{"title":"Sonny Clark","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"172\" data-end=\"651\"\u003eSonny Clark was one of Blue Note’s finest hard bop pianists, his playing crisp, soulful and full of melodic invention. Though his career was tragically short, albums like \u003cem data-start=\"344\" data-end=\"360\"\u003eCool Struttin’\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem data-start=\"362\" data-end=\"382\"\u003eLeapin’ and Lopin’\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem data-start=\"388\" data-end=\"406\"\u003eSonny Clark Trio\u003c\/em\u003e have become cornerstones of 1950s and ’60s modern jazz. Explore our \u003cem data-start=\"475\" data-end=\"488\"\u003eSonny Clark\u003c\/em\u003e vinyl collection featuring original Blue Note and Japanese pressings, audiophile reissues and timeless sessions that define the sound of the label’s golden era.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"sonny-clark-cool-struttin-1977-blue-note-japan-vinyl-lp","title":"Sonny Clark – Cool Struttin’ (1977 Blue Note Japan Vinyl LP)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"520\" data-end=\"877\"\u003eReissued in \u003cstrong data-start=\"532\" data-end=\"540\"\u003e1977\u003c\/strong\u003e by \u003cstrong data-start=\"544\" data-end=\"586\"\u003eBlue Note Japan (GXF 3004 \/ BST 81588)\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem data-start=\"588\" data-end=\"604\"\u003eCool Struttin’\u003c\/em\u003e is pianist \u003cstrong data-start=\"616\" data-end=\"633\"\u003eSonny Clark’s\u003c\/strong\u003e masterpiece. A flawless slice of late-’50s hard bop that has become one of the most iconic Blue Note albums of all time. Originally recorded by \u003cstrong data-start=\"779\" data-end=\"798\"\u003eRudy Van Gelder\u003c\/strong\u003e in 1958, the session swings with a relaxed confidence and deep bluesy charm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"879\" data-end=\"1441\"\u003eThe quintet features an impeccable lineup: \u003cstrong data-start=\"922\" data-end=\"936\"\u003eArt Farmer\u003c\/strong\u003e on trumpet, \u003cstrong data-start=\"949\" data-end=\"966\"\u003eJackie McLean\u003c\/strong\u003e on alto saxophone, \u003cstrong data-start=\"986\" data-end=\"1003\"\u003ePaul Chambers\u003c\/strong\u003e on bass, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"1017\" data-end=\"1039\"\u003e“Philly” Joe Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e on drums. Together they deliver a sound that’s crisp, unhurried, and irresistibly grooving. The title track \u003cem data-start=\"1148\" data-end=\"1164\"\u003eCool Struttin’\u003c\/em\u003e opens with a strut worthy of its name, a walking blues that perfectly captures the Blue Note aesthetic, while \u003cem data-start=\"1277\" data-end=\"1289\"\u003eBlue Minor\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem data-start=\"1294\" data-end=\"1312\"\u003eSippin’ at Bells\u003c\/em\u003e extend the mood with supple interplay and effortless swing. The ballad \u003cem data-start=\"1384\" data-end=\"1396\"\u003eDeep Night\u003c\/em\u003e closes the set on a note of lyrical grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1443\" data-end=\"1775\"\u003eThis \u003cstrong data-start=\"1448\" data-end=\"1474\"\u003e1977 Japanese pressing\u003c\/strong\u003e, part of King Record’s meticulous reissue program, offers warm analog sound and top-tier vinyl quality, with faithfully reproduced artwork and liner notes. \u003cem data-start=\"1631\" data-end=\"1647\"\u003eCool Struttin’\u003c\/em\u003e remains one of the most collectible and musically satisfying Blue Note titles. Timeless, soulful, and quintessentially cool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1214\" data-start=\"1061\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinyl\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: EX\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSleeve\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: VG+\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObi:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNone\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur grading system explained \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/dpbg4u-d1.myshopify.com\/pages\/secondhand-grading-guide\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ehere\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhoto is of the actual item.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blue Note","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42552934694971,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0630\/3203\/3339\/files\/IMG_4739.jpg?v=1761268148"},{"product_id":"sonny-clark-blues-in-the-night-limited-edition-japanese-blue-note-vinyl-lp","title":"Sonny Clark - Blues In The Night (Limited Edition Japanese Blue Note Vinyl LP)","description":"\u003cp class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSonny Clark - Blues In The Night\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eVinyl LP - Limited Edition Japanese Blue Note Pressing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eA showcase for one of hard bop's most distinctive pianists, \u003cem\u003eBlues In The Night\u003c\/em\u003e captures Sonny Clark leading a tight trio through a session that highlights his elegant touch, blues-soaked sensibility and impeccable sense of swing. This 1979 Japanese limited edition pressing, manufactured by King Record Co. and released on Blue Note's GXF series, presents Clark's artistry with the sonic excellence Japanese audiophile editions are prized for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eRecorded at Rudy Van Gelder's legendary Hackensack studio under the guidance of Blue Note founder Alfred Lion, the album features Clark primarily supported by bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Wes Landers, with Jymie Merritt taking over bass duties on the final track. The trio format allows Clark's piano playing to take centre stage, and he responds with performances that balance sophistication and soul, technical facility and emotional directness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eClark's approach to the piano was marked by a crystalline touch and a harmonic vocabulary that drew from bebop while looking forward to the modal explorations that would define the early 1960s. Whether navigating blues changes, interpreting standards, or working through original compositions, Clark maintained a distinctive voice that was both cerebral and deeply swinging. His tragic early death in 1963 cut short a career that was still developing, making sessions like this all the more valuable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eThis limited edition Japanese pressing includes the original insert and represents the session with exceptional clarity and warmth. For collectors of Blue Note's catalogue and admirers of piano trio jazz, this is an essential document of an under-appreciated master.