Sonny Clark: Cool Struttin' - Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition [Vinyl 1LP 180g]

Straightahead / Mainstream Jazz
premiera polska: 2021-06-26
kontynent: Ameryka Północna
kraj: USA
opakowanie: Singlefoldowe etui
opis:

JazzPRESS:

„Cool Struttin’” to absolutny klasyk hard bopu. Oczywiście kiedy każdy z fanów tego niezwykle kreatywnego jazzu z lat pięćdziesiątych i sześćdziesiątych zacznie układać swoją listę najlepszych albumów, szybko znajdzie się na niej kilkadziesiąt pozycji, u każdego nieco innych i w nieco innej kolejności. Sam kiedyś próbowałem, najpierw spisując albumy, bez których hard bopowa kolekcja obyć się nie może, a później próbując skrócić listę, która szybko urosła do ponad 100 albumów. Nie potrafiłem niczego z niej usunąć. Z pewnością na każdej takiej liście musi znaleźć się „Cool Struttin’”. W zasadzie w ciemno, za sam opis na okładce.

Czas nagrania albumu – styczeń 1958 roku. Wytwórnia Blue Note, miejsce nagrania – studio Rudy Van Geldera w Engelwood Cliffs, około 15 kilometrów od centrum Harlemu, wystarczy przedostać się przez most George’a Washingtona na drugą stronę rzekę Hudson. To była typowa, jednodniowa, a raczej jednonocna sesja nagraniowa, jakich wtedy w salonie skromnego domu Rudy Van Geldera odbywało się wiele. Wkrótce, w 1959 roku Rudy Van Gelder otworzył nowe studio, już w specjalnie do tego celu przystosowanym budynku.

Piątka muzyków znała się doskonale, grywali w takim, czy innym zestawieniu razem od lat, przychodzili słuchać siebie w różnych nowojorskich klubach, często uczestniczyli we wspólnym spontanicznym muzykowaniu, nie oglądając się na płytowe kontrakty i zobowiązania dnia następnego. Wszyscy byli wtedy na topie.

„Cool Struttin’” to w zasadzie proste bluesowe granie. Jest jednak w tej sesji rodzaj muzycznej magii, czegoś, co wyróżnia ją spośród innych muzycznych spotkań w salonie Rudy Van Geldera tamtych czasów. Coś, co czyni ten album genialnym wśród wybitnych, podobnie jak „Kind Of Blue” obok innych nagrań Milesa Davisa z końca lat pięćdziesiątych.

Wspólne muzykowanie Arta Farmera i Jackie McLeana zaczęło się jeszcze w zespole Gene’a Ammonsa, stąd proste, bluesowe kompozycje wyraźnie się im spodobały. Od bluesowego kanonu odbiera jedynie kompozycja Charlie Hendersona i Rudy Vallee – „Deep Night”. To melodia, którą z łaskawości nazwę rozrywkową, która jednak za sprawą doskonałej solówki lidera stała się prawdziwą perełką. Ciekawe czemu „Deep Night” znalazła się tuż obok „Sippin’ At Bells” Milesa Davisa? Czy muzycy zasłuchali się we Franka Sinatrę, czy Duke Ellingtona? Najbardziej prawdopodobna inspiracja, to nagrany 4 lata wcześniej album Buda Powella „Jazz Original”, który niespodziewanie otwiera doskonałe wykonanie „Deep Night”. Bud Powell był przecież muzycznym idolem Sonny Clarka.

Co jest istotą piękna „Cool Struttin’”? Świetne solówki wyśmienitych instrumentalistów, bez zbędnego gwiazdorzenia i zbędnych przepychanek? Relaksująca atmosfera niezobowiązującej sesji? Wspaniałe muzyczne porozumienie i wielkie doświadczenie? Równowaga? To wszystko złożyło się na doskonały album, jedno ze szczytowych osiągnięć ery hard bopu.

Dodawane we współczesnych cyfrowych edycjach utwory – kompozycja lidera „Royal Flush” i standard „Lover” Rodgersa i Harta dowodzą jedynie, że odrzuty z sesji w większości wypadków powinny rzeczywiście pozostać odrzutami, nie bez powodu nie znalazły się na pierwotnej, analogowej wersji albumu. Czemu miał służyć eksperyment zamiany „Lover” w walczyka? Może sprawdzeniu jakiejś koncepcji, która się nie sprawdziła? Nie warto zaprzątać sobie głowy dodatkowymi, bonusowymi utworami.

Dziś Sonny Clark pamiętany jest raczej jako wybitny sideman, ulubiony pianista Alfreda Liona, jednego z założycieli Blue Note. Pozostaje nieco anonimowym bohaterem wielu doskonałych płyt Granta Greena, Dextera Gordona, Lee Morgana, Sonny Rollinsa, Charlesa Mingusa i wielu innych. Całkiem niesłusznie. Warto sięgnąć po nagrania, w których doskonale odnajdował się w roli lidera, a najlepszym początkiem takiej muzycznej wyprawy do przeszłości będzie właśnie „Cool Struttin’”.

