Sonny Clark at Stanley Turrentine’s Stan “The Man” Turrentine session, NYC January 1960 (photo by Chuck Stewart)
Sonny Clark and Thelonious Monk at Nica’s Cathouse circa late 1950s (photo by Pannonica de Koenigswarter)
“What should we wear tonight? Sharp as possible!” - Monk
Sonny Clark and Thelonious Monk hanging in the “Cathouse” circa late 1950s
(photo by Pannonica de Koenigswarter - from the book Three Wishes)
Three views of the seldom-photographed pianist Sonny Clark at Nica’s “Cathouse” circa late 1950s
Listen to Clark’s dedication to Nica.
(photo by Pannonica de Koenigswarter - from the book Three Wishes)
I love John Jenkins’ sound on the alto sax. I just wish he recorded more. As a leader, his standout album is the 1957 John Jenkins & Kenny Burrell Blue Note records date, with Sonny Clark, Paul Chambers and Dannie Richmond rounding out the rhythm section. A formidable lineup if I say so myself. This is a straight up, hard bop crescendo. Once John starts off swinging, everyone else follows his swinging lead, and they swing hard. The licks of Burrell are remarkably smooth. Mr. PC as always is himself, providing meaty, crunchy bass. Sonny Clark and Dannie Richmond are also marvelous. They all work like a well oiled machine, which is why I’m amazed that this lineup only had one date.
Johnny Griffin - The Congregation
The album cover was designed by Andy Warhol. The sidemen joining Griffin are Paul Chambers, Sonny Clark and Kenny Dennis.
Sonny Rollins - The Sound of Sonny
Rollins is joined by another Sonny. Sonny Clark.
Dial “S” For Sonny was Sonny Clark’s debut as a leader for Blue Note. Alfred Lion and Francis Wolff knew from that moment that they had a bright talent.
Joining Clark is Art Farmer, Hank Mobley, Curtis Fuller, Louis Hayes and Wilbur Ware.
Cool Struttin’ - Sonny Clark’s most popular album. He left a mark, despite his short life.
Charlie Rouse and Sonny Clark, by de Koenigswarter
Pannonica de Koenigswarter, the muse and patron of the American jazz world (as seen in the rare documentary I posted earlier) was an enthusiastic amateur photographer, evidenced in an enthralling collection of candid Polaroid snapshots.
She also collected wishes. Over the course of a decade, Koenigswarter asked three hundred musicians what their three wishes in life were, jotting them all down in a notebook.
The three wishes of Charlie Rouse:
1. ‘To be an excellent musician.’
2. ‘To own a jazz club and promote very good jazz.’
3. ‘That America would recognize it’s a true art.’The three wishes of Sonny Clark:
1. ‘Money.’
2. ‘All the bitches in the world.’
3. ‘All the Steinways.’
Sonny and Charlie big willie style…
