Sonny Rollins – Sonny Rollins With The Modern Jazz Quartet (1956/2017) [AcousticSounds FLAC 24bit/192kHz]

This album, not released until 1956, contains the first recordings Sonny Rollins made for Prestige as leader in 1951 and 1953. Rollins is backed on four songs by the Modern Jazz Quartet (John Lewis, Milt Jackson, Percy Heath and Kenny Clarke), eight other tracks feature Heath with Kenny Drew and Art Blakey, while Miles Davis plays piano on the closing number I Know. Several of these songs appeared in 1952 on 10 inch vinyl entitled Sonny Rollins Quartet.

Included here are some of Sonny Rollins’ earliest sessions as a bandleader. These are among the fresh and vibrant baker’s dozen of selections on Sonny Rollins With the Modern Jazz Quartet (1953). The title is a bit misleading though, since the MJQ — with John Lewis (piano), Milt Jackson (vibes), Percy Heath (bass), and Kenny Clarke (drums) — is only accounted for during the first four sides. There is a playful and energetic tone that ricochets from Jackson’s fluid vibes, landing firmly in Rollins’ musical court. One prime example of this interaction is heard throughout the solos on the opening track, “Stopper.” Similarly, “Almost Like Falling in Love” bops, weaves, and swings throughout, with some expressive contributions via Lewis, effectively linking Rollins’ and Jackson’s solos. “No Moe,” which stands as one of the best originals on the disc, also bears their undeniable connection. Another not-to-be-missed reading is the sultry “In a Sentimental Mood.” Here, Rollins spirals mature and ethereal lines against Jackson’s resonant intonation and shimmer. If just for these tunes, Sonny Rollins With the Modern Jazz Quartet is a vital component in any jazz enthusiasts’ collection. The rest of the disc is performed by Rollins and a quartet that also includes the talents of Kenny Drew (piano), the MJQ’s Percy Heath (bass), and the main Jazz Messenger, Art Blakey (drums). On the original tune “Scoops,” Blakey’s hardball antics provide well-placed sonic interjections, punctuating Rollins’ highly infectious melodic sense. While on the subject of catchy tunes, all ears should be directed to the biblically derived title “Shadrack,” which had been a signature piece for Louis Armstrong. This early incarnation of the Sonny Rollins Quartet has rarely sounded as cohesive, as they collectively percolate with their definitive execution. Of particular note is the inclusion of Miles Davis’ “I Know.” This extension of Charlie Parker’s “Confirmation” features Davis on piano accompanying Rollins with solid chord progressions, allowing the burgeoning player to lead his first-ever quartet with Heath and Roy Haynes (drums). ~~ AllMusic Review by Lindsay Planer

Tracklist:
01 – The Stopper
02 – Almost Like Being In Love
03 – No Moe
04 – In A Sentimental Mood
05 – Scoops
06 – With A Song In My Heart
07 – Newk’s Fadeaway
08 – Time On My Hands
09 – This Love Of Mine
10 – Shadrack
11 – On A Slow Boat To China
12 – Mambo Bounce
13 – I Know

Download:

mqs.link_SnnyRllinsWithTheMdernJazzQuartet19562017AcusticSunds24192.part1.rar
mqs.link_SnnyRllinsWithTheMdernJazzQuartet19562017AcusticSunds24192.part2.rar

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