Description
Sonny Rollins – Volume One – Compact Disc
Sonny Rollins’ Volume One, released on Blue Note Records in 1957, is a landmark album in the career of one of jazz’s most celebrated tenor saxophonists. This was Rollins’ first recording as a leader for Blue Note, showcasing his extraordinary improvisational skill, rich tone, and compositional talent. Featuring a stellar quintet, including Donald Byrd on trumpet, Wynton Kelly on piano, Gene Ramey on bass, and Max Roach on drums, the album is a hard bop masterpiece that captures Rollins at a critical point in his evolution as an artist.
The album features a mix of original compositions and standards, all delivered with the confident, innovative flair that established Rollins as a leading voice in the jazz world. Volume One is both a testament to his virtuosity and an introduction to his unique approach to jazz.
By the mid-1950s, Sonny Rollins had already gained significant attention as a rising star in jazz. He had worked with legendary musicians like Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and Clifford Brown, earning a reputation as a formidable sideman. With Volume One, Rollins stepped fully into the spotlight, asserting himself as a leader and innovator in the burgeoning hard bop scene.
Recorded on December 16, 1956, the album was produced by Alfred Lion, co-founder of Blue Note Records, known for supporting and promoting groundbreaking jazz artists. This recording marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership between Rollins and the label, which would later include the seminal Volume Two and A Night at the Village Vanguard.
Volume One is firmly rooted in the hard bop tradition, characterized by its blues-inflected melodies, rhythmic intensity, and sophisticated harmonic interplay. Rollins’ playing is a perfect blend of technical brilliance and emotional depth, with his improvisations often incorporating humor, unexpected twists, and a deep understanding of jazz tradition.
The quintet’s chemistry is palpable throughout the album. Donald Byrd’s fiery trumpet playing complements Rollins’ robust tenor saxophone lines, while Wynton Kelly’s elegant piano work adds harmonic richness. Max Roach’s drumming is both inventive and driving, providing a dynamic backbone for the group, and Gene Ramey’s steady bass anchors the ensemble with precision.
Track Highlights
Decision
The opening track is a Rollins original, featuring a catchy, bluesy theme that sets the tone for the album. Rollins and Byrd trade vibrant solos, showcasing their interplay and improvisational prowess.
Bluesnote
Another Rollins composition, this track is a classic 12-bar blues with a relaxed groove. Rollins’ solo is full of subtle nuances and rhythmic inventiveness, while Byrd adds a soulful counterpoint.
How Are Things in Glocca Morra?
A tender interpretation of the standard from the musical Finian’s Rainbow, Rollins delivers a lyrical and emotionally rich performance, demonstrating his mastery of ballad playing.
Plain Jane
This up-tempo bop number features a playful melody and dynamic solos from both Rollins and Byrd. Max Roach’s drumming is particularly engaging, driving the energy of the piece.
Sonnysphere
The album closes with this adventurous composition, which blends intricate harmonic ideas with Rollins’ bold, exploratory approach to improvisation. It’s a fitting conclusion to an album that highlights Rollins’ creative genius.
Volume One captures the duality of Rollins’ artistry: the technical mastery and the deeply personal expression that define his playing. His ability to navigate complex chord changes while maintaining a conversational tone and a sense of humor makes the album both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
The album’s mixture of original compositions and standards allows Rollins to demonstrate his versatility, from the introspective balladry of How Are Things in Glocca Morra? to the driving energy of Plain Jane. Each track feels both carefully crafted and spontaneously alive, a testament to the quintet’s chemistry and Rollins’ leadership.
Volume One was met with critical acclaim upon its release and has since been recognized as a classic in the hard bop canon. The album solidified Rollins’ reputation as one of jazz’s leading saxophonists and composers, paving the way for even greater achievements in his career.
The album also highlighted Rollins’ ability to assemble and lead exceptional bands, a quality that would define much of his work in the years to come. Tracks like Decision and Sonnysphere have become touchstones for understanding Rollins’ approach to composition and improvisation.
As one of the key figures in the hard bop movement, Sonny Rollins’ work on Volume One contributed to the broader evolution of jazz in the 1950s. His innovative approach to improvisation, with its blend of technical precision and emotional depth, influenced countless saxophonists and other musicians in jazz and beyond.
The album also exemplifies the strength of Blue Note Records as a platform for emerging and established jazz artists, reinforcing the label’s pivotal role in documenting and shaping the history of the genre.
Sonny Rollins’ Volume One is a masterful introduction to the genius of one of jazz’s most important figures. From its compelling original compositions to its emotive interpretations of standards, the album captures Rollins at a pivotal moment in his career. With stellar contributions from his quintet, Volume One remains a vital and enduring work in the jazz canon, a must-listen for both seasoned aficionados and newcomers to the genre.
Recorded on December 16, 1956 at the Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Decision
Bluesnote
How Are Things In Glocca Morra?
Plain Jane
Sonnysphere
