Concentrated solutions of a direct dye having, in the free acid form the formula: ##STR1## are described. The solutions contain 10-30% (by weight) of the dye, 5-20% of one or more specifically defined bases; 0-5% of alkali metal cations; and 45-85% water and have a lower viscosity and solvent to dye ratio than solutions of the dye of similar strength prepared according to prior art methods. The solutions are prepared by isolating the diazonium salt of p- (p-aminophenyl)azo benzenesulfonic acid then coupling the diazo into J-Acid.