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Saxophone Colossus [Bonus Tracks]:
Critic's Review
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![Saxophone Colossus [Bonus Tracks]](http://entimg.msn.com/i/grandprix/default_music_150x150.gif) |
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Avg. User Rating: 2 ratings |
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This reissue of Sonny Rollins' Saxophone Colossus, recorded in June 1956 and released originally in 1957 by Prestige Records, pairs it with Work Time, recorded in December 1955 and released originally in 1956 by Prestige. Since Work Time is billed as a "bonus album" on the CD, the earlier session follows the later one, strangely enough. No matter. In any order, this is more than 72 minutes of definitive early Rollins (the saxophonist was 25 years old when he recorded the music). Although Prestige recorded him as a leader, Rollins actually was performing in Max Roach's band at the time, and the master drummer is heard throughout. (Pianist Tommy Flanagan and bassist Doug Watkins complete the quartet for Saxophone Colossus; on Work Time, it's Ray Bryant on piano, and George Morrow on bass.) And Roach does not hide in the background, by any means. He takes a spectacular solo during the opening tune, Rollins' "Saint Thomas," for example, and on Work Time's cover of Billy Strayhorn's "Raincheck," also asserts himself forcefully. Among the other musicians, Bryant distinguishes himself, particularly on "There's No Business Like Show Business." But, of course, it's the leader who makes this music most memorable, and in these sessions he staked out his musical identity, even to the point of taking an unaccompanied solo on "There Are Such Things." This was, as it turned out, only the beginning of an important career in jazz, but Saxophone Colossus, buttressed by its predecessor, remains one of the cornerstones of Rollins' reputation. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
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