Henry Rollins

Sonny Rollins - The Complete Sonny Rollins RCA Victor Recordings (1997) {6CD RCA-BMG Music 09026-68675-2 rec 1962-1964}
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© 1962-64, 1997 RCA / Victor / BMG Music | 09026-68675-2
Jazz / Bop / Hard Bop / Saxophone

This six-CD set has all of tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins' recordings for RCA, including the complete contents of The Bridge, What's New, Our Man In Jazz, Sonny Meets Hawk, Now's the Time, and The Standard Sonny Rollins, the three selections originally included in the sampler Three in Jazz, and 11 alternate takes only previously released on the French album Alternates. Less well-known than Rollins' earlier Prestige and Riverside records and slightly later Impulse albums, his output for RCA was recorded right after the great tenor came back from an extended sabbatical.

Sonny Rollins - Sonny Rollins And The Big Brass (1958) {Verve 24bit Master Edition 314 557 545-2 rel 1999}
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© 1958, 1999 MetroJazz / Verve / PolyGram | 314 557 545-2 | Verve 24bit Master Edition
Jazz / Hard Bop / Saxophone

Big Brass is an appropiate name for the large ensemble arranged and conducted by Ernie Wilkins that accompanies the huge sound of Sonny Rollins. The energy within the leader's gospel-flavored shout "Grand Street" is considerable, while a swinging but no less powerful version of George & Ira Gershwin's "Who Cares" features a choice solo by guitarist Rene Thomas. Also added to this compilation are trio recordings with bassist Henry Grimes and drummer Specs Wright, including a brilliant leisurely stroll through "Manhattan," along with Rollins' tour de force unaccompanied tenor sax on "Body and Soul."

On Sonny Meets Hawk!, possibly more than at any other point in his long professional evolution, Hawkins was able to attain heights of unfettered creativity that must have felt bracing, even exhilarating. He obviously relished the opportunity to improvise intuitively in the company of a tenor saxophonist every bit as accomplished, resourceful, and inventive as he was.