Hybrid Mono SACD for sale individually and as part of Analogue Productions’ Prestige Mono Series
Mini "old style" gatefold jacket packaging
"Revisiting Sonny Rollins' "St. Thomas" from Saxophone Colossus on SACD at Axpona was one of my personal highlights of the show. ... I LOVE Max Roach's drum solo, two-and-a-half minutes into the song. We could clearly hear how tight the drum skin is. When the music is so exciting, we quickly forget that we were listening to a mono recording." — Philip O'Hanlon, New Music and Hi Fi Finds blog
These SACD jackets feature printed wraps mounted to chipboard shells, producing an authentic, "old school" look and feel. Some people call these "mini LP" jackets.
One of the pivotal recordings in bringing about the widespread acceptance of Sonny Rollins as a major figure, Saxophone Colossus inspired critics to write scholarly analyses and fans to revel in the hard-swinging invention, humor, and tender-strength balladry. Up to this album, while most musicians recognized Rollins as one of the new influential forces in the jazz of the ’50s, most critics were carping at Rollins or damning him with faint praise. "St. Thomas," a traditional West Indian melody which Mal Waldron remembered as "The Carnival," was recorded by many artists after Sonny introduced it here, and it remains a jazz standard today. The contributions of Tommy Flanagan’s elegant swing, Doug Watkins’s steady lift, and Max Roach’s most musical accompaniment and soloing (hear "Blue 7") make this a landmark album.
Originally released in 1956
Sonny Rollins, tenor saxophone
Tommy Flanagan, piano Doug Watkins, bass Max Roach, drums
1. Strode Rode
2. Blue 7
3. Moritat
4. St. Thomas
5. You Don’t Know What Love It
Customer Reviews(5.00 Stars) 2 person(s) rated this product.
Sonny Rollins Saxophone Colossus Mono SACD
posted on 01/31/2017 5 Stars
I love to check out artists that I am less familiar with on the rare occasions that I can afford to and this was an impulsive exploration which I threw into my cart when purchasing something altogether different and unrelated. So glad that I did because the material is wonderful both musically and sonically. Everything about this issue is first-rate including the replication of the album art. Buy with confidence! This is highly recommended!
posted on 11/02/2014 5 Stars Reviewer: Mark Powers
As I continue into my jazz listening experimentation, again I am not dissapointed. A 1956 mono recording brought to life in this 2014 reissue. This performance was a sleepy, calming trip for me, leaving me very relaxed and in a good mood. The AP mono reissue was stunning to my baby ears as I have nothing to compare it to. I loved the drumming by Max Roach and the smooth saxophone, strong piano, and great bass. When I listened I could really feel the vibe of the recording studio and the way they had to record, less mics, very quiet, everybody at total professionalism to do there part. Colossus is an understatement.