Sessions With Sonny Stitt

by Gene Ammons

Product Description:

Personnel: Gene Ammons, Sonny Stitt (tenor saxophone); Lou Donaldson (alto saxophone); Art Farmer, Billy Massey (trumpet); Al Outcalt (trombone); Junior Mance, Duke Jordan, Freddie Redd, Charlie Bateman (piano); Addison Farmer, Tommy Potter, Gene Wright (bass); Jo Jones, Wesley Landers, Teddy Stewart, Kenny Clarke (drums).

Engineers include: Rudy Van Gelder.

Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey between 1951 & 1955. Originally released on Prestige (7050). Includes original liner notes by Ira Gitler.

Digitally remastered by Phil De Lancie (1991, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California).

ALL STAR SESSIONS is drawn from sessions recorded in 1950, 1951, and 1955. On all but the opening two numbers, Ammons is joined by fellow tenor saxophonist Sonny Stitt. Before heading their separate ways, the two men fronted a combo together in the early '50s. They continued to play together at various points throughout their careers-check out WE'LL BE TOGETHER AGAIN for an excellent example of their spirited interplay.

Other ALL STAR players heard on SESSIONS include trumpet player Art Farmer (his composition "Woofin' and Tweetin'" is a standout here), drummer Jo Jones, pianist Junior Mance, and alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson. While a relaxed vibe carries through these tunes, it's far from a mere blowing session. As with all of Ammons' work, SESSIONS is empowered by a passionate and bluesy presence.