Sonny Rollins recorded many memorable sessions during 1954-1958, but
Saxophone Colossus is arguably his finest all-around set. Joined by pianist
Tommy Flanagan, bassist
Doug Watkins, and drummer
Max Roach,
Rollins debuts and performs the definitive version of "St. Thomas," tears into the chord changes of "Mack the Knife" (here called "Moritat"), introduces "Strode Rode," is lyrical on "You Don't Know What Love Is," and constructs a solo on "Blue Seven" that practically defines his style. Essential music that, as with all of
Rollins' Prestige recordings, has also been reissued as part of a huge "complete" box set; listeners with a tight budget are advised to pick up this single disc and be amazed.