Stanley Turrentine
Stanley Turrentine was an influential American jazz tenor saxophonist known as "Mr. T" or "The Sugar Man," celebrated for his soulful, blues-infused sound.
Born Stanley William Turrentine on April 5, 1934, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he grew up in a musical family—his father played saxophone, his mother piano, and his brother Tommy was a trumpeter. Influenced by Illinois Jacquet, Turrentine started performing young, touring with Lowell Fulson's band alongside Ray Charles in 1950-1951 and replacing John Coltrane in Earl Bostic's R&B/jazz group in 1953.
After military service in the mid-1950s—his only formal musical training—Turrentine joined Max Roach's quintet in 1959, gaining prominence. He began recording as a leader for Blue Note in 1960, focusing on soul jazz, and collaborated frequently with organist Jimmy Smith on tracks like those from Back at the Chicken Shack.
Turrentine married organist Shirley Scott in 1960; they recorded together extensively until their 1971 divorce. He worked with artists like Tadd Dameron, The Three Sounds, and later fusion players including Freddie Hubbard, George Benson, and Bob James.
In the 1970s, Turrentine signed with CTI, releasing hits like Sugar (1970) and Don't Mess with Mister T. (1973), blending soul jazz with fusion. He returned to soul jazz in the 1980s and 1990s, earning Grammy nominations, and passed away on September 12, 2000.
Sugar
Written-By – Stanley Turrentine
10:00
A2 Sunshine Alley
Written-By – Butch Cornell
11:00
B Impressions
Written-By – John Coltrane
15:30
Label: CTI Records – CTI 6005
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Jazz
Style: Soul-Jazz, Funk
Stanley Turrentine's Sugar is a seminal soul-jazz/funk album, celebrated for its irresistible grooves, stellar lineup (including George Benson, Freddie Hubbard, Ron Carter), and powerful interplay, delivering a warm, bluesy, late-night feel that satisfies both jazz aficionados and newcomers, offering a perfect bridge between classic jazz and emerging funk/fusion. While some find it slicker than his earlier Blue Note work, its soulful, blues-infused tracks, particularly the iconic title song, showcase Turrentine's melodic strength and the band's cohesive, groovy chemistry.
The album's foundation is its deep, infectious groove, driven by Ron Carter (bass) and Billy Kaye (drums), creating a compelling, funky backbone. Features a dream team: Turrentine (tenor sax), Freddie Hubbard (trumpet), George Benson (guitar), Ron Carter (bass), Butch Cornell (organ), and Billy Kaye (drums).
Turrentine's tenor is soulful and blues-rooted, often employing melodic lines and expressive phrasing, while Hubbard adds fiery, powerful trumpet work. Musicians listen and interact, with Benson's guitar fills complementing Turrentine's solos, making it a true ensemble performance. Captures a late-night, warm, and cool atmosphere, making it ideal for relaxed listening or getting into early '70s jazz.
Track Highlights:- "Sugar": The iconic title track is a bluesy, medium-tempo classic, perfect for showcasing the band's synergy; "Impressions": A soulful, intense take on the John Coltrane standard, featuring dynamic solos from all; "Sunshine Alley": Adds a funky edge to the mix.
A must-have for jazz fans, representing Turrentine's successful dive into funkier, groovier territory. Offers both immediate appeal through its catchy rhythms and depth in its improvisation. A fantastic starting point for those wanting to explore Turrentine beyond his Blue Note era or early '70s jazz.
In essence, Sugar is a masterclass in feel-good, high-quality soul-jazz, consistently praised for its infectious energy and top-tier musicianship.