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Joy Of Sax/Warm & Sonny

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Two later albums from Sonny Criss – back to back in a single set! Joy Of Sax is a sweet batch of soulful fusion from alto saxophonist Criss – quite different than the small group acoustic sessions that made up most of his career – but a shining light in his later revival, and an album that really got him in touch with a wider range of listeners! The style here is full and soulful – arranged by Wade Marcus with a mix of larger jazz ensemble playing, and a bit of strings – similar to styles used a the time for Lou Donaldson, Willis Jackson, and other 60s reedmen. Criss is right out front on alto, and other players include Blue Mitchell on trumpet and Patrice Rushen on keyboards – working nicely here in a style that's almost Kudo or CTI. Titles include "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing", "Turn Me Loose", "Stolen Moments", and "Midnight Mellow". Warm & Sonny is nice nice late work from Sonny Criss – a record that has him moving into a whole new direction – given that the set features larger electric backings, arranged by Wade Marcus! And although Sonny's great in a small combo setting, he's also wonderful here, too – a really expressive player who gets into the groove nicely – blowing with the same depth of soul that Stanley Turrentine might bring to such a record. There's a nice stepper's groove backing up the version of "That's The Way Of The World" and "Bumpin" is nice, laidback mellow groover. Other cuts include "Blues For Willie", "Cool Struttin", and "Sweet Summer Breeze".  © 1996-2013, Dusty Groove, Inc.