AMG Review of Sonny Clark Trio [Pony Canyon]

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

This lesser-known Sonny Clark session (his only studio album not made for Blue Note) is sometimes issued under drummer Max Roach's name, too. They are joined by bassist George Duvivier for a set of generally obscure Clark originals, including "Minor Meeting," "Blues Mambo," and "My Conception" (which is taken as an unaccompanied piano solo). Although not obvious while listening to his recording, Sonny Clark's life was on the decline, and this would be his last to date as a leader. [The Japanese release offers four alternate takes of "Nica," "Blues Blue," "Junka," and "Sonia."]