What makes Cool Struttin' by Sonny Clark notable?

Cool Struttin' is celebrated for its innovative approach to jazz standards and original compositions, influencing subsequent generations of jazz musicians. The album has been reissued numerous times and is regarded as a classic within the hard bop subgenre, receiving critical acclaim from publications like DownBeat. Released in 1958, Cool Struttin' was Sonny Clark's second album, following his debut, Dial S for Sonny. At this point in his career, Clark was establishing himself as a prominent pianist in the hard bop scene, collaborating with notable musicians like Art Farmer and Donald Byrd.

How many songs are on Cool Struttin'?

Cool Struttin' has 6 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Cool Struttin'

Sonny Clark · 1958

53 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of intricate melodies and rhythmic complexity that defines the essence of hard bop jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cool Struttin' — The title track showcases a dynamic interplay between the piano and horns, encapsulating the lively spirit of the album while highlighting Clark's distinctive style.
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Blue Minor — This composition features a soulful melody that allows for expressive solos, revealing the emotional depth present throughout the album.
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Sippin' at Bells — With its laid-back groove and intricate harmonies, this track exemplifies Clark's ability to blend technical skill with accessibility in jazz.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album features intricate melodies and strong rhythmic interplay, characteristic of hard bop jazz.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a strong, syncopated rhythm and intricate piano lines that set the tone for the rest of the record.
Each track showcases a different interplay between the piano and the accompanying horns, creating a dynamic conversation throughout.
The final track, 'Lover', slows down the tempo significantly, providing a contrasting end to the otherwise upbeat collection.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Cool Struttin' 9:24
2 Blue Minor 10:19
3 Sippin' at Bells 8:19
4 Deep Night 9:34
5 Royal Flush 9:02
6 Lover 7:03

What to play next

Listen next

Sonny's Crib

1958

Go back to

Sonny Clark Trio

1958

Full Sonny Clark discography Artists like Sonny Clark

hard bop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata