Broadcast on 07-Sep-2009

As a tribute to the 79th birthday of "the titan of the tenor saxophone" Sonny Rollins, we are presenting one of his "classic" recordings called "Way Out West". This was a first in a few ways. It was Sonny's first trio recording with just bass and drums, a format that he fell in love with and it was a first time meeting with two of the most authoritative players of their respective instruments. Bassist Ray Brown and drummer Shelly Manne provide the backdrop and stimulus for Sonny to explore the tunes of his choosing. The tunes are typical of Rollins in that he chose some tunes not often played by Jazzers. Mercer's "I'm An Ol' Cowhand" and "Wagon Wheels" are given a definitive treatment. Two standards and a jam over some familiar changes are displayed and one original by Sonny celebrating his first recording outside of New York called "Way Out West". A meeting of three giants of Jazz in "Way Out West".