Sonny Rollins - Way Out West

Complete album + 1 bonus track- limited edition 180g red coloured virgin vinyl. New specially prepared liner notes by Penguin Guide to Jazz's writer Brian Morton.

When Sonny Rollins arrived in Los Angeles in early 1957, he discovered that Ray Brown was also in town with Oscar Peterson's trio and that Shelly Manne was on hand leading a band of his own. The result of this chance discovery was a recording session and the album Way Out West, which marked Rollins' very first date in a trio setting and his first recording without the accompaniment of a piano or guitar. Rollins was at the height of his career at this time and named the New Star tenor saxophonist in the 1957 Down Beat magazine critics' poll.

***** Stars: Down Beat

This album offers an unequalled opportunity on record to hear Rollins' tenor almost isolated from any other instrument. It is exceptionally well recorded, there is no piano, Manne's drums never intrude, and Brown in many places plays an obligato accompaniment. (Ralph J. Gleason)