Yahoo LAUNCHCAST song of the day

Artist:Sonny Clark

Song:Melody In C (Alternate Take)

Album:Leapin' And Lopin'

Pianist Sonny Clark was another jazz musician who would be better known today simply if he had been around longer. He was born July 21, 1931 in Herminie, PA. By age 18 he was playing with Wardell Gray and built his reputation in Buddy DeFranco's band. His hard bop style was greatly influenced by Bud Powell. He continued to play sessions with Art Pepper & Jimmy Raney and finally signed with Blue Note in 1957. All his records are very solid hard bop. Leapin And Lopin' was his final record as leader in 1961. Blue Note released it on CD with a couple of extra tracks including this alternate take of Melody In C. Musicians include Ike Quebec & Charlie Rouse on tenor sax, Tommy Turrentine on trumpet, Butch Warren on bass and Billy Higgins on drums. Like a lot of his fellow jazz musicians, Sonny Clark had an erratic lifestyle and died on Jan. 13, 1963 at age 32. It sure didn't affect his playing.

There was a Sonny Clark home video release of Cool Struttin' but it doesn't look like any clips have been posted online.