Sonny Clark: Cool Struttin'

For this laid-back blowing session, Sonny Clark fronts an all-star lineup of which he was the only non-star, although Blue Note's faith in this 26-year-old pianist was certainly well placed. After the group states his engaging blues line, Clark's leadoff solo amalgamates Bud Powell and Horace Silver but with a lilt of his own. Like his role models, Clark could toss off one inspired chorus after another with apparent ease. Farmer follows with customary comeliness, McLean displays his intriguingly off-kilter intonation, and Sonny prevails again before giving way to Chambers's short bowed solo. "Cool Struttin'" sashays with sunny, unassuming poise.