Goin' Down Slow

Sonny Stitt's 'Goin' Down Slow' is a masterful jazz album that embodies the essence of various genres, including bebop, hard bop, cool jazz, and acid jazz. Released on 1 January 2003 under the prestigious Prestige label, this 1 hour and 5-minute-long masterpiece showcases Stitt's incredible talent.

The album features a diverse tracklist, comprising 13 mesmerising tracks, including 'Miss Ann', 'Lisa, Sue And Sadie', 'Where Is Love?', and the titular 'Goin' Down Slow'. Each song is a testament to Stitt's skill and artistry, blending complex melodies with soulful rhythms. From the melancholic 'Living Without You' to the upbeat 'Your Love Is So Doggone Good', Stitt's saxophone weaves a sonic tapestry that is both captivating and emotive.

With 'Goin' Down Slow', Sonny Stitt takes listeners on a journey through the realms of jazz, exploring the depths of human emotion and the intricacies of musical expression. This album is a must-listen for fans of the genre, offering a rich and immersive experience that showcases Stitt's remarkable talent and reinforces his position as a jazz legend.

Sonny Stitt, born Edward Stitt in Boston and raised in Michigan, was a pioneering American jazz saxophonist renowned for his warm, distinctive tone and his mastery of the bebop and hard bop idioms. Nicknamed the "Lone Wolf" by jazz critic Dan Morgenstern, Stitt was known for his relentless touring and his preference for working with different musicians, rather than forming a permanent band. Initially, Stitt's style was compared to that of Charlie Parker, but he soon developed his own unique sound, particularly on the tenor saxophone. His extensive discography, featuring over 100 albums, showcases his versatility and innovation. Stitt's career spanned several decades, from establishing himself on the American jazz scene in the 1960s to making a significant impact on the UK jazz funk scene in the mid-1970s. He was also known for his sax duels with contemporaries like Dexter Gordon and Gene Ammons, further cementing his status as one of the finest bebop saxophonists of his era.