Cool Struttin’ cover

Cool Struttin’

Released

This 1958 album is an undeniable classic of the hard bop era. Pianist Sonny Clark is joined by trumpeter Art Farmer, alto saxophonist Jackie McLean, bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Philly Joe Jones. The title track is a seductive blues groove, “Blue Minor” a jumpy soul jazz workout with a slight Latin tinge to its main melody. The album’s second side features a furious version of Miles Davis’s early bebop piece, “Sippin’ At Bells,” on which Chambers takes one of his trademark bowed solos, and ends with the old standard “Deep Night.” There are no ballads here, but Jones keeps the beat laid-back even at the jumpiest moments, and the horns fly below the radar, favoring melody over pyrotechnics.

Phil Freeman

Recommended by

Suggestions
Being There cover

Being There

Tord Gustavsen Trio
The Out-of-Towners cover

The Out-of-Towners

Jack DeJohnette, Gary Peacock, Keith Jarrett
Jazz in Silhouette cover

Jazz in Silhouette

Sun Ra & His Arkestra
Yarona cover

Yarona

Abdullah Ibrahim
Guided Tour cover

Guided Tour

The New Gary Burton Quartet
Song X cover

Song X

Pat Metheny, Ornette Coleman