As critic Michael G. Nastos says, Rollins "will go down in history as not only the single most enduring tenor saxophonist of the bebop and hard bop era, but also the greatest contemporary jazz saxophonist of them all. His fluid and harmonically innovative ideas, effortless manner, and easily identifiable and accessible sound have influenced generations of performers, but have also fueled the notion that mainstream jazz music can be widely enjoyed, recognized, and proliferated." Rollins is also known for the energy and exuberance of his live concerts, a feeling that some critics have argued cannot be captured in studio recordings.
In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends Saxophone Colossus and More (Prestige P-24050, 2 LPs) and More from the Vanguard (Blue Note BN-LA475-H2, 2 LPs). The former is now available on CD — see below — but the latter is not. Jim Determan, who has updated the Lyons list for CD, also recommends the last four CDs in the list below.
- Saxophone Colossus and More (Purchase from Barnes & Noble.)
- Saxophone Colossus (Purchase from Barnes & Noble.)
- Rollins Plays for Bird (Purchase from Barnes & Noble.)
- Plus 4 (Purchase from Barnes & Noble.)
- A Night at the Vanguard (Purchase from Barnes & Noble.)
Robert
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