William "Sonny" Criss had a career that seemed to go in fits and starts. Sonny emerged early on the 1940's L.A. Jazz scene with his full-bodied sound and passionate approach and played with all the important players then went on to play with Norman Granz' Jazz At The Philharmonic travelling jam session and shared the stage with Charlie Parker, Fats Navarro, Hank Jones, Shelley Manne and others. He made his first recordings under his name for Granz in 1950. His career was stifled by changing styles in L.A. and Criss was brushed aside by the West Coast Jazz cool players. Sonny was a hot, passionate player with a sweeping sound all his own. We turn to one of his 3 albums he made for the small Imperial label in 1956. The title tells it all "Sonny Criss Plays Cole Porter". Ten great Porter songs played with beauty and originality with Sonny's alto in the lead and backed by Larry Bunker on vibes, Sonny Clark on piano, Buddy Clark (no relation) on bass, and Lawrence (aka Larence) Marable on drums. Criss was born in Memphis on October 23, 1927 and died by his own hand in Los Angeles on on Nov. 19,1977 at age 50 after a diagnosis of terminal cancer of the stomach. A great voice was lost and Sonny still seems under appreciated and we hope tonight's Jazz Feature rectifies this a bit. Sonny was a great player and always delivered!

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