ProJazz.net

Saxophone Colossus is a studio album by American jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins. It was recorded on June 22, 1956, with producers Bob Weinstock and Rudy Van Gelder at the latter’s studio in Hackensack, New Jersey. Rollins led a quartet on the album that included pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Doug Watkins, and drummer Max Roach. Saxophone Colossus was released later that year by Prestige Records to critical success and helped establish Rollins as a prominent jazz artist. In 2017, Saxophone Colossus was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or artistically significant.”

Reception.

The AllMusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 5 stars out 5 and stated:”Sonny Rollins recorded many memorable sessions during 1954-1958, but Saxophone Colossus is arguably his finest all-around set.”

Track listing:
Side one
1. “St. Thomas” (Sonny Rollins) 6:49
2. “You Don’t Know What Love Is” (Gene de Paul, Don Raye) 6:30
3. “Strode Rode” (Sonny Rollins) 5:17
Side two
1. “Moritat” (Kurt Weill, Bertolt Brecht) 10:05
2. “Blue 7” (Sonny Rollins) 11:17

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

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Released: 1956
Recorded: June 22, 1956
Studio Van Gelder Studio in Hackensack
Length: 39:58
Label: Prestige
Producer: Bob Weinstock, Rudy Van Gelder