago, "Soul Girl" features a stellar lineup of musicians, including Tennyson Stephens and Jodie Christian on piano, Richard Evans on bass, Ron Muldrow on guitar, Morris Jennings on drums, and string contributions from Bruce Hayden and Kitty Hayward. This ensemble brings depth and richness to each track, making "Soul Girl" a standout in Sonny Stitt's discography.

With a runtime of just 35 minutes, "Soul Girl" is a concise yet powerful exploration of jazz and its many influences. Whether you're a longtime fan of Sonny Stitt or new to his music, this album is a captivating listen that showcases the best of his talent and creativity.

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.