The Guardian

Magic, mastery and magisterial power: 10 of Sonny Rollins’ greatest recordings

John Fordham — Tue, 26 May 2026 17:26:40 GMT

After his death aged 95, we look back at a remarkable catalogue of work that stretches from vivacious mid-50s sets to his evocative performance after 9/11

• News: Sonny Rollins, colossus of jazz saxophone, dies aged 95

A 30-year-old Sonny Rollins had already made his unique mark with Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk by the time this 1956 session was cut, just a year after bebop sax revolutionary Charlie Parker’s death – but hooking up with his contemporary and admirer John Coltrane happened by chance on the two-tenor blues chase of this album’s title. In a vivacious set with the Miles Davis rhythm section of the time (Red Garland on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, Philly Joe Jones on drums), the leader’s already unquenchable inventiveness is in full flow on Paul’s Pal, and The Most Beautiful Girl in the World.

The Guardian

Magic, mastery and magisterial power: 10 of Sonny Rollins’ greatest recordings

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