Sonny Rollins | Saxophone Colossus

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow

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.

Sonny Rollins tenor saxophone
Tommy Flanagan piano
Doug Watkins bass
Max Roach drums



1. St. Thomas (Sonny Rollins) 0:00 2. You Don't Know What Love Is (Gene de Paul / Don Raye) 6:45 3. Strode Rode (Sonny Rollins) 13:09 4. Moritat (Kurt Weill / Bertolt Brecht) 18:24 5. Blue 7 (Sonny Rollins) 28:18 6. There's No Business Like Show Business (Bonus Track) 40:45 7. Paradox (Bonus Track) 8. Raincheck (Bonus Track) 9. There Are Such Things (Bonus Track) 10.It's All Right with Me (Bonus Track)