Sonny Rollins is one of the most influential and celebrated jazz musicians of all time, known for his virtuosic saxophone playing, innovative compositions, and boundless creativity. Born in New York City in 1930, Rollins began playing the saxophone as a teenager and quickly made a name for himself on the jazz scene, playing with legends like Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis. Over the course of his illustrious career, Rollins has released over 60 albums and countless classic recordings, cementing his status as a jazz icon.
As a composer and improviser, Rollins has always been known for his ability to push the boundaries of jazz, incorporating elements of rock, funk, and other genres into his music. His songs are known for their intricate melodies, dynamic rhythms, and powerful solos, all of which have made him a favorite among jazz fans and critics alike.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of Sonny Rollins’ greatest songs, exploring the evolution of his sound and style over the years. From classic tunes like “St. Thomas” and “Oleo” to more experimental tracks like “The Bridge” and “East Broadway Rundown,” these ten songs represent the very best of Rollins’ extensive catalog, showcasing his unparalleled talent and enduring influence on the world of jazz music.
1. St. Thomas
“St. Thomas” is a classic jazz tune composed by the legendary saxophonist Sonny Rollins, released in 1956 as part of his album “Saxophone Colossus.” The song’s catchy melody is influenced by Caribbean music, specifically the folk music of the Virgin Islands, where Rollins’ mother was born. The upbeat rhythm and lively improvisations create a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that transports the listener to a sunny island paradise. The track features Rollins on tenor saxophone, accompanied by a trio of top-notch musicians: Tommy Flanagan on piano, Doug Watkins on bass, and Max Roach on drums. The quartet’s chemistry is evident throughout the song, with each musician showcasing their exceptional skills in a tight and seamless performance. “St. Thomas” has become one of Rollins’ most beloved and enduring compositions, and it continues to be a staple of jazz repertoires around the world, inspiring new generations of musicians and listeners alike.
2. Pent-Up House
“Pent-Up House” is a dynamic jazz composition by the legendary saxophonist Sonny Rollins, released in 1956 as part of his album “Saxophone Colossus.” The track begins with a catchy and playful piano riff by Tommy Flanagan, followed by Rollins’ tenor saxophone solo that quickly builds in intensity and speed. The rhythm section, consisting of Doug Watkins on bass and Max Roach on drums, provides a solid and lively foundation throughout the song, driving the energy forward. The song’s structure allows for plenty of room for improvisation, with each musician showcasing their unique talents and ideas in an exciting and dynamic performance. “Pent-Up House” is a perfect example of Rollins’ exceptional musicianship and compositional skill, and it remains a classic in the jazz canon to this day. The song’s catchy melody and infectious energy make it a crowd-pleaser, inspiring audiences to tap their feet and nod their heads along with the beat.
3. In A Sentimental Mood
“In A Sentimental Mood” is a classic jazz ballad composed by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Manny Kurtz and Irving Mills. This version of the song features the incomparable saxophonist Sonny Rollins, who released it on his album “The Bridge” in 1962. Rollins’ performance is characterized by his signature warm and soulful tone, as well as his tasteful and expressive phrasing. He is accompanied by an outstanding rhythm section, consisting of Jim Hall on guitar, Bob Cranshaw on bass, and Ben Riley on drums, who provide a delicate and understated backdrop for Rollins’ saxophone. The result is a deeply emotive and romantic rendition of the classic tune, with Rollins’ improvisations adding a fresh and personal touch. “In A Sentimental Mood” is a timeless masterpiece of jazz music, and Rollins’ version stands out as one of the most beautiful and heartfelt interpretations of the song ever recorded.
4. I’m an Old Cowhand (Album Version)
“I’m an Old Cowhand” is a fun and upbeat jazz tune composed by Johnny Mercer, and this version was performed by the iconic saxophonist Sonny Rollins on his 1985 album “Saxophone Colossus II.” The song begins with a catchy and lively introduction by Rollins, followed by a joyful and swinging melody that features his virtuosic saxophone playing. The rhythm section, consisting of Clifton Anderson on trombone, Mark Soskin on piano, Jerome Harris on guitar, Bob Cranshaw on bass, and Jack DeJohnette on drums, provides a tight and dynamic backing for Rollins’ improvisations. The song’s playful lyrics and catchy melody evoke images of the Wild West, with Rollins’ saxophone serving as the voice of the titular old cowhand. “I’m an Old Cowhand” is a charming and delightful jazz tune that showcases Rollins’ exceptional musicianship and his ability to infuse even the most light-hearted songs with his unique style and flair.
5. Someday I’ll Find You (Album Version)
“Someday I’ll Find You” is a romantic and tender jazz ballad composed by Noël Coward, and this version was performed by the legendary saxophonist Sonny Rollins on his 1995 album “Global Warming.” The song features Rollins’ soulful and expressive saxophone playing, accompanied by a dreamy and atmospheric arrangement that includes piano, bass, drums, and percussion. Rollins’ improvisations are particularly poignant and introspective, adding depth and emotion to the song’s lyrics about the search for true love. The song’s lush instrumentation and Rollins’ exceptional musicianship create a mesmerizing and intimate atmosphere, inviting the listener to get lost in the song’s romantic and dreamy world. “Someday I’ll Find You” is a testament to Rollins’ versatility as a musician and his ability to bring his unique style to any genre or style of music, making it a standout track on his extensive discography.
