ProJazz.net

Sonny Side Up is an album by trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, and the tenor saxophonists Sonny Stitt and Sonny Rollins, recorded in December 1957 in New York City. It was released in 1959 on producer Norman Granz’s newly launched Verve label.

“Dizzy Gillespie brings together tenor saxophonists Sonny Stitt and Sonny Rollins for four extended cuts, and in the process comes up with one of the most exciting “jam session” records in the jazz catalog. While the rhythm section of pianist Ray Bryant, bassist Tommy Bryant, and drummer Charlie Persip provides solid rhythmic support, Stitt and Rollins get down to business trading fours and reeling off solo fireworks. Apparently, Gillespie had stoked the competitive fires before the session with phone calls and some gossip, the fallout of which becomes palpable as the album progresses. On “The Eternal Triangle,” in particular, Stitt and Rollins impress in their roles as tenor titans, with Stitt going in for sheer muscle as that most stout of bebop cutters and Rollins opting for some pacing as a more thematic player. In the midst of the rivalry (certainly some torch was being passed, since Rollins was soon to become the top tenor saxophonist in jazz), an embarrassment of solo riches comes tumbling out of both these men’s horns. Gillespie adds his own split commentary on the proceedings with a casual solo on “After Hours” and a competitively blistering statement on “I Know That You Know.” With an at ease rendition of “On the Sunny Side of the Street” rounding things out, Sonny Side Up comes off as both a highly enjoyable jazz set and something of an approximation of the music’s once-revered live cutting session.” – Stephen Cook/AllMusic.

Track listing:
“On the Sunny Side of the Street” (Jimmy McHugh, Dorothy Fields) – 5:41
“The Eternal Triangle” (Stitt) – 14:10
“After Hours” (Avery Parrish) – 12:19
“I Know That You Know” (Vincent Youmans) – 5:27

Personnel:
Dizzy Gillespie – trumpet, vocal (track 1)
Sonny Stitt – tenor saxophone
Sonny Rollins – tenor saxophone
Ray Bryant – piano
Tommy Bryant – double bass
Charlie Persip – drums

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Released: January 1959
Recorded: December 19, 1957
Nola Recording Studio, New York City
Length: 37:42
Label: Verve
MGV-8262
Producer: Norman Granz