Sonny Rollins Quartet - Tenor Madness (1956/2006/2014) [Official Digital Download]

"Tenor Madness" is a landmark in the history of jazz as it includes the only known recording of Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane performing together. Coltrane happened to be working in the same studio in 1956, Rollins invited him to sit in, and the rest is history. Coltrane played on the title track, a 12-minute duet showcasing the prowess of both tenor saxmen. The rest of the album, sans Davis, is some of the best of early Rollins backed up by the Miles Davis rhythm section.

At a time when he was a member of the legendary Clifford Brown/Max Roach sextet, Sonny Rollins was still the apple fallen not too far from the tree of Miles Davis. Tenor Madness was the recording that, once and for all, established Newk as one of the premier tenor saxophonists, an accolade that in retrospect, has continued through six full decades and gives an indication why a young Rollins was so well liked, as his fluency, whimsical nature, and solid construct of melodies and solos gave him the title of the next Coleman Hawkins or Lester Young of mainstream jazz. With the team of pianist Red Garland, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Philly Joe Jones, staples of that era's Miles Davis combos, Rollins has all the rhythmic ammunition to cut loose, be free, and extrapolate on themes as only he could, and still can. This is most evident on his version of "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World," started in its normal choppy waltz time, followed by a sax/drums prelude, a drum solo from Jones, and steamed from there on in, a hot 4/4 romp. Garland is particularly outstanding for keeping up the pace, depth and placement on this one. A bluesy version of "When Your Lover Has Gone," again enlivened by Jones, and the legendary title track with Rollins and John Coltrane trading long solos, and fours with Jones, are tunes that in the mid-'50s defined the parlance "blowing session." "Paul's Pal," in tribute to Chambers, has become a standard in its own right with a bright, memorable melody showing the good humor of Rollins, especially on the second time through, while the saxophonist's ability to sing vocal like tones through his horn is no better evinced as during the light ballad "My Reverie." A recording that should stand proudly alongside Saxophone Colossus as some of the best work of Sonny Rollins in his early years, it's also a testament to the validity, vibrancy, and depth of modern jazz in the post-World War era. It belongs on everybody's shelf.

Tracklist:

01 - Tenor Madness
02 - When Your Lover Has Gone
03 - Paul's Pal
04 - My Reverie
05 - The Most Beautiful Girl In The World

Produced by Bob Weinstock.
Recorded on May 24, 1956 at Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey.
All transfers were made from the analog master tapes to digital at 24-bit resolution. Supervision by Bob Weinstock.
Remastered by Rudy Van Gelder at Van Gelder Studio in 2006.

Musicians:
Sonny Rollins - Tenor Saxophone
John Coltrane - Tenor Saxophone on track "1"
Red Garland - Piano
Paul Chambers - Bass
"Philly" Joe Jones - Drums

A Note From Rudy Van Gelder:
I was the engineer on the recording sessions and I also made the masters for the original LP issues of these albums. Since the advent of the CD, other people have been making the masters. Mastering is the final step in the process of creating the sound of the finished product. Now, thanks to the folks at the Concord Music Group who have given me the opportunity to remaster these albums, I can present my versions of the music on CD using modern technology. I remember the sessions well, I remember how the musicians wanted to sound, and I remember their reactions to the playbacks. Today, I feel strongly that I am their messenger.

Thanks to the Original customer!