This handy double-disc set is a streamlined compilation from the six-CD box of
Sonny Rollins Complete RCA Victor Recordings.
Rollins' tenure with the label coincided with his return from an extended period of inactivity between 1962 and 1964. Before his fine Impulse outings,
Rollins began exploring the fringes of modern jazz playing outside. These various situations are represented here to a degree. Obviously, the most notable cuts come off
The Bridge, one of his seminal outings, and from
What's New?, both of which featured guitarist
Jim Hall. The more "out" material here comes from
Our Man in Jazz and Three in Jazz with
Ornette Coleman's sidemen
Billy Higgins and
Don Cherry -- the latter album also featured vanguard bassist
Henry Grimes.
Grimes also appears on
Sonny Meets Hawk!, where
Rollins challenged the great elder tenor to move to the left as far as possible, and
Coleman Hawkins took the challenge. Pianist
Paul Bley appears on these recordings as well as
Grimes and bassist
Bob Cranshaw.
Rollins also recorded his own original take on standards for the album the The Standard Sonny Rollins, which is represented here as is Now's the Time with
Herbie Hancock and
Ron Carter with drummer
Roy McCurdy. For the price, this is a decent set, though
Rollins fans will have everything on it. There are more suitable introductions on the Prestige label, but this collection does capture the great tenorman at a very adventurous crossroads in his career. ~ Thom Jurek