Search - Sonny Rollins :: Bridge

Like Sonny

Talking Wall | Queen Creek, AZ | 02/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to disagree with the feature review that the rest of the band serves to support Sonny. The mix in the remaster proves that guitarist Jim Hall is almost as much of a feature in this wonderul recording as Rollins himself. Hall is heard in the left channel and Rollins in the right channel throughout the recording. Hall, a master of harmony and melody and a darn good guitar player to boot (he's the grandmaster of jazz guitar these days) is the perfect partner for Sonny's melodic improvisations. This is a wonderful session, you walk away with a warm, content kind of feeling from this music. It is literally relaxing without the production being too "CTI" slick. Older jazz listeners will know what I mean by that. Perfect when you want to play something that is different but isn't "out there". One of the few "perfect" recordings I own."

This is essential Rollins!

Georgette D. Jebb | New York | 04/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My first encounter with Sonny was on his most famous record: Saxophone colossus. I have collected a few more albums by Rollins since my first encounter, and I have to tell you, The Bridge is among the best Sonny's ever done. Sonny is my favorite Jazz musician of all time, and this record falls nothing short of my high standard.



The Cd begins with "Without a Song". This tune is a Rollins/Hall masterpeice. Hall's solo on this track is very tasteful and melodic. But make no mistake, Rollins is the main force on this album. His solo is as fierce as it is tender. The 3 ballads on this Cd show Sonny's gentle touch. I would like to highlight "God Bless This Child" His horn playing sings like Billie Holiday. But the highlight are the two Rollins origionals. I first heard "John S." on Ken Burns' Jazz videos (#9) and it is a masterpiece. If you pay attention to Hall's comping, you'll understand that Rollins' solo is spontaneous to that moment. "The Bridge"... What to say. Rollins' focefull playing is astonishing. I was also surprised that him, and Hall both play in 6/8! How many jazz players can do that? Ben Riley's drum solos on the two origionals make him one of the best drummers of all time. Believe me. His lines and licks are so sophisticated and rudimental.



The are two Rollins Cd's you must own. This is one of them... Please buy it, you will not be disappointed.



Personnel: Sonny-Tenor sax, Jim Hall-Guitar, Ben Riley-Drums, Bob Cranshaw-Bass."