Leapin' and Lopin'

Personnel: Sonny Clark (piano); Ike Quebec, Charlie Rouse (tenor saxophone); Tommy Turrentine (trumpet); Butch Warren (acoustic bass); Billy Higgins (drums).
Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on November 13, 1961.
Sonny Clark is not often heralded as one of hard bop's great talents, but albums like LEAPIN' & LOPIN' should rectify that oversight. An excellent pianist, composer, and bandleader, Clark demonstrates all three capacities on this 1961 date, turning in a host of fine originals and even better performances. The personnel includes tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse and drummer Billy Higgins, among others, and there's fine playing all around, including Clark's elegant skills on the keys. This disc was the artist's last as a leader (he died two years later), and it's a fitting swansong, as well as a thoroughly satisfying listen.