Black Vibrations

A strong mix of ballads, blues and ballers on this 1972 Prestige soul-jazz album from alto sax soldier Sonny Stitt who had been releasing albums since 1951. Prestige regulars Idris Muhammed, Melvin Sparks and Leon Spencer provide drums, guitar and organ respectively while Stitt tackles the material with his customary warm, creamy tone and classy approach. This album has been somewhat eclipsed by his following release, acknowledged classic Tune Up! but is well worth digging out for the understated funk of Goin’ To DC, the all-encompassing romantic swing of Aries, the restrained drive of the title track — it’s all good. Very much a soul-jazz album with the merest hint of funk/R’n’B, the penultimate ballad Where Is Love sounds emotively nostalgic, especially next to the fast-paced ‘chase scene’ vibe of album finisher Them Funky Changes.