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Magic, mastery and magisterial power: 10 of Sonny Rollins’ greatest recordings
After his death aged 95, we look back at a remarkable catalogue of work that stretches from vivacious mid-50s sets to his evocative performance after 9/11
TL;DR
- Sonny Rollins' career is celebrated through a selection of ten key recordings.
- Early albums like 'Tenor Madness' and 'Saxophone Colossus' showcase his developing style with notable collaborators.
- Recordings such as 'Way Out West' and 'A Night at the Village Vanguard' highlight his innovative improvisational techniques.
- 'Freedom Suite' reflects the socio-political climate of the late 1950s, while 'The Bridge' marked his return after a creative break.
- Later works like 'Sunny Days, Starry Nights' and 'This Is What I Do' demonstrate his consistent mastery and audience engagement.
- His post-9/11 performance, 'Without a Song: The 9/11 Concert,' captured a profound moment and earned critical acclaim.
- Rollins' unique approach to improvisation, his choice of collaborators, and his ability to reinterpret tunes are recurring themes.