Sonny Clark - Dial "S" For Sonny (1990 Japanese Blue Note Mono LP Limited Edition)

Vinyl: NM
Sleeve: EX
Obi: None

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Sonny Clark - Dial "S" For Sonny Vinyl LP - 1990 Japanese Blue Note BLP 1500 Revival Limited Edition Mono Reissue with Insert

Pianist 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.

Clark'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.

Van 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.