Sonny Rollins - Volume 1 [Blue Note Classic 180g Vinyl LP]

Sonny Rollins established himself as one of jazz's most formidable tenor saxophone voices with Volume 1, a Blue Note classic that showcases the hard bop master at his most compelling and adventurous. This Blue Note Classic 180g vinyl pressing presents Rollins alongside an exceptional rhythm section featuring Tommy Flanagan on piano, Doug Watkins on bass, and Max Roach on drums, capturing performances that demonstrate why Rollins became synonymous with melodic invention and rhythmic sophistication. The album represents the saxophonist's ability to balance technical virtuosity with emotional depth, creating music that appeals to both jazz purists and newcomers to the genre.

The recording captures Rollins in peak form across a carefully selected program that highlights his improvisational genius and distinctive tone. Standout performances include "Decision," a Rollins original that showcases his gift for crafting memorable melodies while exploring complex harmonic territory, "Blue 7," an extended blues exploration that became one of his signature pieces, demonstrating his ability to find endless variations within traditional structures, and "St. Thomas," a calypso-influenced composition that reveals his Caribbean heritage and rhythmic creativity. The interplay between Rollins and his rhythm section creates a perfect balance of support and challenge, allowing each musician to shine while serving the collective musical vision.

This Blue Note Classic 180g audiophile vinyl edition delivers the album's intimate recording atmosphere with exceptional warmth and clarity. The heavyweight pressing ensures optimal reproduction of Rollins' powerful yet nuanced saxophone tone, from his breathy subtleties to his commanding high register statements. The analog mastering preserves the natural acoustics of the Van Gelder studio recording while the superior vinyl weight provides stable tracking that reveals every detail of the intricate musical conversations between these master musicians.

• Format: 180g Blue Note Classic Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: "Decision," "Blue 7," "St. Thomas"
• Pressing details: 180g heavyweight audiophile vinyl, Blue Note Classic series, analog mastering, original artwork
• Genre/style: Hard Bop, Jazz, Bebop, Post-Bop
• UPC: 602465149661

This definitive pressing allows listeners to experience one of hard bop's essential albums with audiophile quality. The Blue Note Classic treatment ensures this landmark recording receives the sonic presentation it deserves.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. Decision
2. Bluesnote
3. How Are Things In Glocca Morra

Side B:

1. Plain Jane
2. Sonnysphere