Verve Records · in the Kissa Kissa racks
The Hard Swing
| Recorded | Feb 9, 1959 |
|---|---|
| Label | Verve Records |
| Released | 1959 |
| Personnel | 4 credited players |
| Discogs | master 459017 |
The record
Stitt digs into the alto with the muscular, Bird-bred attack that made him a formidable running mate for anyone on the bandstand, backed here by a lesser-documented rhythm section that keeps things lean and driving. Recorded in February '59, the title undersells nothing.
Session personnel
- Sonny Stitt — alto saxophone
- George Morrow — bass
- Lenny McBrowne — drums
- Amos Trice — piano
Contemporary reception
This album is all Stitt, for though he works with rhythm, he hardly moves off the solo stage (just twice in eleven tunes). Seven numbers feature Stitt on alto sax, the remaining four on tenor. Stitt drives unrelentingly, and even the slower tempo numbers move quickly because of his long lines of short notes. Selections include “What’s New,” “Blues For Lester” and “I’ll Remember April.” Very bopish -- for the cool set.
Pressings
| 1959 | Verve Records · MG V-8306 — Vinyl, LP, Album, Mono earliest on file |
|---|---|
| 1960 | Karusell · KEP 371 — Vinyl, 7", EP |
| 1960 | Verve Records · EPV 5147 — Vinyl, 7", EP |
| 1961 | Verve Records · V6-8306 — Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo |
| 1962 | Verve Records · VLS-1026 — Vinyl, LP, Stereo · laminated sleeve |
| 1976 | Verve Records — MONO |
| 1976 | Verve Records · MV 2580 — Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Mono |
| 1998 | Verve Records · MG V-8306 — CD, Limited Edition |
| 1999 | Verve Records · POCJ-2730 — CD, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Paper Sleeve |
| 1999 | Verve Records · MG V6-8306 — CD, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo, Jewel Case |
| 2012 | Verve Records · UCCV-9423 — CD, Album, Reissue, Repress |
| — | Verve Records · MG VS-6038 — Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo |
Follow the players
Sonny Stitt also plays on
George Morrow also plays on
Lenny McBrowne also plays on