Sonny Clark - Leapin and Lopin '1961 [1988]

Tracks list

Sonny Clark is not often heralded as one of hard bops great talents, but albums
like Leapin And Lopin should rectify that oversight. An excellent pianist,
composer, and bandleader, Clark demonstrates all three capacities on this 1961
date, turning in a host of fine originals and even better performances.

The personnel includes tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse and drummer Billy
Higgins, among others, and theres fine playing all around, including Clarks
elegant skills on the keys. This album was the artists last as a leader (he died
two years later), and its a fitting swansong, as well as a thoroughly satisfying
listen.

„Perhaps the names of the musicians in this supporting cast are not quite
as lustrous in reputation, but the final result is the best album Sonny Clark
has presented to date. Sonny Clark has come of age.“ (Ira Gitler, from the
liner notes)

Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on November 13,
1961 Engineered by Rudy VanGelder
Produced by Alfred Lion and Michael Cuscuna


Tracks:

01. Somethin Special 6:24
02. Deep in a Dream 6:48
03. Melody for C 7:51
04. Eric Walks 5:42
05. Voodoo 7:40
06. Midnight Mambo 7:16
07. Zellmars Delight 5:44
08. Melody for C [alt. take] 8:14 

Personnel:

Sonny Clark - piano
Tommy Turrentine - trumpet
Charlie Rouse - tenor saxophone
Ike Quebec - tenor saxophone
Butch Warren - bass
Billy Higgins - drums

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