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). Jim Determan, who has updated the Lyons list for CD, also recommends the last three CDs in the list below.
- Saxophone Colossus and More (Purchase from Amazon.com.)
- Saxophone Colossus (Purchase from Amazon.com.)
- Rollins Plays for Bird (Purchase from Amazon.com.)
- Plus 4 (Purchase from Amazon.com.)
- A Night at the Village Vanguard (Purchase from Amazon.com.)
Robert
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