I jeszcze jedno – dla ciekawskich – damskie nogi na okładce, według monografii opisującej kultowe okładki płyt jazzowych, należą do żony właściciela Blue Note – wspomnianego już Alfreda Liona. Musiał rzeczywiście lubić Sonny Clarka, skoro podarował mu zdjęcie nóg żony na okładkę, które pewnie zostało wykonane specjalnie w tym celu, bo Francis Wolff raczej nie robił przypadkowych zdjęć rodzinnych.

autor: Rafał Garszczyński

This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

Editor's info:
Sonny Clark was ubiquitous at Blue Note sessions and led a handful of great albums of his own along the way. Cool Struttin' has a wonderful after-hours feel, especially on the extended title blues.


Look at the sidemen
Reviewer: Tobee from Germany
I hate Clark to be one of the most underrated piano-players in jazz-history. I really like Cool Struttin, because of it's versatility. On the one side, Clark can play really relaxin and on the other side, he swings the hell out of "Deep night". It's a good record to start the day right away, or listen to in the car without gettin' that hectic, driving. And even the rythm-section with Chambers and Jones, parts of the famous Miles Davis quintet, is on top.

Hothouse Of Hard Bop
Reviewer: Wayne Dawson from Melbourne, Australia.
Sonny Clark was a magnet for talent, his compositions a framework for some remarkable blowing. So it is with 'Cool Struttin". All these tunes pack a punch, the tight heads, dexterous soloing and rhythmic reliability, are all peeled off with athletic ease. The tonal chemistry of the horns is something special. Farmer remains burnished with sensuality, commanding a bell like sonority in the upper register. McLean burns and cuts like a knife, behind which lurks a fulsome soul. The title track is a well recognised classic but 'Blue Minor' is equally up there. Sonny, nimble and iridescent, complements the horns while Philly Joe keeps everyone buoyant. Thanks Rudy you gem!

Classic cool bop
Reviewer: Reggie from Los Angeles, California
Jackie McLean and Art Farmer along with this brilliant rythym section demonstrate masterfully the true essence of bebop.

Royal Flush
Reviewer: Lover from Tehran, Iran
The Group & Sonny Clark Breathe Life To These Titles By Zig-Zaging Around Each Other's Solos & Rhyrhms, Creating Grand Hard Bop. Horn Men Shine. Rhythm Men Smoke. Sonny Is Cookin'. Although They Dedicated One Song To Me & "Cool Struttin'" Is A Wonderful Start, I Always Open This Album With "Blue Minor" :) Get It, You'll Love It!

cookin
Reviewer: rick eckstein from springfield massachusetts
i have always loved this album. after i learned the meleody to blue minor, jackie,s solo just blends right in.you will love yourself for coppin this side.

Real Cool Struttin'
Reviewer: Leeman from Port Angeles Washington.
Sonny Clark, although not the most incredibly gifted pianist, had a tendancy to lead these flawless sessions with the very best in sidemen. The fact that Sonny's playing was simpler meant his sessions were played in a more simpler fashion. Clark cut the tricks and fancy playing and put in tasty straight-ahead jazz which was more effective. Jackie Mclean, who later got much more ferocious, is very laid-back and relaxed, yet he is still hot. Farmer could not have been a better choice, he and Mclean are very distinguishable, much more than bird and diz. And of course, the impeccable rhythmn section of Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones, to this day there is only one other trio that is better than this one and that is Tranes(tyner, Garrison, Jones). Five Ovals for the real "Cool Struttin". Also thanks RVG, the bonus tracks are awsome too!

Read everyone else's reviews
Reviewer: Blake from Bellingham, WA
Killing. Everyone, especially players, need this recording. Absolutely burning.

Richard Everett reaponds to HANKMAN.
Reviewer: Richard Everett from San Marcos, Ca
"Cool Struttin'" is just as good as "Sonny's Crib" and so what? On it's own it is a collosal CD and I have been comparing it to the best sessions of all times. I ranked it #13, but it is probably better than that. I absolutely love it. Make it #1. It is certainly one of my favorite CDs of all times. What has anyone heard that's better? Hankman likes Hank Mobley, so he can't be all wrong. "No room for squares" will bitch slap your inner child to China. It's fantastic. By the way, that fabulous trumpet is Art Farmer, and the killer sax is Jackie McLean. Satisfied?

This made my all time 10 best list
Reviewer: Hankman from Fairbanks, Alaska USA
I agree with the last 2 reviewers but I think Richard Everett should give this one another try. It is my number 3, ahead of Sonnys Crib and behind Hank Mobley Roll Call. Number 1 is Hank Mobley No room for squares which kicks everyones butt six ways to sunday. All of Sonny Clarks stuff is top 10. This session makes me glad im alive.

FORMATS
Reviewer: ANDY KING from LONDON U.K.
COME ON GUY'S TELL ME WHERE CAN I BUY THE VINYL REISSUE. I KNOW THEY EXIST BUT WHERE. COME ON BLUE NOTE HELP ME OUT!!!!!!!

