“The musicians who make up the quintet in Leapin' and Lopin have respect for the tradition in which they grew up, Although they are expressing their own feelings, there is a spirit and substance present that show a direct link to their particular roots.”

“Sonny Clark once was quoted as saying that your ”soul" was “your conception” and "your growing up to the capacities of the instrument"."

• Ira Gitler "Linear notes of Leapin and Lopin'

This piece is from one of Sonny Clark's finest outings as a player, composer and bandleader. Midnight Mambo draws on Mambo phrasing while being a heavy swinger vehicle for soloing. The band sounds just as good including Charlie Rouse and Tommy Turrentine elevating it too.

It's good for jam sessions and stretching out. Let me know what you think!

Jake

Tommy Turrentine, trumpet; Charlie Rouse, tenor sax, except Ike Quebec (A2); Sonny Clark, piano; Butch Warren, bass; Billy Higgins, drums; recorded Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, November 13, 1961