Personnel:
Sonny Stitt (as), Lee Katzman, Jack Sheldon (tp), Frank Rosolino (tb), Jimmy Giuffre (ts, arr, dir), Al Pollen (tuba), Jimmy Rowles (p), Buddy Clark (b), Lawrence Marable (d)
Reference: FSRCD 1640
Bar code: 8427328616409
The idea of a Stitt-Giuffre union might, at first, seem incongruous; but listen to the virile alto Stitts playing against the understated background of Giuffres arrangements, and the effect is electrifying. Stitt is the only soloist on the sides with the brass choir, and he maintains a high level of performance throughout. Giuffre attains an effect of a larger group by his imaginative use of contrary motion and dissonance. His writing for bass and tuba adds much to the fullness and novelty of the arrangements. In contrast to the arranged sides, Giuffre joins Stitt and the rhythm section for two blues, Down Country and Uptown, but even on these, the basic difference in conception of the two men is evidenttension Vs. relaxation. This album achieves this contrast to a remarkable degree.
