Dizzy Gillespie and Sonny Stitt - Groovin' High in Belgium

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

Groovin' High (Gillespie) live in Belgium, 1974 with Dizzy Gillespie and Sonny Stitt.

Sonny Stitt was an influential jazz saxophonist who made significant contributions to the development of the bebop and hard bop styles. Born Edward Boatner Jr. on February 2, 1924, in Boston, Massachusetts, he was an extremely prolific recording artist and toured extensively throughout his career.

Here are some reasons why Sonny Stitt is considered important:

### Technique and Skill

Stitt was an exceptionally skilled musician and improviser. His technical prowess on the saxophone set a high standard for jazz musicians, and his ability to execute complex phrases effortlessly made him a highly respected figure among his peers.

### Versatility

Stitt was proficient in playing both alto and tenor saxophones and often switched between them throughout his career. His style, particularly on alto, bore similarities to Charlie Parker's, but he also developed his own unique voice on the tenor saxophone.

### Influence on Bebop and Hard Bop

Stitt was an important figure in the bebop movement, which fundamentally changed the way jazz was played and understood. His performances and recordings serve as a masterclass in these styles. In the 1950s, he also delved into the hard bop subgenre, playing with other jazz greats like Sonny Rollins and Dizzy Gillespie.

### Extensive Discography

Sonny Stitt had an incredibly prolific recording career. His discography includes well over 100 albums as a leader and numerous others as a sideman. He recorded with some of the greats of jazz, including Bud Powell, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, and Gene Ammons, among many others.

### Mentorship and Collaboration

Stitt played with and influenced many young musicians, acting as a bridge between the early bebop pioneers and the next generation of jazz artists. He was open to collaboration and played with a variety of musicians across styles and generations.

### Resilience and Longevity

Despite personal challenges, including battles with substance abuse, Stitt maintained a long and productive career, continuing to perform and record almost up until his death in 1982.

In summary, Sonny Stitt's importance lies in his exceptional skill, adaptability, prolific output, and significant influence on the genres of bebop and hard bop. He remains an enduring figure in the history of jazz music.