Dwain

• Rollins and Stitt combine forces with bop trumpet legend to make a hard hitting and energetic four track album. The energy that Stitt and Rollins have playing together and playing off of one another is so intense it really brings out the best of each of them musically. There are some all-time solos from each of them that take place on this album such as Stitt’s solo on “Eternal Light” and Rollins incredible playing over the rhythm section hits on “I Know that You Know”. This recording of he standard “On the Sunny Side of the Street” is one of the most prolific recordings of the tune in the jazz catalog and it’s only fitting that it’s on the album entitled “Sonny Side Up”.

• The rhythm section is swinging hard and does a great job of keeping up the high intensity set forth by the two saxophones. There is a bit of a lack of clarity in certain moments from the rhythm section but not anything that doesn’t resolve within seconds. There are times when the talking in the studio bleeds into the mix which can be hip at certain times in a recording but can also be distracting at times. I really wish they had figured out a way to do a ballad on the album as I feel as with the energy set forth it might have really been a killer addition and feels like maybe the only thing the album is lacking.

• This is an incredible display of musicianship and the use of the jazz language as a whole and should be regarded as such. This album is short but sweet and allows for the musicians to stretch their legs and really let their playing shine. A crash course on the Sonny’s of the saxophone world.

Overall score: 8.8/10

Max

• This album speaks to the supreme musicality of Sonny Rollins, Sonny Stitt, and Dizzy. The rhythm section interacts nicely throughout and it’s all-in-all a hard-driving, swinging album that should be listened to by those that are into the jazz tradition. This version of “On the Sunny Side of the Street” is timeless and well-known as it features Dizzy on vocals and has some neat arranging. The other standout is Stitt’s original “Eternal Triangle,” where Stitt has an elongated, burnin’ solo in addition to some classic tenor sax trading with Sonny Rollins. This album showcases the blues as well with “After Hours,” and an underplayed Youmans classic “I Know That You Know.” All tunes have interesting arrangements and feature moments of other-worldy soloing by the horn players. Listen for the differences in improvisatory approach from the two Sonny’s, as well as Dizzy’s prominent sound and fast-moving lines.

• Some consider it a ‘jam session recording,’ but that term neglects the amount of thought that seemingly went into the arranging of the tunes and the way in which the different solos on the recording are treated. To me, it is not a jam session; it’s a recording where jazz musicians are allowed to be jazz musicians. Sonny Side Up should be forever regarded as something special.

Overall score: 9.0/10