Sonny Rollins – Saxophone Colossus (LP, Analogue Productions)

One of the pivotal recordings in bringing about the widespread acceptance of Sonny Rollins as a major figure, Saxophone Colossus inspired critics to write scholarly analyses and fans to revel in the hard-swinging invention, humor, and tender-strength balladry. Up to this album, while most musicians recognized Rollins as one of the new influential forces in the jazz of the 50s, most critics were carping at Rollins or damning him with faint praise. quot;St. Thomas,quot; a traditional West Indian melody which Mal Waldron remembered as quot;The Carnival,quot; was recorded by many artists after Sonny introduced it here, and it remains a jazz standard today. The contributions of Tommy Flanagans elegant swing, Doug Watkinss steady lift, and Max Roachs most musical accompaniment and soloing (hear quot;Blue 7quot;) make this a landmark album. Cut from the analogue masters by renowned mastering engineer Kevin Gray 200-gram pressing by Quality Record Pressings has a flat edge profile and deep groove label, true to the original LP Deluxe high-gloss tip-on album jacket.