Turn it On!

Dive into the vibrant world of jazz with Sonny Stitt's "Turn It On!", a captivating album released in 1971 on the prestigious Prestige label. This record is a testament to Stitt's mastery of the saxophone, particularly his innovative use of the varitone, an electronic device that adds a unique, amplified twist to his sound. The album is a blend of bebop, hard bop, cool jazz, and acid jazz, showcasing Stitt's versatility and musical prowess.

"Turn It On!" features a stellar lineup of musicians, including Virgil Jones on trumpet, Leon Spencer on organ, Melvin Sparks on guitar, and Idris Muhammad on drums. This ensemble delivers a dynamic and funky sound that is characteristic of the early 1970s jazz scene. The album's five tracks, including the title song and "The Bar-B-Que Man," offer a rich tapestry of rhythms and melodies that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

Recorded in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, on January 4, 1971, "Turn It On!" captures the essence of a live performance with its energetic and spontaneous feel. The album's duration of 36 minutes is packed with musical brilliance, making it a standout release in Sonny Stitt's discography. Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album is sure to impress with its timeless appeal and innovative sound.

Sonny Stitt, born Edward Stitt in Boston and raised in Michigan, was a pioneering American jazz saxophonist renowned for his warm, distinctive tone and his mastery of the bebop and hard bop idioms. Nicknamed the "Lone Wolf" by jazz critic Dan Morgenstern, Stitt was known for his relentless touring and his preference for working with different musicians, rather than forming a permanent band. Initially, Stitt's style was compared to that of Charlie Parker, but he soon developed his own unique sound, particularly on the tenor saxophone. His extensive discography, featuring over 100 albums, showcases his versatility and innovation. Stitt's career spanned several decades, from establishing himself on the American jazz scene in the 1960s to making a significant impact on the UK jazz funk scene in the mid-1970s. He was also known for his sax duels with contemporaries like Dexter Gordon and Gene Ammons, further cementing his status as one of the finest bebop saxophonists of his era.

Turn it On!

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