By the mid-'50s,
William "Sonny" Criss was maturing as a significant voice on the alto saxophone. Heavily influenced by
Charlie Parker, much of
Criss' earlier output was plagued by a hurried time feel, awkward phrasing and an uncomfortably tense vibrato.
Go Man!, one of three dates he did for the Imperial label, showcases a confident, energetic
Criss on ten standard tunes and two original lines. This hard-to-find collection is a must-have for fans of pianist
Sonny Clark, heard in fine form (a bit more aggresive and "on top of the beat" than usual) along with the very coherent team of bassist
Leroy Vinnegar and drummer
Lawrence Marable. Only 24 years old at the time of recording,
Clark had recently settled in California and was establishing himself as an inspired accompanist and soloist with the groups of
Buddy DeFranco and
Howard Rumsey.
Clark's piano introduces nearly every cut on this recording, and his crisp, inventive soloing is a perfect compliment for
Criss' brightly expressive, lightening quick lines. Overall, a lively assortment of concisely rendered, boppish treatments.