Ralph Sutton Trio Live At Sunnie’s Rendevouz 1969, Vol 1

When one considers that Ralph Sutton has been at the top of his field for nearly a half-century. it seems remarkable that he is not a household name in America. Such is the fate of being the greatest living exponent of stride piano. The main focus throughout the set is on the pianist. Sutton is in a relaxed mood and most of his interpretations are taken at a medium-tempo. Included in the repertoire are five Fats Waller compositions (including the rarely performed "Ain't Cha Glad"), another song closely associated with Waller although not actually written by him "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter"), James P. Johnson's "Snowy Morning Blues," five veteran standards (all of which were already at least 30 years old when Sutton performed them at Sunny's), the pianist's own 'Dog Ass Blues" and an obscurity from Willard Robinson ("Think Well Of Me"): Robinson is also well represented by four of his songs on this first volume of this rewarding trio recital.