Crisscraft

This is one of the very best Sonny Criss albums. The distinctive altoist, who is here joined by guitarist Ray Crawford, pianist Dolo Coker, bassist Larry Gales, and drummer Jimmie Smith, is in prime form on a lengthy "The Isle of Celia," Benny Carter's "Blues in My Heart," the boppish blues "Crisscraft," and two shorter pieces. Criss, who had not recorded as a leader in six years, was really ready for this session, making this his definitive set to get.