Sonny Clark: The Art Of The Trio (Tone Poet Vinyl) (180 g) (2LP)

Recorded in October 1957, the album *Sonny Clark Trio* stands out from pianist Sonny Clark’s (1931–1963) Blue Note discography for two reasons. First, because unlike on his other albums for the label, he did not perform with a quintet or sextet, but rather in a trio with bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Philly Joe Jones. Second, because he did not play any of his own compositions on it, but instead—for the first time—subtly interpreted exclusively standards from the Great American Songbook and works by leading jazz composers of that era. The album was so well received by fans and critics that Clark collaborated with two other trio lineups in December 1957 and November 1958, following the same format. For reasons unknown, however, these recordings were not released until long after Clark’s death—and initially only in Japan. Now they are being released together with alternate takes from the album *Sonny Clark Trio* on a double LP in the “Blue Note Tone Poet” series under the title *The Art of the Trio*. The release comes in a deluxe tip-on gatefold sleeve and includes a booklet with new liner notes by Syd Schwartz, the original liner notes by Ben Sidran and Bob Porter, and previously unpublished photos by Francis Wolff. Blue Note Tone Poet Edition: Stereo, produced by Joe Harley, fully remastered in analog by Kevin Gray from the original tapes, RTI pressing (180g), sturdy tip-on gatefold sleeve, padded inner sleeve