This Is Criss!

by Sonny Criss

Overview

Along with tenor saxophonist Harold Land, altoist Sonny Criss qualifies as one of the most overlooked giants of West Coast jazz. His sound -- like most alto players of the bebop and hard bop days -- was heavily influenced by Charlie Parker, but Criss still managed to forge an original style featuring a very original melodic bent with loads of bluesy underpinnings. The goods can be optimally previewed on this great Prestige date from 1966. Backed by a trio consisting of pianist Walter Davis, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Alan Dawson, Criss makes fine work of such rare-bird covers as "Sunrise, Sunset" and "When Sunny Gets Blue." There are also some fine originals here, including Criss' own "Steve's Blues" and Davis' classic "Greasy." A perfect start to your Criss collection. ~ Stephen Cook

Product Details

Release Date:	07/01/2008
Label:	Prestige
UPC:	0888072306547
Rank:	22736

Tracks

1. Black Coffee
2. Days of Wine and Roses
3. When Sunny Gets Blue
4. Greasy
5. Sunrise, Sunset
6. Steve's Blues
7. Skylark
8. Love For Sale

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Sonny Criss   Primary Artist,Sax (Alto)
Walter Davis, Jr.   Piano
Alan Dawson   Drums
Paul Chambers   Bass
Walter Davis   Piano

Technical Credits

Paul Chambers   Guest Artist
Walter Davis   Guest Artist,Composer
Chris Clough   Reissue Production Assistance
Jackie McLean   Composer
George Gershwin   Composer
Walter Davis, Jr.   Composer
Johnny Mercer   Composer
Rudy Van Gelder   Engineer,Remastering
Nick Phillips   Reissue Producer
Marvin Fisher   Composer
Henry Mancini   Composer
Hoagy Carmichael   Composer
Sheldon Harnick   Composer
Paul Francis Webster   Composer
Sonny Burke   Composer
Sonny Criss   Composer
Jack Segal   Composer
Don Schlitten   Producer
Jerry Bock   Composer
Marvin Fischer   Composer
Phil DeLancie   Digital Remastering
Larissa Collins   Assistant
Cole Porter   Composer
Ira Gitler   Original Liner Notes,Liner Notes
Rikka Arnold   Editorial