Sonny Criss: Mr. Blues Pour Flirter - 1963
This is a bit of a little-known jazz album from 1963. Criss was a tenor saxophonist of the "be-bop" and "hard-bop" style, originally and cut this album in Paris in 1963. As I state in all my jazz reviews, I am certainly no jazz expert, but I know what I like, as they say.
This is an instrumental album packed full of lively, rollicking stand-up bass, excellent, crystal clear percussion, rocking keyboard and, of course, Crisss's tenor sax. Hammond organ features considerably too, giving many of the tracks a late-night, smoky, soulful patina, as indeed does some wonderful jazz guitar in places.
Apparently, Criss committed suicide in 1977. It is always such a shame to read things like that.
The saxophone on this album is truly excellent in the laid-back, late night way that jazz like this had and, as seems to always be the case, the sound quality is absolutely superb. Wonderful stereo and definition. A highly recommended, relatively, unknown gem.
If you want a bit of smooth jazz for a dinner party background you can't go far wrong with this.
Oh, and I've always loved the sumptuous rear end of the woman on the cover...
