The best albums from legendary Verve Records jazz catalogue get impeccable audiophile treatment by Analogue Productions, cut at 45rpm for ultimate sound quality by equaly legendary mastering engineer George Marino at Sterling Sound, preserving all the analog glory of the Original Master Tapes to bring these sessions to life in spectacular fashion, like they deserve.

• Limited Edition
• Double LP 45rpm on 180 Gram Vinyl
• Pressed at QRP USA
• Mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound
• Cut from the Original Analog Master Tapes

"...these are all truly classic Verve titles that you simply don't want to miss...most importantly, the sound of these reissues is nothing short of astounding. Particularly the early Billie and Ella mono records are incredible treasures of sonic beauty. I'd definitely ask Santa for the whole set, or, if you want to cherry pick, the most classic titles. Whatever you decide, you owe yourself at least a half dozen!" Winner of a 2012 Positive Feedback Online Writers' Choice Award - Danny Kaey, Positive Feedback Online

Sonny Stitt recorded in an impressive variety of contexts, ranging from the octet format featured in Jimmy Giuffre's arrangements to informal sessions with such swing era prototypes as Roy Eldridge, with whom he was teamed for Only The Blues.

It was in the latter set that Sonny's superb feeling for the 12-bar blues form came most conspicuously into focus. On the present sides, Sonny again reverts to the blues, this time in an even simpler setting composed of 3 musicians who, like Sonny, are essentially products of the modern jazz scene, but have firm roots in the jazz tradition of which the blues has remained a perpetual, unquenchable guiding light.

Sonny plays alto on all tracks. Five of the eight numbers are ad lib blues with a nominal thematic framework to open and close; the others are Isham Jones' Blue Prelude, which somebody suggested on the date--Sonny had never played it before; Frankie and Johnny, probably the oldest blues theme now in general use (it orginated in the early 19th century), and the old pop song Birth of the Blues. Highlights among the originals are Home Free, a minor key blues, and Hymnal, a "sanctified" blues based on an old hymn. Sonny is also at his earthiest and most moving in the very slow blues in G, Morning After, that closes the set.

Sonny Stitt led a number of excellent record dates in 1959, especially at the end of the year when he produced three LPs for Verve over a span of three sessions with pianist Lou Levy, bassist Leroy Vinnegar and drummer Mel Lewis. Playing alto sax throughout this album, Stitt hardly sounds like a Charlie Parker clone, something that unfortunately was a frequent claim by tin-eared critics throughout a fair portion of his career. The music includes several potent originals, especially "Hymnal Blues" and the slow, powerful "Morning After Blues."

Originally released in 1970.

Musicians:

Sonny Stitt, alto saxophone
Lou Levy, piano
Leroy Vinnegar, bass
Mel Lewis, drums

Track Listing:

1. Blue Devil Blues
2. Home Free Blues
3. Blue Prelude
4. Frankie And Johnny
5. Birth Of The Blues
6. A Blues Offering
7. Hymnal Blues
8. Morning After Blues

Click here to listen to samples on YouTube.com ♫