Sonny Clark -- "The Art of the Trio"

[Larry Kart]

Hope I'm wrong, but it looks like the tracks on this Blue Note LP (Japanese in origin I believe -- the number is GXK 8157) are not on CD. It consists of three excellent alternate takes from ""The Sonny Clark Trio" date, with Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones, and six tracks with Jymie Merritt and drummer Wesley Landers that Blue Note released as 45s, aimed at the juke box market. Of the alternate takes "Two Bass Hit" is a particular gem, the opening phrase of Clark's solo is jaw-dropping, and while  the aimed-for-the-juke box tracks ("Ain't No Use," "Black Velvet" et al.) are lower key and all soulful in mood, Clark's inspiration doesn't let up. 

[jazzbo]

There are these:

https://www.discogs.com/release/3689222-Sonny-Clark-Trio-The-45-Sessions

https://www.discogs.com/master/1649467-Sonny-Clark-Standards

[Larry Kart]

Thanks. Those two gather together what's on "The Art of the Trio" and the all 45s date album "Blues in the Night." Some fine Clark. I particularly like on "Blues in the Night," the second version of the title track and "All of You," which has a delicious "tipping light" feel.

[Chuck Nessa]

The 3 alternates are on the RVG version of BN 1579 and everything else (and more) is on the Standards disc.

[Gheorghe]

I have the BN trio album. As much as I remember I was quite astonished that they played Dizzy´s tune "Bebop" in C minor and not as usually played, in F minor.

One shortcoming from my point of view is the very very sparse use of the left hand. I mean, you must not bang everything and cover it only because the piano has 88keys, but here it often sounds as if it is only single notes played with the right hand, which makes the thing a bit thin for me. I like the Clark albums with horns more. 

[sidewinder]

The good news is that this material should hopefully be on the forthcoming Sonny Clark Mosaic.

[John L]

14 hours ago, Chuck Nessa said:

The 3 alternates are on the RVG version of BN 1579 and everything else (and more) is on the Standards disc.

They are also on the earlier McMaster version.   That trio session has always been one of my favorites, and as much for Philly Joe Jones as for Sonny Clark.  

 

[Dub Modal]

I've always enjoyed Standards. That and the other trio session on Blue Note seem better than the Time label trio date by a hair.