Saxophone Colossus (mono)

Description

For sale individually and as part of Analogue Productions Prestige Mono Series.
One of the pivotal recordings in bringing about the widespread acceptance of Sonny Rollins as a major figure, Saxophone Colossus inspired critics to write scholarly analyses and fans to revel in the hard-swinging invention, humor, and tender-strength balladry. Up to this album, while most musicians recognized Rollins as one of the new influential forces in the jazz of the 50s, most critics were carping at Rollins or damning him with faint praise. St. Thomas, a traditional West Indian melody which Mal Waldron remembered as The Carnival, was recorded by many artists after Sonny introduced it here, and it remains a jazz standard today. The contributions of Tommy Flanagans elegant swing, Doug Watkinss steady lift, and Max Roachs most musical accompaniment and soloing (hear Blue 7) make this a landmark album.

Originally released in 1956

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