The name Sonny Stitt still resonates to jazz lovers. Stitt was a forefather of be-bop, coming up through the bands of Tiny Bradshaw and Billy Eckstine in the early 1940s. Stitt’s sound was so pure, forceful and blues-soaked that he was instantly compared to alto saxophonist Charlie Parker, yet he maintained his own distinct sound.

Lone Wolf: The Roost Alternatives collects the best alternate takes that Sonny recorded for Roost between the years 1952-1957, all of which are making their debut exclusively on vinyl via Warner Records on 28^th June, and features him on both alto and tenor saxophone. The record features brand new artwork with Francis Wolff photographs and liner notes from jazz producer Michael Cuscuna. It is pressed on 180 Gram black vinyl at Record Industry and come in a single pocket tip-on jacket; similar to the classic jazz albums released in the 1950s and 60s.

Credit must be given to Teddy Reig, who produced the original Roost sessions, and a series of magnificent Stitt albums until 1965. Reig was a co-founder of the Roost label in 1948 with Raplh Watkins, Monte Kay and “Symphony Sid” Torin. Eventually Reig bought out his partners and the label was absorbed by Roulette. Reig was one of the great record producers of the 1950s, and he had a passion for Stitt’s work and a clear vision of what he wanted to record. The result was an enormous gift to the jazz world.

True to his “lone wolf” nature, Stitt would record throughout this period as a non-exclusive artist, making albums for Verve, Prestige, Argo and Impulse! amongst others. Roost did not have the budget and distribution that other labels enjoyed, so much of his work here, despite its excellence, did not garner the sales or exposure it deserved.

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TRACKLISTING:

Side A                                                                   

1. 1. They Say It’s Wonderful *
2. 2. Why Do I Love You *
3. 3. Symphony Hall Swing *
4. 4. It’s Sonny’s Bunny *
5. 5. The Nearness of You *
6. 6. If I Should Lose You *
7. 7. Sweet Georgia Brown *

Side B

1. 1. Blues For Yard (Alt Take 1) *
2. 2. Harlem Nocturne *
3. 3. Engos, The Bloos *
4. 4. People Will Say We’re In Love *
5. 5. It Might As Well Be Spring *