This CD from the Bluebird reissue series fills a lot of gaps in
Sonny Rollins' discography. The 13 selections are taken from six different sessions from 1964. The personnel changes from date to date, with either
Ron Carter or
Bob Cranshaw on bass and
Roy McCurdy or
Mickey Roker on drums, along with pianist
Herbie Hancock on five songs and guitarist
Jim Hall on three others. Some of the music comprises alternate takes, and in contrast to a rambling 16-minute version of "Now's the Time," a few of the briefer songs (seven are under four minutes) shut down prematurely. However, the great tenor's improvisations are consistently fascinating, as he reconciles his avant-garde flights to the standards he is performing. "Autumn Nocturne" is a high point. ~ Scott Yanow