Sonny Stitt

Sonny Stitt on vinyl: bebop on alto and tenor

In short: Sonny Stitt was one of the great saxophonists of bebop – equally at home on alto and tenor. He recorded with Bud Powell and J. J. Johnson, traded saxophone battles with Gene Ammons and played soul jazz with organist Jack McDuff. He recorded an exceptional number of records. The Vinyl Room currently has 15 Sonny Stitt records.

What makes Sonny Stitt special?

Stitt played bebop with enormous assurance and speed. His alto was often compared with Charlie Parker; but Stitt played tenor just as much and became a master on both. In our stock “All God’s Children Got Rhythm” with Bud Powell and J. J. Johnson shows his early bebop, “Woofin’ & Tweetin’” the battles with Gene Ammons.

The sixties brought soul jazz: “Stitt Meets Brother Jack” and “Soul Summit” with Jack McDuff on Hammond organ, “Rearin’ Back” on Argo and “My Main Man” with trombonist Bennie Green. From later years we have “I Remember Bird”, “A Tribute To Duke Ellington (With Strings)” and “The Last Stitt Sessions”.

From our stock

First pressings

All Sonny Stitt records

→ Prestige · Argo · Bebop · How to spot a first pressing

FAQ

Which saxophone did Sonny Stitt play? Both – alto and tenor, often on the same record.

Who did Sonny Stitt record with? Among others Bud Powell, J. J. Johnson, Gene Ammons and Jack McDuff.

What are the “battles” with Gene Ammons? Records on which two tenor saxophonists take turns and spur each other on – in our stock “Woofin’ & Tweetin’”.

Which Sonny Stitt records do you have? Bebop, soul jazz and late recordings – 15 records in all.