Blues Mambo is one of the lesser known Sonny Clark Studio albums from around 1960 and the only one that is not made for Blue Note.  The album is often released as the Sonny Clark Trio or even under the name of the drummer Max Roach. Joined in by bass player George Duvivier (best known for his work with Bud Powell)  this album is full of obscure Sonny Clark songs.

Although this was not a good period for Sonny Clark after all, the music on blues Mambo is certainly not suffering from it.  The songs are very enjoyable and vivid.  Leading track “Minor Meeting” opens this album of the master of hardbop with an intense performance of Sonny on piano. “Nica” is amongst the best and most accessible tunes on this album. The song gently strolls along like an invisible man but when bass player George Duvivier goes solo the invisible man touches you and you’ll become well aware of his presence.   “Sonny’s Crip” is a real blaster and swings incredibly well!  In addition Max Roach rolls the sticks and hit the skins so  intensely that you can’t sit still on this one.  Album title “Blues Mambo” does pretty much the same with me but his piano playing sounds even more lucid on this one. 
Perfect stranger on this album is “My Conception”.  I couldn’t find the story behind this track but it is the only solo tune on this album and at times it really leans towards modern classical music. The good swinging “Sonja” closes the album!

As said before the life of Sonny Clark was going downhill thanks to his addiction on alcohol & heroine and he died way to young (age 32) three years after this recording session. None of it is predictable when listen to these tunes who are not bleak or heavy but really vividly and full of joy!

Mr Blue Boogie