The Saxophones of Sonny Stitt

Album Description

In 2024, jazz enthusiasts are in for a treat with the release of "The Saxophones of Sonny Stitt," a 2016 remastered collection of Sonny Stitt's iconic saxophone work, now available on Parlophone Records Ltd, a Warner Music Group Company. This album is a celebration of Sonny Stitt's centennial year, offering a fresh listen to his timeless bebop and hard bop classics.

Sonny Stitt, affectionately known as "The String" by his friend and fellow saxophonist Gene Ammons, was a titan of the saxophone, renowned for his prolific career and his unique sound that stood apart from his contemporaries. This album features Stitt's masterful alto saxophone playing, showcasing his distinctive style that, while influenced by Charlie Parker, is uniquely his own.

"The Saxophones of Sonny Stitt" spans a variety of jazz genres, including bebop, hard bop, cool jazz, and acid jazz, all within a concise 35-minute duration. The album includes 11 remastered tracks, each a testament to Stitt's virtuosity and musical prowess. From the upbeat "Happy Faces" to the soulful "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," every song offers a glimpse into Stitt's versatility and innovation.

Fans of Sonny Stitt will appreciate the opportunity to revisit these classic tracks with improved sound quality, while new listeners will find an excellent introduction to one of the most influential saxophonists of the 20th century. Whether you're a seasoned jazz aficionado or a curious newcomer, "The Saxophones of Sonny Stitt" is a delightful addition to any music collection.

May 31, 2024

2024 Parlophone Records Ltd, a Warner Music Group Company

About Sonny Stitt

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.