![]() He takes his first chorus on "Show Business" with only bassist George Morrow for support, then when the drums come in, he blows ferocious double-time before giving way to Roach's extremely musical solo. Walter Theodore 'Sonny' Rollins (born September 7, 1930) is an American jazz tenor saxophonist who is widely recognized as one of the most important and influential jazz musicians. Rollins and Roach also work off of each other to great effect on "Raincheck," trading fours on this imaginative selection from the from the Billy Strayhorn catalog. In a seven-decade career, he has recorded over sixty albums as a leader. Even on the more relaxed tempo of "There Are Such Things," Rollins' exploration of the changes combines a classic tenor's warm breathy tone with a bebopper's determination to leave no possibility unconsidered. Pianist Ray Bryant's playing is also impeccable throughout. Highly recommended for all fans of Sonny Rollins and also for fans of 1950s hard-bop jazz.See more Your browser does not support the audio element. There was, with the release of Worktime, a major new jazz voice." Playing with a deliberately 'harsh' tone, but with little vibrato, Rollins was obviously in command of his instrument. In his insightful chapter on Sonny Rollins in his book, Jazz Masters of the Fifties, jazz historian and critic Joe Goldberg comments about Worktime, recorded on Decemat Rudy Van Gelder's Hackensack, NJ studio, that "many, including his close friend, the soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy, still feel that it is the best record Rollins ever made." Goldberg goes on to describe Worktime in some detail: "Working with a rhythm section made up of Roach, Brown-Roach bassist George Morrow, and pianist Ray Bryant, Rollins turned such an unlikely tune as There's No Business Like Show Business, a nearly forgotten ballad called There Are Such Things, a breakneck-tempo It's All Right With Me and two other songs into a powerful, moving statement of purpose. There is no point in reviewing them individually as all are without weakness. the other four numbers being the lesser known standards Rollins relishes, including 'There's No Business Like Show Business', 'Raincheck', 'There Are Such Things' and 'It's All Right With Me'. There is one original composition, 'Paradox'. He does solo (when does he not?) but not to excess. He has enormous technical ability, which here is devoted to musical ends and not simple display. Roach, on the drums, is on good form, swinging and propulsive. George Morrow is probably the least known member of the band but plays very well, firmly supportive and always swinging. I have always enjoyed his blues playing when with more mainstream company, but listening to his thoughtful and imaginative work here I have to regret he did not play more frequently in the type of surroundings there are here. Bryant, in a sense the odd man out in this band, plays extremely well, fluent, swinging and original. ![]() He is probably one of the half dozen greatest players on the tenor saxophone in the history of the music and shows it in every note he plays here. He swings hard and his playing is imaginative and emotional. His tone, not always the case at this time in his career, is vibrant and full. The total playing time is 32 minutes, which is a little on the short side but far better that than twice the length from lesser players. They play five tunes, all of which range between five and nine minutes and so give time for the soloists to stretch out without overstaying their welcome. It dates from 1955 when Rollins, Morrow and Roach were all members of the Brown - Roach quintet. He is on fine form throughout and is backed by an exemplary rhythm section consisting of Ray Bryant, George Morrow and Max Roach. This is not one of Rollins' best known records but it is certainly one of his best. ![]()
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