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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
John Fordham

Magic, mastery and magisterial power: 10 of Sonny Rollins’ greatest recordings

Sonny Rollins Miles Davis Charlie Parker Christian Rose Jack DeJohnette John Coltrane Max Roach United States Ronnie Scott
Sonny Rollins performing in 1965.
Unquenchable inventiveness … Sonny Rollins performing in 1965. Photograph: Christian Rose

Tenor Madness (released on Craft/OJC, 1956)

A 30-year-old Sonny Rollins had already made his unique mark with Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk by the time this 1956 session was cut, just a year after bebop sax revolutionary Charlie Parker’s death – but hooking up with his contemporary and admirer John Coltrane happened by chance on the two-tenor blues chase of this album’s title. In a vivacious set with the Miles Davis rhythm section of the time (Red Garland on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, Philly Joe Jones on drums), the leader’s already unquenchable inventiveness is in full flow on Paul’s Pal, and The Most Beautiful Girl in the World.

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