Sonny Clark - The Art Of The Trio [2LP, Tone Poet Series]

Sonny Clark's The Art Of The Trio gathers piano trio recordings made for Blue Note over three sessions in 1957 and 1958, drawing from standards, jazz compositions, and alternate takes that reveal different sides of his playing. Clark works with Paul Chambers, Jymie Merritt, Philly Joe Jones, and Wes Landers in changing rhythm sections. This Tone Poet 2LP vinyl record edition brings the material together as one 180g stereo set for the first time.

"Can't We Be Friends" opens with Clark shaping the familiar melody through compact phrases before the trio moves into relaxed improvisation, while "Blues In The Night" gives him room to work through the tune with a more spacious approach. "Tadd's Delight" moves with sharper bebop momentum, and "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You" leans on a slower groove. The collection emphasizes how Clark could reshape well-known material through touch, timing, and melodic variation without relying on horns or larger arrangements.

The sessions were recorded at Rudy Van Gelder's Hackensack studio, with Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones on the 1957 date, Jymie Merritt and Wes Landers in November 1958, and Chambers with Landers in December. Joe Harley produced this Tone Poet edition, Kevin Gray mastered it AAA from the original analog master tapes, and RTI pressed 180g vinyl in the tip-on gatefold jacket with a booklet.

• Format: 2LP
• Standout tracks: "Can't We Be Friends," "Blues In The Night," "Tadd's Delight," "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You"
• Pressing details: Tone Poet Series, 180g audiophile vinyl, stereo, AAA mastered by Kevin Gray from the original analog master tapes, pressed at RTI, deluxe tip-on gatefold jacket, booklet
• Genre/style: Hard Bop, Bebop, Jazz
• UPC: 602488298445

The Art Of The Trio places Sonny Clark's piano phrasing, timing, and choice of standards at the center. Tracks such as "Tadd's Delight" and "Blues In The Night" show how differently he approached bebop material and songbook repertoire within the trio format.

* Not all tracks for this release are available to stream. The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. Can’t We Be Friends
2. I Cover The Waterfront
3. Somebody Loves Me
4. Blues In The Night

Side B:

1. All Of You
2. Dancing In The Dark
3. Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good To You* (Alt. Take)
4. Blues In The Night (Alt. Take)

Side C:

1. Tadd’s Delight (Alt. Take)
2. Two Bass Hit (Alt. Take)
3. I Didn’t Know What Time It Is (Alt. Take)
4. Ain’t No Use

Side D:

1. Black Velvet
2. I’m Just A Lucky So And So
3. Gee Baby Ain’t I Good To You
4. The Breeze And I
5. I Can’t Give You Anything But Love