Rollins, Sonny
Bluebird, 2003, CD
Instrument: Saxophone
Issue: 9.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4+
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: The Bridge is Sonny’s first album after a hiatus between 1959 and 1961 where he disappeared form the public scene. He spent the time polishing his craft to his satisfaction. His private studio: The East River Bridge. He accompanying musicians for the set were Bob Crenshaw (b), Ben Riley (d) and guitarist Jim Hall. This quartet gave Sonny lots of space to play and there are many excellent exchanges with Hall along the way. This album was more bebop at time when things were evolving on the jazz front; Miles to fusion, Coleman to free jazz, Brazilian bossa nova… While this work was well received it left Rollins looking to catch up to his peers. Never the less it is a classic performance with historic significance as well.
