Stanley Turrentine and The Three Sounds

Biography

Stanley Turrentine, born April 5, 1934, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, emerged as one of the most influential tenor saxophonists in jazz, renowned for his thick, blues-infused tone and soulful phrasing. Growing up in a musical family—his brother Tommy was a noted trumpeter—Stanley was inspired early by the likes of Illinois Jacquet and Gene Ammons, and by age 12 was already sitting in with Jacquet himself. Turrentine's professional career began in the early 1950s, playing with blues and R&B bands, including Lowell Fulson's group (with Ray Charles) and later replacing John Coltrane in Earl Bostic's band. His national profile rose after joining Max Roach's quintet in 1959, alongside his brother Tommy, and he soon became a sought-after session player in the burgeoning soul-jazz scene.

Turrentine's collaboration with The Three Sounds—a hard-swinging jazz trio comprised of Gene Harris (piano), Andrew Simpkins (bass), and Bill Dowdy (drums)—culminated in the celebrated 1961 Blue Note album 'Blue Hour.' This record showcased a seamless blend of Turrentine's bluesy, expressive tenor with the trio's groove-oriented, blues-rooted style, resulting in a classic of the soul-jazz and hard bop genres. Throughout the 1960s and '70s, Turrentine continued to record prolifically for Blue Note and later CTI, working with organist Shirley Scott (his then-wife), Jimmy Smith, and many others. His legacy endures as a master of soulful jazz improvisation, bridging blues, hard bop, and jazz fusion until his passing in 2000.

Fun Facts

• Stanley Turrentine replaced John Coltrane in Earl Bostic's band early in his career.
• The Three Sounds, with whom Turrentine recorded 'Blue Hour,' were Blue Note's 'house trio' and had previously collaborated with other jazz greats like Lou Donaldson.
• Turrentine was married to organist Shirley Scott, and their musical partnership produced several acclaimed soul-jazz albums.
• His signature tune 'Sugar' became a jazz standard and remains one of his most recognized compositions.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Illinois Jacquet - Early inspiration and stylistic influence; Turrentine sat in with Jacquet as a youth, shaping his big, bluesy tenor sound. (Live performances (informal), stylistic influence throughout career) [1940s-1950s]
• Earl Bostic - Band leader who hired Turrentine to replace John Coltrane; provided professional experience and exposure. (Touring and recording with Bostic's band) [1953]

Key Collaborators

• The Three Sounds (Gene Harris, Andrew Simpkins, Bill Dowdy) - Recorded the album 'Blue Hour' together, blending blues and jazz in a classic soul-jazz session. (Blue Hour (1961)) [1961]
• Shirley Scott - Organist and then-wife; frequent recording partner in organ combo settings. (Multiple albums for Blue Note, Prestige, and Impulse!) [1960s]
• Jimmy Smith - Organist; Turrentine played on Smith's classic Blue Note albums. (Back at the Chicken Shack, Midnight Special) [1960]
• Max Roach - Drummer and bandleader; Turrentine was a member of Roach's quintet with his brother Tommy. (Live performances and recordings) [1959]

Artists Influenced

• Houston Person - Tenor saxophonist influenced by Turrentine's soulful, blues-based approach to jazz. (Numerous soul-jazz recordings) [1970s-present]
• Eric Alexander - Modern tenor saxophonist who cites Turrentine as a key influence on his sound and phrasing. (Albums such as 'Straight Up') [1990s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You - Remastered/2000 (Blue Hour)
2. Willow Weep For Me - Remastered/2000 (Blue Hour)
3. Since I Fell For You - Remastered (Blue Hour)
4. I Want A Little Girl - 24 Bit / Remastered / 2000 (Blue Hour)
5. Blue Riff - Remastered (Blue Hour)
6. Blues In The Closet - Remastered/2000 (The Complete Blue Hour Sessions)
7. There Is No Greater Love - Remastered/2000 (The Complete Blue Hour Sessions)
8. Alone Together - Remastered/2000 (The Complete Blue Hour Sessions)
9. Blue Hour - Remastered/2000 (The Complete Blue Hour Sessions)
10. Blue Riff - Remastered (The Complete Blue Hour Sessions)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia