Dive into the soulful world of jazz with Sonny Stitt's "Night Letter," a captivating compilation released on January 1, 1996, by Prestige. This album is a blend of bebop, hard bop, cool jazz, and acid jazz, showcasing Stitt's mastery of the saxophone across a span of six years. The first half of the album features tracks originally recorded in 1963 with Jack McDuff, including the lively "Soul Shack" and the smooth "Love Nest." The latter half draws from Stitt's 1969 sessions, where he experiments with the varitone, an electronic device that alters the saxophone's sound, adding a unique twist to classics like "Night Letter" and "Stringin' The Jug."
"Night Letter" offers a rich tapestry of sounds, from the laid-back grooves of "Sunday" to the energetic solos of "For You." The album's diversity is a testament to Sonny Stitt's versatility and innovation, making it a standout in his discography. Whether you're a longtime fan of jazz or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises an hour and fourteen minutes of pure musical enjoyment. The inclusion of both older and newer tracks provides a comprehensive look at Stitt's evolution as an artist, making "Night Letter" a compelling listen from start to finish.
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.
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