Sonny Clark – Leapin’ and Lopin’ LP (Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition)

Sonny Clark – Leapin’ and Lopin’

One of the finest pianists and composers of the hard bop era, Sonny Clark left an indelible mark on the sound of Blue Note during his far-too-short career from his 1957 debut Dial “S” for Sonny to his final album Leapin’ And Lopin’, which was recorded in November 1961 and released in May 1962 just months before his death at age 31. Featuring a top-notch quintet with trumpeter Tommy Turrentine, tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse, bassist Butch Warren, and drummer Billy Higgins, Leapin’ And Lopin’ was a fitting swan song, an unpretentious and unfailingly swinging set presenting originals by Clark (“Somethin’ Special,” “Melody For C,” “Voodoo”) and his bandmates. Tenor saxophonist Ike Quebec joins for a sublime version of the ballad “Deep In A Dream.”

This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is stereo, all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

Tracklist:
A1 Somethin' Special
A2 Deep In A Dream
A3 Melody For C

B1 Eric Walks
B2 Voodoo
B3 Midnight Mambo

Label: Blue Note Records
Released: 1961/2026