Sonny Rollins - Sonny Rollins, Vol. 2

In 1999, it's easy to look back at this remarkable lineup--Sonny Rollins, Jay Jay Johnson on trombone, Horace Silver and Thelonious Monk sharing piano duties, bassist Paul Chambers, and drum wizard Art Blakey--and call it an all-star affair. Fact is, it was just as easy to recognize its exceptionality in 1957, when these musicians were all (except for Chambers, who held down a spot in Miles Davis's quintet) respected leaders in their own right. In this case, the collective talent level did not disappoint, instead creating wonderfully alive, assured, and immediate hard bop. The two ebullient Rollins originals and two standards that bookend the record feature Silver on piano; Monk is at the bench on his own ballad "Reflections"; and the now-famous version of Monk's "Misterioso" features both pianists. It's interesting to note how Monk's presence affects the mood and opens the mind of the session--even Silver's solo on "Misterioso" is relatively sparse and pensive when he feels Monk sitting next to him. The leader meanwhile is bursting with confidence, enthusiasm, and bright ideas throughout. --Marc Greilsamer Amazon.com

Volume Two

Sonny's most satisfying Blue Note album features an all-star group ( Sonny on tenor, J.J Johnson on trombone, Thelonious Monk and Horace Silver on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and the great Art Blakey on drums). Every musician on this album went on to great fame in the jazz world, so if you're a serious jazz fan, then just seeing the personnel will make you want to buy this. The band on this cd isn't the only good thing, though, the track selection is just superb. "Why Don't I" and "Wail March" are two engaging Rollins originals,and it confuses me majorly why he didn't record them more. "Misterioso", the famous Thelonious Monk tune, is definitely the most known performance on this cd, due primarily to the fact that this is the only time in history where piano greats Monk and Silver peform on the same track. It truly is fascinating to compare their very different styles. "Reflections" is one of Monk's most beautiful ballads and this performance really shows Rollins's sensitive side. "You Stepped Out of a Dream" is a blazing tour de force which showcases the superior solo techniques of Rollins and J.J. and at the end they engage in a great conversation with Blakey. The album ends very gently with an amazing version of "Poor Butterfly" which once again showcases Sonny's sensitive side. This definitely qualifies as one of the best albums of both Sonny's career and Blue Note in general, so if you're a fan of "Saxophone Colossus" or other Sonny albums, or just a casual fan of jazz, then "Volume Two" is right up your alley. November 14, 2004

Of course this CD is excellent

It's really a Five Star CD, but I think it's time for the CD manufacturers to begin combining these older shorter jazz CDs. This one is a whole 40 minutes long. It could have been combined with Vol 1...I realize that's not how they make more money but... January 28, 2003

One of the best album covers ever!

Yeah, I love the cover of this album. Reid Miles and Francis Wolff were stinkin' geniuses. And Sonny and crew are playing pretty good here. I don't consider this essential Sonny, but it does have Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey and Paul Chambers (wow). "Misterioso" and "You Stepped Out of a Dream" are reason enough to check out this solid session. October 18, 2002

Remastered But not Forgotten; Rust Never Sleeps?

Rollins' sonorously melodic classic album provides bridge from older innovators Parker, Coletrane, "Birth of Cool" Davis and Mod. Jazz Quartet to Latter Day Saints Coleman and others. A rare and surprising glimpse into the virtousity and technical aspects of a sometimes underrated master June 20, 2001

Rollins in his prime, and in good company.

Many jazz fans and critics fawn all over "Saxophone Colossus" as the definitive Sonny Rollins album, but on "Colossus" it seems to me the elegance of the compositions and the crispness of the solos sound almost artificial. There is a telling lack of spare notes in the solos--a sign of missing spontaneity--and in attempting perfection, Rollins and co. ended up sounding a little cold. No such problem on "Volume 2" in which the stunning line-up rolls from one brilliant and virtuosic solo to the next. The album begins with a swinging studder in "Why Don't I" which quickly shifts into a scorching up-tempo hard bop number. Rollins shows his remarkable dexterity especially well on "Wail March" which also features the brilliant trombonist J.J. Johnson, who plays his unwieldy trombone more nimbly than most trumpet players. And "You Stepped out of a Dream" is simply one of the most exciting pieces Rollins ever recorded, with stunning solos from the whole group. Indeed, with the rest of the combo including Art Blakey on drums, Horace Silver AND Thelonius Monk tickling the ivories and the great Paul Chambers on bass, this album had all the potential to be Rollins' best. I'm tempted to say that it is ("Live at the Village Vanguard" gives me pause). May 22, 2001

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