June 22: Sonny Rollins Released His Masterpiece “Saxophone Colossus” in 1956

Sonny Rollins recorded many memorable sessions during 1954-1958, but Saxophone Colossus is arguably his finest all-around set. Joined by pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Doug Watkins, and drummer Max Roach, Rollins debuts and performs the definitive version of “St. Thomas,” tears into the chord changes of “Mack the Knife” (here called “Moritat”), introduces “Strode Rode,” is lyrical on “You Don’t Know What Love Is,” and constructs a solo on “Blue Seven” that practically defines his style. Essential music that, as with all of Rollins’ Prestige recordings, has also been reissued as part of a huge “complete” box set; listeners with a tight budget are advised to pick up this single disc and be amazed.
-Scott Yanow (allmusic.com)

St. Thomas:

Wikipedia:

Released	1956
Recorded	June 22, 1956
Studio	Van Gelder Studio in Hackensack
Genre	Hard bop
Length	39:58
Label	Prestige
Producer	Bob Weinstock, Rudy Van Gelder

 

Saxophone Colossus is a studio album by American jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins. It was recorded on June 22, 1956, with producers Bob Weinstock and Rudy Van Gelder at the latter’s studio in Hackensack, New Jersey. Rollins led a quartet on the album that included pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Doug Watkins, and drummer Max Roach. Saxophone Colossus was released later that year by Prestige Records to critical success and helped establish Rollins as a prominent jazz artist.

In 2017, Saxophone Colossus was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or artistically significant.”

You don’t know what love is:

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Track Listing

1. St. Thomas 6:45
2. You Don’t Know What Love Is 6:28
3. Strode Rode 5:13
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4. Moritat 10:04
5. Blue 7 11:17

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Personnel

• Sonny Rollins — tenor saxophone
• Tommy Flanagan — piano
• Doug Watkins — bass
• Max Roach — drums

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Blue Seven:

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Complete Album @ youtube:

@ Spotify:

-Egil