Photos of the copy offered for sale
Sonny Rollins — Sonny Rollins and the Contemporary Leaders · CD
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Recorded in Los Angeles in October 1958, Sonny Rollins and the Contemporary Leaders brings Rollins together with an exceptional group of musicians associated with Contemporary Records. Hampton Hawes, Barney Kessel, Leroy Vinnegar and Shelly Manne provide a supple, swinging setting for a tenor voice that is unmistakably his own, with Victor Feldman adding vibraphone to the session’s palette.
The pleasure lies in hearing Rollins turn familiar songs into fresh musical conversations. He can pull apart a melody, linger over a small rhythmic idea and then rebuild it into a solo full of unexpected turns. His robust sound and playful phrasing give even the lighter material considerable character, without losing sight of the tune.
The programme ranges from “I’ve Told Ev’ry Little Star” and “How High the Moon” to “Alone Together” and “The Song Is You.” Kessel’s guitar adds a different texture to the ensemble, while the rhythm section balances precision with an easy sense of movement. There is warmth and wit here, alongside the concentration and invention that make Rollins such a rewarding improviser.
Why this album deserves a place in your collection
This is an inviting example of Rollins’s ability to make a standards session sound personal and unpredictable. Listeners who enjoy melodic improvisation, an expressive tenor sound and relaxed but attentive ensemble playing will find plenty to return to. It also offers a rewarding meeting between Rollins’s musical personality and some of the finest players in Contemporary’s catalogue.
Personnel:
Sonny Rollins — tenor saxophone
Hampton Hawes — piano
Barney Kessel — guitar
Leroy Vinnegar — bass
Shelly Manne — drums
Victor Feldman — vibraphone on “You”
The photographs show the actual CD from my personal collection currently offered for sale. For full details of the edition, its condition and shipping options, please view the eBay listing below.
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