Product Description

No Description Available
No Track Information Available
Media Type: CD
Artist: ROLLINS,SONNY
Title: SAXOPHONE COLOSSUS
Street Release Date: 03/21/2006
Domestic
Genre: JAZZ

Track Listing

1. St. Thomas
2. You Don't Know What Love Is
3. Strode Rode - Sonny Rollins
4. Moritat
5. Blue 7

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3049 in Music
• Brand: ROLLINS,SONNY
• Released on: 2006-03-21
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Amazon.com
Though he lacked the improvisational fire of John Coltrane or the restless curiosity of Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins played with a rich, round tone that complemented his melodic inclinations, making him the most accessible of the postbop musicians. Saxophone Colossus is the most successful of the late 1950s albums that made his reputation. Rollins's playing never falters; he's backed by the redoubtable Max Roach on drums, Tommy Flanagan on piano, and Doug Watkins on bass. Rollins is equally at home with the lilting Caribbean air of "St. Thomas," standards ("You Don't Know What Love Is"), blues ("Strode Rode," featuring a driving Flanagan solo), and a smoldering version of Brecht-Weill's "Moritat" (better known as "Mac the Knife"). If you are new to jazz, there is no better place to start than Saxophone Colossus. --Steven Mirkin

Customer Reviews

Brilliant album--problem w/RVG though
The brilliance of this album has been stated many times by people with more jazz knowledge than me. However I thought I should echo what the other reviewer states here: there are some minor problems with this disc. Specifically, there is a flutter on the 4th track "Moritat." I thought I heard it 3-4 different times. It doesn't ruin the music, but you might be tempted to return the disc. The RVG series is stellar so I'm assuming it's a problem with the masters. If that's not the problem then it may be in the manufacturing. Mildly disappointing...

I would like to put in a quick mention of the genius of Max Roach. His technique on the ride cymbal is revolutionary. I could write an essay on it myself! All in all, this is one of my all-time favorite jazz albums.

Colossal genius
No CD comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, but the first minute or so of "St. Thomas" -- with Max Roach setting up the calypso beat on his toms and then Sonny coming in on sax -- is about as close as it gets. What a perfect introduction to Sonny Rollins, and maybe jazz in general. "St. Thomas" is the most memorable performance here, due to the insanely catchy melody, but the other tracks are equally rewarding. "You Don't Know What Love Is" is a superb reading of the ballad. "Moritat" (better known as "Mac the Knife") swings along leisurely while "Strode Rode" chugs along at a more hectic pace. And "Blue 7" is a blues (obviously) that allows all four musicians to stretch out, with a particularly inspired solo by Rollins. The two guys that really shine here are Sonny and Max Roach, but you can't forget Tommy Flanagan's always-tasteful piano and Doug Watkin's tight bass playing. Saxophone Colossus is one of the first jazz CDs a jazz newbie should hear, and if you like it pick up Sonny's Way Out West and A Night at the Village Vanguard as well.

[This review is based on the K2 20-bit reissue, which has great sound. The tracklist is identical to the RVG.]

A classic
The other customer reviews of this CD criticize the audio quality, but they overlook the fact that this recording is a CLASSIC by any standard. While any criticism of the remastering may be valid, don't pass up this historic work by a true master.