by Scott Yanow Sonny Stitt was in great form in the early '70s and the rhythm section on this release (which has been reissued on CD) is excellent: pianist Duke Jordan, bassist Sam Jones and drummer Roy Brooks. The problem is that trumpeter Joe Newman is not quite up to par and Stitt constantly cuts his own solos short to make room for Newman. While there are some good spots for Stitt's tenor and alto, his truncated improvisations are ultimately frustrating, especially compared to his classic recordings from the era. Get Tune Up instead.