Sonny Rollins - 1964 [1995] "Sonny Rollins & Co. 1964"

This CD from the Bluebird reissue series fills a lot of gaps in Sonny Rollins' discography. The 13 selections are taken from six different sessions from 1964. The personnel changes from date to date, with either Ron Carter or Bob Cranshaw on bass and Roy McCurdy or Mickey Roker on drums, along with pianist Herbie Hancock on five songs and guitarist Jim Hall on three others. Some of the music comprises alternate takes, and in contrast to a rambling 16-minute version of "Now's the Time," a few of the briefer songs (seven are under four minutes) shut down prematurely. However, the great tenor's improvisations are consistently fascinating, as he reconciles his avant-garde flights to the standards he is performing. "Autumn Nocturne" is a high point.

It took repeated listenings, but I have fallen for this album. The energy and wit Rollins puts into these titles is addicting. Some bounce, some soar, some pop, and others just saunter down the street. Yes, on the Sonny side. There are some lengthy adventures (title 3, Nows The Time, is over 15 minutes) as well as some hopping tunes like Night And Day (3:19), which is as good as anything on Saxophone Colossus. In alternative moods, Sonny can make the wistful blues come through an open window, like the gentle My Ship and Autumn Nocturne.

It took repeated listenings, but I have fallen for this album. The energy and wit Rollins puts into these titles is addicting. Some bounce, some soar, some pop, and others just saunter down the street. Yes, on the Sonny side. There are some lengthy adventures (title 3, Nows The Time, is over 15 minutes) as well as some hopping tunes like Night And Day (3:19), which is as good as anything on Saxophone Colossus. In alternative moods, Sonny can make the wistful blues come through an open window, like the gentle My Ship and Autumn Nocturne.

It's really hard to go past the first track Django. The most sensitive, beautiful, painful, emotional playing ever by any instrumentalist alive or dead... The songs tears me each time I listen to it...

The whole album is swinging, loose and sensitive... I'd say forget everything and listen to Django again..

If you are a Sonny Rollins listener, this one is definitely worth your time, time and time again.

Track listing:

1     Django (Take 8)     5:25
2     Afternoon In Paris (Take 12)     3:02
3     Now's The Time (Take 3)     15:54
4     Four (Alternate Take)     7:53
5     Blue 'N' Boogie     5:31
6     Night And Day     3:18
7     Three Little Words     2:15
8     My Ship     4:12
9     Love Letters     3:26
10     Long Ago And Far Away     2:47
11     Winter Wonderland     5:17
12     When You Wish Upon A Star     3:16
13     Autumn Nocturne     3:01

Personnel:

Sonny Rollins - tenor saxophone
Herbie Hancock - piano
Jim Hall - guitar
Ron Carter, Bob Cranshaw - bass
Roy McCurdy, Mickey Roker - drums