Search - Sonny Rollins :: Sonny Rollins & Co. 1964

Mixed "Company"

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 12/09/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

""Sonny Rollins & Co. 1964" is a compilation of material from the final year of the tenor titan's association with RCA Victor. These recordings have long been snubbed by critics, and rightfully so. After cutting artistically, but not commercially, successful sessions with Jim Hall, Coleman Hawkins and Don Cherry, RCA had Rollins cut "Now's The Time" and "The Standard Sonny Rollins" to fulfill his contractual obligations. The results of these dates were mixed -- most of the songs are short, purposely constraining Rollins' improvisational flights -- and the album's content and style seem to be dictated more by the label than Sonny himself. "Sonny Rollins & Co. 1964" was assembled seemingly to bring coherence and credibility to the music Sonny made in 1964. (It was such a watershed year for jazz, and it is sad that Rollins was such a non-participant.) This compilation was necessary because his original albums from 1964 were truly unremarkable. As Bob Blumenthal states in the liner notes, "'Now's The Time' and 'The Standard Sonny Rollins' contained much inspired playing, yet...their constantly shifting personnel and often truncated performances created a slapdash impression of odds and ends being thrown to fill out LP space." Unfortunately, "1964" suffers a similar fate. While the CD attempts to coherently and chronologically present this music, the fact remains that this disc collects tunes from six different sessions spread out over seven months. While Sonny's "Company" involves a small core of players (Herbie Hancock on piano, Jim Hall on guitar, either Bob Cranshaw or Ron Carter on bass, and either Roy McCurdy or Mickey Roker on drums), the fact is the personnel changes every two or three tracks, giving the disc a scattered feel. Throw in the fact that a majority of the tracks are alternate takes and clipped standards, and a strong case could be made that this disc too is just trying to "fill out space."I once thought Sonny's RCA material paled in comparison to his achievements for Prestige, Blue Note, Riverside and even Impulse. Despite having thoroughly criticized this title, I do have to say his RCA material is well worth looking into. Just check out "The Bridge" and "Sonny Meets Hawk" (see my review of the latter) instead of "Sonny Rollins & Co. 1964.""

Better than advertised

Nicholas Cody | 10/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It took repeated listenings, but I have fallen for this album. The energy and wit Rollins puts into these titles is addicting. Some bounce, some soar, some pop, and others just saunter down the street. Yes, on the Sonny side. There are some lengthy adventures (title 3, Nows The Time, is over 15 minutes) as well as some hopping tunes like Night And Day (3:19), which is as good as anything on Saxophone Colossus. In alternative moods, Sonny can make the wistful blues come through an open window, like the gentle My Ship and Autumn Nocturne.



If you are a Sonny Rollins listener, this one is definitely worth your time, time and time again."