Nothing short of amazing...
eternally bored | purgatory, USA | 06/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this album is the single greatest treatment of standards material committed to record... Rollins doesn't just play the saxophone, he is the saxophone. Rollins is full of suprises around every corner on these recording. his tone is perfect. i've seen other reviewers rag on Rollins' tone during this period & up 'till now, even! throughout his career his tone & ideas keep getting better & better. one of the most intriguing musicians in jazz history. every minute of 'three little words' makes me smile... . thank you Sonny Rollins..."
Magnificent standards
Nikica Gilic | Zagreb, Croatia | 03/21/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Great jazz artists exploring the standards - can it get any better than that?
Just remember what Louis Armstrong, Henry Red Allen, Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie or John Coltrane could do with a familiar song...
Since Rollins obviously bellongs in this category this should be a perfect listening experience, but why are some songs simply cut short in the middle of improvisation? Maybe I have an edition that hasn't rectified this flaw, but buyer, beware and check out different versions of the album and compare the song length!
On the original liner notes this editing decision is largely (but not completely) attributed to Rollins himself, but somehow I have my doughts... However, both Sonny and Jim Hall really shine on this album, so it's still a great (and often chance-taking) jazz experience.
In that context, one of the most rewarding tracks is the final, quite extended alternate version of good ole Bille Holiday vehicle "Trav'lin light", with some nice explorations by Sonny and, particularly, the bass player (David Izenson is on that track, I believe)."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1