Sonny Rollins and the Big Brass (1958)

About this title: Big Brass is an appropiate name for the large ensemble arranged and conducted by Ernie Wilkins that accompanies the huge sound of Sonny Rollins. The energy within the leader's gospel-flavored shout "Grand Street" is considerable, while a swinging but no less powerful version of George & Ira Gershwin's "Who Cares" features a choice solo by guitarist Rene Thomas. Also added to this compilation are trio recordings with bassist Henry Grimes and drummer Specs Wright, including a brilliant leisurely stroll through "Manhattan," along with Rollins' tour de force unaccompanied tenor sax on ... read more

Tracks:

1. Grand Street [Rollins]
2. Far Out East [Wilkins]
3. Who Cares? [Gershwin/Gershwin]
4. Love Is a Simple Thing [Carroll/Siegel]
5. What's My Name? [Saxon/Wells]
6. If You Were the Only Girl in the World [Ayer/Grey]
7. Manhattan [Rodgers/Hart]
8. Body and Soul [Green/Heyman/Eyton/]
9. Doxy [Rollins]
10. Limehouse Blues [Furber/Braham]
11. I'll Follow My Secret Heart [Coward]
12. You Are Too Beautiful [Rodgers/Hart]
13. Grand Street [Mono LP Ending] [Rollins]
14. Grand Street [Verve LP Ending] [Rollins]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.