This is really great jazz. 5 chalupas
Reviewer: Richard Everett from San Marcos, Calif. San Diego County
I will get Email for this, but as good as this CD is, it didn't quite make my 10 all time best list. No reason really, except that "Sonny's Crib" is perhaps a bit better and a bit more exciting. Read my review of "Sonny's Crib" before you send me hate mail. I love this CD and I love Jackie McLean, Sonny Clark, and especially Art Farmer. These guys are true professionals. Anyone familiar with my published reviews and my on-line Blue note reviews knows how true these statements are. If I had a top 20 list, this CD would rank a solid 12 or 13, only narrowly being beaten out by McCoy Tyner's killer "The Real McCoy" with Joe Henderson, Ron Carter, and Elvin Jones. 5 Chalupas for a great effort and a great CD. AWESOME!!!

great reviewer
Reviewer: Harry Schipper from Winschoten,Holland,Europe
what a great review from Russell Seilhammer ! I agree with every word of it !

Four Decades Later & Still Struttin'
Reviewer: Aluixious Abernathy from Swing Street,NYC
I was about to be married, and borrowed this album on my last night as a single man from my twin brother MATT. He said this would comfort me through the night & ease me into the big day ahead. I really didn't know what to expect??! I knew of Paul Chambers & Philly Joe Jones from the prerequisite Miles Davis listenings, but, being a newbie to jazz at the time, had not really been acquainted with the rest of the personell on this particular date-the leader included. Totally exhausted from my pre wedding day preparations, I fell asleep with the album spinning repeatedly. When I awoke, I recall having a head full of beautiful melodies, & horn lines most notably the achingly distinct voice of the man who would become my main inspiration,on alto, Jackie Mclean. It sounds as if this man has somehow adapted bagpipes to jazz and made them swing. When combined with the lyrical Art Farmer's trumpet this album is simply put BEA U TI FUL!!! From the opening/title track all the way through. Sonny Clark's piano is BUD-informed and just plain joyful to behold. Words can not do this JEWEL any justice. They aren't many adjectives in the english language that can convey anywhere near the pleasure derived from listening to this one over and over again & again. I spin this one once a week with out fail! With Deep Night being a stand out favorite for me, I am sure that anyone can find a favorite on this one, IT'S IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO. You MUST BE either dead or deaf if this doesn't become one of your desert island picks. So,i f you don't own this one (WHY??) get yourself Cool Struttin' down to your local record depot and see what the fuss is about. Why there isn't more praise about this one is beyond any comprehension, once you've heard this, I AM SURE you'll agree!!! GET THIS ONE IMMEDIATELY IF NOT SOONER!!

FLAWLESS HARD BOP
Reviewer: A. DA SILVA from AUSTRALIA
A star studded cast resulting in the creation of a flawless jazz masterpiece. Well as flawless as humanily possible!.

Sonny at his best
Reviewer: Richard Brown from Seattle
This on e of my favorite Sonny Clark albums. Art Farmer is also superb throughout the session. A must for a true jazz fans.

Thanks guys!
Reviewer: Blue Mike from Milwaukee
I bought this album thanks to the reviews on this page, and I'm glad I did--I liked it immediately, and it's improved on repeated hearings. The first cut is up there with the very best. Thanks for the reviews!

Cool Struttin'
Reviewer: Jake Moreland from Sioux City, Iowa
This disc is a must for any jazz enthusiast. The ensemble is so deep in the groove, and they swing hard with what feels like little effort. Art Farmer is a tone machine, and you can hear why he is a big influence on many of today's trumpeters (check out Ryan Kisor). Jackie McClean is masterful. Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones lay it down and never let go. Needless to say, Clark is pure sweetness. Every note on this album takes you away, and then makes you want to put the loop on and play it all night. If you're looking for a record that personifies Blue Note's hard bop tradition, look no further. A definite classic!

Cool Struttin'
Reviewer: Mike Lempriere from Seattle, WA, USA
I have a pretty good grounding in the classic BlueNote LPs, but for some inexplicable reason, I've never had any Sonny Clark in my CD collection -- until hearing Cool Struttin'! I'll be ordering this one!

Sonny Clark "Cool Strutin' "
Reviewer: Rory Clark from Melbourne/Australia
A fantastic album! All the musicians on the album are motherfuckers. A must for anyone interested in jazz. The entire band works as a flawless unit creating what only could be called a masterpiece! I give this album a 10 out of 10.

a day in the "son"
Reviewer: russell seilhamer from royal palm beach florida usa
This was one of the first jazz CD's I've ever purchased. Any good instrumental will take you to a different time and place. For me, the scene is New York in the 30's on a cool foggy night and I'm sitting alone in an empty bar. All the lights just illuminate the emptiness in my life,no love to call my own. I start walking home and after a few beers it's OK, thats the essence of those jazzy blues. Sonny Clark captures it well on this CD.


muzycy:
Sonny Clark: piano
Art Farmer: trumpet
Jackie McLean: saxophone
Paul Chambers: bass
'Philly' Joe Jones: drums

utwory:
1 Cool Struttin
2 Blue Minor
3 Sippin' At Bells
4 Deep Night
5 Royal Flush
6 Lover

wydano: 2021-06-25
more info: www.bluenote.com