Sonny Criss
- Type: Classic Bandleader
- Country: United States
- Born: October 23, 1927 in Memphis, Tennessee, United States
- Died: November 19, 1977 in Los Angeles, California, United States
- Active: 1927 - 1977
Biography
An alto saxophonist of potent authority, Sonny Criss emerged from the bebop language of his idol *Charlie Parker* to forge a distinctively searing and blues-drenched sound. After moving to Los Angeles as a teen, he became a vital presence on the West Coast scene, recording with artists like *Buddy Rich* and on *Norman Granz*'s jazz tours. Despite periods of obscurity, his work for labels like #Imperial# and #Prestige# in the 1950s and 60s, including albums like 'Jazz U.S.A.' and 'This is Criss!', solidified his reputation for fiery, soulful improvisations and a technical command that defined his hard bop contributions.
Genres
Sonny Criss Discography
- Go Man! It's "Sonny Criss" and Modern Jazz (1956) - Album - rated 3.43/5
- Sonny Criss Plays Cole Porter (1956) - Album - rated 3.72/5
- Jazz - U.S.A. (1956) - Album - rated 3.3/5
- Mr Blues pour flirter (1963) - Album - rated 3.65/5
- This Is Criss! (1966) - Album - rated 3.73/5
- Sonny's Dream (Birth of the New Cool) (1968) - Album - rated 5/5
- The Complete Imperial Sessions (2000) - Compilation - rated 3.69/5
Members
- Sonny Criss - alto saxophone, soprano saxophone
- Conte Candoli - trumpet
- Dick Nash - trombone
- Ray Draper - tuba
- David Sherr - alto saxophone
- Teddy Edwards - tenor saxophone
- Pete Christlieb - baritone saxophone
- Tommy Flanagan - piano
- Al McKibbon - bass
- Everett Brown Jr. - drums