Broadcast on 15-Jun-2009

This date done for Blue Note in April 1957 shows us a Sonny Rollins playing with confidence and authority. Rollins, who had been a member of Max Roach's quintet was about to leave and temporarily join Miles Davis' revamped quintet then strike out on his own. This all-star date puts Sonny in illustrious company with the great J.J. Johnson on trombone. J.J. gave Sonny some of his first recording opportunities back in 1949 and this was Sonny's way of repaying J.J. Art Blakey is on drums and he propelled Sonny on his first recording under his own name in 1951. Blakey loved Sonny and pushed him to new heights here. Horace Silver worked with Sonny on some very important Miles Davis dates in 1954 and Paul Chambers was everyone's favourite bassist.Thelonious Monk was one of Sonny's closest friends and in many ways, his teacher. They had recorded together many times and Monk was a welcome guest on this session and he added spice to the proceedings. Monk is featured on his ballad, "Reflections" with just Sonny as the sole horn. The other track is a classic as it features both Monk and Horace Silver at the piano bench playing Monk's blues based on major sixth intervals called, "Misterioso". So ends this powerful record date. Twelve takes, mostly false starts were required to complete the 6 tunes so that meant that basically everything was 'off the top'.....the true Jazz tradition. One of Mr. Rollins' great recordings and one that is frequently overlooked is tonight's Feature......"Sonny Rollins Volume 2".