Sonny Stitt
Sonny Stitt, born Edward Hammond Boatner Jr. on February 2, 1924, in Boston, Massachusetts, grew up in a musically rich environment. He spent much of his childhood in Saginaw, Michigan, where his family encouraged his musical pursuits. His father was a professor of music, his mother taught piano, and his brother was a pianist, all of which contributed to Stitt's early musical education and interest in jazz music.
Stitt's professional career began in the 1940s, during which he became known for his contributions to the bebop and hard bop genres. He was recognized for his virtuosity on the saxophone, performing primarily on both alto and tenor saxophones. Throughout his career, Stitt collaborated with many notable jazz musicians and bands, helping to shape the sound of jazz during a pivotal era. He was acclaimed for his improvisational skills and his ability to adapt his style to various musical contexts, embodying the essence of jazz music.
His style was characterized by a combination of technical proficiency and emotional expressiveness. He often drew comparisons to other legendary saxophonists, yet he maintained a unique voice that distinguished him in the jazz community. Stitt's work contributed significantly to the development of jazz, and he remains an influential figure in the genre.
Stitt's life was marked by numerous accolades and a dedicated following among jazz enthusiasts. He continued to perform and record music throughout his life until his passing on July 22, 1982, in Washington, D.C. His contributions to jazz and the saxophone have left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire musicians today.
In summary, Sonny Stitt was a prominent figure in the jazz world, known for his exceptional talent as a saxophonist. His upbringing in a musical family and subsequent career within the bebop and hard bop scenes have cemented his status as a celebrated jazz artist.
Soul Girl
Written-By – Richard Evans
3:17
A2 Soul Girl
Written-By – Joel Beal
3:53
A3 Jeep Blues
Written By [Miscredited] – Sonny Stitt
Written-By [Uncredited] – Duke Ellington, Johnny Hodges
4:38
A4 I Know That You Know
Written-By – Caldwell, Youmans
5:30
B1 I Should Care
Written-By – A. Stordahl, P. Weston, S. Kahn
7:19
B2 Eight Track Blues
Written-By – Sonny Stitt
5:15
B3 Gone With The Wind
Written-By – Wrubel, Magidson
5:40
Label: Paula Records – LPS 4004
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Soul-Jazz, Jazz-Funk
Sonny Stitt's Soul Girl (1973) is a noteworthy album praised for showcasing Stitt's versatility, blending polished, string-laden soul-jazz numbers with raw, straight-ahead jazz quartet tracks featuring Chicago greats like Muhal Richard Abrams, offering a great snapshot of the era's diverse jazz scene and earning positive marks from collectors for its enjoyable sound.
Reviewers highlight the strong performances, especially Stitt's sax work, and the album's dual personality—one side featuring soulful production and the other pure bop, making it a standout in his extensive discography.
The first half features lush arrangements with strings and Kitty Heywood's vocals, while the second half dives into straight-ahead jazz with pianist Muhal Richard Abrams, drummer Wilbur Campbell, and bassist Cleveland Eaton.
The recording captures both the sophisticated studio sound (Cadet Studios) and the vibrant quartet scene in Chicago during the early 70s.
Even on the more produced tracks, Stitt's saxophone shines, delivering rich, expressive solos, noted for his full-bodied tone.
Many fans consider it an under-appreciated gem and a worthy addition to any Stitt collection: "An oft-overlooked, but very nice record," "wonderful" soul-jazz numbers, "entirely worthy," "top ten of all 150+ Stitt recordings".
Key Tracks: "Soul Girl," "Got to Get Over," "I Know That You Know," and quartet pieces like "I Should Care," "Eight Track Blues," and "Gone With The Wind" are often mentioned.
Overall, a strong album showcasing Stitt's ability to navigate different jazz styles effectively, from soulful grooves to classic bop.