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinyl\u003c\/b\u003e: EX\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSleeve\u003c\/b\u003e: EX\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObi:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eNone\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur grading system explained \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/dpbg4u-d1.myshopify.com\/pages\/secondhand-grading-guide\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ehere\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhoto is of the actual item.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blue Note","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42589106372667,"sku":null,"price":100.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0630\/3203\/3339\/files\/IMG_4909_51f5be07-a30e-490f-a4c3-64ed511f74bd.jpg?v=1762039129"},{"product_id":"sonny-clark-trio-sonny-clark-trio-1978-japanese-blue-note-stereo-lp","title":"Sonny Clark Trio - Sonny Clark Trio (1978 Japanese Blue Note Stereo LP)","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinyl\u003c\/b\u003e: EX\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSleeve\u003c\/b\u003e: VG+\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObi:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eNone\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur grading system explained \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/dpbg4u-d1.myshopify.com\/pages\/secondhand-grading-guide\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ehere\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhoto is of the actual item.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSonny Clark Trio - \u003cem\u003eSonny Clark Trio\u003c\/em\u003e | Vinyl LP - 1978 Japanese Blue Note Stereo (GXK 8051, Blue Note Masterpiece Selection 150, King Record Co. Ltd.)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eSonny Clark recorded three albums for Blue Note in a three-month burst in 1957. The first two, \u003cem\u003eDial 'S' for Sonny\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eSonny's Crib\u003c\/em\u003e, used larger groups with horns. This one put him in front with only Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe album opens with \"Be-Bop,\" Gillespie's bebop theme, and Clark plays it for nearly ten minutes. It is not the most harmonically complex piece in the bebop repertoire, but that is partly the point — the trio uses its relative simplicity to stretch and improvise rather than navigate. Chambers's bass lines are prominent throughout; Jones plays with the loose authority he brought to everything in this period. \"I Didn't Know What Time It Was,\" the Rodgers and Hart standard from Too Many Girls (1939), follows at medium tempo. \"Two Bass Hit,\" by Gillespie and John Lewis, closes Side A.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eSide B opens with Tadd Dameron's \"Tadd's Delight,\" another bebop head given a long, open treatment. \"Softly as in a Morning Sunrise\", Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein II's piece from \u003cem\u003eThe New Moon\u003c\/em\u003e (1928), runs six and a half minutes, Clark's phrasing more searching than his Side A playing. \"I'll Remember April,\" the Gene de Paul, Don Raye and Patricia Johnston standard from 1941, closes the record.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis is the 1978 Japanese Blue Note stereo pressing (GXK 8051), Blue Note Masterpiece Selection 150, manufactured by King Record Co. Ltd.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blue Note","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42589436510267,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0630\/3203\/3339\/files\/IMG_6930.jpg?v=1778648494"},{"product_id":"sonny-clark-dial-s-for-sonny-1990-japanese-blue-note-mono-lp-limited-edition","title":"Sonny Clark - Dial \"S\" For Sonny (1990 Japanese Blue Note Mono LP Limited Edition)","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinyl\u003c\/b\u003e: NM\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSleeve\u003c\/b\u003e: EX\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObi:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eNone\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur grading system explained \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/dpbg4u-d1.myshopify.com\/pages\/secondhand-grading-guide\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ehere\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhoto is of the actual item.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSonny Clark - \u003cem\u003eDial \"S\" For Sonny\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eVinyl LP - 1990 Japanese Blue Note BLP 1500 Revival Limited Edition Mono Reissue with Insert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePianist Sonny Clark's 1957 Blue Note session showcases his hard bop artistry leading an all-star sextet including trumpeter Art Farmer, trombonist Curtis Fuller, tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley, bassist Wilbur Ware, and drummer Louis Hayes. Recorded by Rudy Van Gelder at his Hackensack studio, the six-track album balances Clark originals with standards, his elegant yet funky piano style anchoring arrangements that allow each horn player space to develop ideas. Released in Japan on 26 December 1990 as part of Blue Note's BLP 1500 Revival series and LP Last Reissue programme, this limited edition mono pressing by Toshiba EMI includes an LP-sized fold-out insert depicting other reissues and was issued with a Blue Note Club members card.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClark's compositions \"Dial 'S' For Sonny\", \"Bootin' It\", \"Sonny's Mood\", and \"Shoutin' On A Riff\" demonstrate his gift for memorable hard bop themes that swing naturally while providing harmonic interest. The standards \"It Could Happen To You\" and \"Love Walked In\" receive sophisticated treatments that respect the melodies while allowing for modern reharmonization. The frontline of Farmer, Fuller, and Mobley represents hard bop's finest: Farmer's warm trumpet tone and melodic invention, Fuller's authoritative trombone work, and Mobley's distinctive tenor saxophone sound create rich ensemble textures and contrasting solo approaches. Ware's bass work adds both propulsion and melodic commentary, while Hayes' drumming provides precise, swinging support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVan Gelder's recording captures the session's warmth and clarity, his ability to balance six musicians in a studio creating optimal sonic presentation for each instrument. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blue Note","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43186055282747,"sku":null,"price":100.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0630\/3203\/3339\/files\/IMG_5922.jpg?v=1769896132"}],"url":"https:\/\/lushliferecords.com.au\/collections\/sonny-clark.oembed","provider":"Lush Life Records","version":"1.0","type":"link"}