6. There’s No Business Like Show Business (Album Version)
“There’s No Business Like Show Business” is a classic show tune written by Irving Berlin, and this version was performed by the legendary saxophonist Sonny Rollins on his 1998 album “Global Warming.” The song features Rollins’ virtuosic saxophone playing, which seamlessly weaves in and out of the song’s upbeat and catchy melody. The rhythm section, consisting of piano, bass, drums, and percussion, provides a lively and energetic accompaniment for Rollins’ improvisations, creating a dynamic and exciting performance. The song’s lyrics celebrate the joys and struggles of show business, making it a fitting tribute to Rollins’ own illustrious career as a jazz musician. Rollins’ rendition of the song adds his unique style and flair, infusing it with his signature warm and soulful tone, and making it a standout track on the album. “There’s No Business Like Show Business” is a fun and upbeat jazz tune that showcases Rollins’ exceptional musicianship and his ability to breathe new life into classic songs.
7. You Don’t Know What Love Is (Rudy Van Gelder Remaster)
“You Don’t Know What Love Is” is a haunting and melancholic jazz ballad that has become a standard in the genre. This version was performed by the legendary saxophonist Sonny Rollins and released on his 1956 album “Saxophone Colossus.” The song’s sparse instrumentation, consisting only of Rollins’ tenor saxophone, Tommy Flanagan’s piano, Doug Watkins’ bass, and Max Roach’s drums, allows the emotional weight of the song’s lyrics to shine through. Rollins’ saxophone playing is particularly powerful on this track, conveying the pain and longing of the song’s protagonist in a raw and emotive way. The Rudy Van Gelder remaster gives the recording a new level of clarity and depth, highlighting the subtle nuances of Rollins’ saxophone playing and the dynamics of the rhythm section. “You Don’t Know What Love Is” is a timeless jazz masterpiece, and Rollins’ version is considered one of the most poignant and moving interpretations of the song ever recorded.
8. Tenor Madness (Rudy Van Gelder Remaster)
“Tenor Madness” is a classic hard bop jazz tune composed by the iconic saxophonist Sonny Rollins. This version was recorded in 1956 with fellow tenor saxophonist John Coltrane and released on the album of the same name. The song features Rollins and Coltrane engaging in a fiery and exhilarating musical conversation, trading solos and challenging each other to ever greater heights of virtuosity. The rhythm section, consisting of Red Garland on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums, provides a driving and dynamic foundation for the two saxophonists to build on. The Rudy Van Gelder remaster gives the recording a new level of clarity and presence, allowing the listener to fully appreciate the nuances and dynamics of Rollins and Coltrane’s playing. “Tenor Madness” is a true showcase of the two saxophonists’ exceptional talent and musical chemistry, and it remains a favorite among jazz fans and musicians to this day.
9. The Last Time I Saw Paris (2007 Re-master)
“The Last Time I Saw Paris” is a classic jazz standard composed by Jerome Kern, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. This version was performed by the iconic saxophonist Sonny Rollins and released on his 1985 album “Saxophone Colossus II,” and was later re-mastered in 2007. The song’s nostalgic lyrics and melody are brought to life by Rollins’ soulful and expressive saxophone playing, which conveys a sense of longing and wistfulness. The rhythm section, consisting of Mark Soskin on piano, Jerome Harris on guitar, Bob Cranshaw on bass, and Jack DeJohnette on drums, provides a delicate and understated backdrop for Rollins’ improvisations. The 2007 re-master brings a new level of clarity and detail to the recording, allowing the listener to fully appreciate the subtleties of Rollins’ playing and the nuances of the arrangement. “The Last Time I Saw Paris” is a timeless jazz ballad, and Rollins’ rendition is a testament to his exceptional musicianship and his ability to bring his unique style to any genre of music.
10. I’ve Found A New Baby (Alternate Take)
“I’ve Found A New Baby” is an upbeat and swinging jazz tune that has become a favorite among musicians and fans alike. This version is an alternate take performed by the iconic saxophonist Sonny Rollins and released on his album “The Bridge” in 1962. The song features Rollins’ virtuosic saxophone playing, which is full of energy and excitement, and showcases his exceptional improvisational skills. The rhythm section, consisting of Jim Hall on guitar, Bob Cranshaw on bass, and Ben Riley on drums, provides a dynamic and lively backing for Rollins’ playing, creating a joyful and infectious atmosphere. This alternate take of the song features different solos and arrangements than the original, giving the listener a fresh perspective on the tune and Rollins’ interpretation of it. “I’ve Found A New Baby” is a classic jazz standard that never fails to get toes tapping and heads bobbing, and Rollins’ version is a shining example of his exceptional musicianship and his ability to infuse even the most familiar tunes with his unique style and flair.
Erica Henderson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
