Blue Note Records has revealed its Classic Vinyl Series picks for September 2025, and one standout title is Sonny Clark’s 1957 album, Sonny’s Crib. Known as one of the best piano players of the hard bop era, Clark’s second album on Blue Note features a lively mix of original songs and jazz standards. This special edition is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal. Sonny’s Crib will be released on September 19.
The album continues the sextet format from Clark’s debut, 1957’s Dial “S” for Sonny. The lineup includes trombonist Curtis Fuller, along with John Coltrane on tenor saxophone, Donald Byrd on trumpet, Paul Chambers on bass, and Art Taylor on drums. Coltrane was making a comeback after being let go from the Miles Davis Quintet earlier that year.
Three of the five tracks on Sonny’s Crib are standards. The opening track is a rendition of Rodgers & Hart’s “With a Song in My Heart.” There’s also a lively version of Kurt Weill’s “Speak Low,” featuring a Latin groove and a standout solo from Coltrane. A heartfelt take on “Come Rain Or Come Shine” adds emotional depth to the album.
The second side includes two of Clark’s original compositions. The title track incorporates “amen” cadences from African-American church music, while the closing track, “News For Lulu,” is an upbeat number with Clark leading the first solo.
After Sonny’s Crib, Clark recorded six more sessions for Blue Note, including his acclaimed 1958 album, Cool Struttin’. He also played as a sideman on many other Blue Note albums. Don’t miss your chance to grab Sonny Clark’s Sonny’s Crib!
