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Brass/Trio, released in 1958 on Verve Records, is an unusual two-sided statement from saxophonist Sonny Rollins — pairing a full brass ensemble session on one side with a stripped-down saxophone trio on the other. The first half features Rollins with a brass ensemble arranged and conducted by Ernie Wilkins, recorded in New York in July 1958. The lineup includes trumpeter Harry “Sweets” Edison, trombonists J.J. Johnson and Jimmy Cleveland, and tuba player Don Butterfield, supported by a rhythm section of pianist Dick Katz, guitarist Rene Thomas, bassist Henry Grimes, and drummer Roy Haynes. Together, they provide a swinging, harmonically rich backdrop for Rollins on standards like “Who Cares?” and “Love Is A Simple Thing.” The second half was recorded days later in Los Angeles with bassist Henry Grimes and drummer Specs Wright — a pared-down trio setting that emphasizes Rollins’ rhythmic command and melodic elasticity. Tracks like “Raincheck,” “My One and Only Love,” and “Just in Time” showcase his ability to move effortlessly between ballad interpretation and fleet improvisation.

The Verve Vault series is always mastered from analog tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal. — (via Label)

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In 1958 Sonny Rollins split an LP between two very different settings. On four selections he is backed by a big band arranged by Ernie Wilkins (Rollins's appearances with big bands have been quite rare through the years) including Gershwin's "Who Cares?" The flip side showcases the great tenor in a trio with bassist Henry Grimes and drummer Charles Wright including "Manhattan," one of the very few jazz versions of "If You Were the Only Girl in the World" and a brilliant unaccompanied performance of a song often associated with his idol Coleman Hawkins, "Body and Soul." Rollins excels in both of these settings, making this an easily recommended set. — (via AllMusic)

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Label: Verve Records
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo, 180g
Reissued: 2026 / Originally Released: 1958
Genre: Jazz
Style: Bop, Big Band

File under: Audiophile Jazz
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