Of the classic "big names get together for a session" albums on Verve, the best ones always seem to be the ones
with one of the "
Sonnys" in the list of leaders. This one compiles titles from the
Sonny Side Up album – which featured
Stitt and
Rollins, plus others from 1957 sessions in which Diz played
with one or the other player. The set's a beautiful batch of long tracks
with lots of blowing room, and a deep soulful hardbop groove that you don't always hear on Verve. The rhythm section for all groups is comprised of Ray Bryant, Tommy Bryant, and Charlie Persip – who are part of the reason for the magnanimous groove of the set – and titles include "After Hours", "Con Alma", "Haute Mon", "Sumphin", "Weatleigh Hall", "I Know That You Know", and "The Eternal Triangle".