What makes This is Criss! by Sonny Criss notable?

This is Criss! received critical acclaim for its innovative interpretations of classic standards, solidifying Criss's reputation as a significant figure in jazz. The album contributed to the resurgence of interest in traditional jazz during the mid-1960s, influencing younger musicians and helping to bridge the gap between bebop and more contemporary jazz forms. Released in 1966, This is Criss! marked Sonny Criss's transition to a more commercially appealing sound after years of experimentation. It followed his previous album, The Last Tango, and highlighted a period where he sought to reach broader audiences while maintaining artistic integrity.

How many songs are on This is Criss!?

This is Criss! has 8 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Released 60 years ago

This is Criss!

Sonny Criss · 1966

40 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of swinging jazz and soulful ballads, showcasing Sonny Criss's expressive alto saxophone prowess.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Black Coffee — The opening track establishes the album's mood with its rich, smoky atmosphere and showcases Criss's ability to convey deep emotion through his saxophone.
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Days of Wine and Roses — This rendition features intricate improvisations that highlight both Criss's technical skill and his capacity for lyrical expression, making it a standout interpretation.
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Love for Sale — Criss’s version brings a fresh perspective through its nuanced phrasing and smooth melodic lines, illustrating his unique approach to standard repertoire.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

This album showcases strong compositions and skilled performances, balancing energetic pieces with soulful ballads.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo piece, 'Black Coffee', and maintains a consistent swing feel through the first four tracks before introducing slower ballads.
The arrangements often include subtle shifts in dynamics, with rhythm section support that complements Criss's lead without overshadowing it.

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

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 Black Coffee 7:50
2 Days of Wine and Roses 3:18
3 When Sunny Gets Blue 5:41
4 Greasy 2:27
5 Sunrise, Sunset 2:51
6 Steve's Blues 6:21
7 Skylark 5:08
8 Love for Sale 6:26

What to play next

Listen next

Portrait of Sonny Criss

1967

Go back to

Criss Cross

1963

Full Sonny Criss discography Artists like Sonny Criss

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata