To my mind, Sonny's best along with "Saxophone Colossus". The first cut is the most famous, no doubt because of John Coltrane's sharing of the solos. Trane enters the ring first - all over the place and brilliant but Sonny delivers the knock-out punch with comparatively terse and lyrical ease. On first hearing the recording, some 20 years ago, I was more impressed with the first two tunes, but now I find the other cuts even more absorbing - just my taste, perhaps - I meet many jazz fans who are primarily bowled over by speed and pyrotechnics, passing over anything that which doesn't immediately grab you by the collar. Sonny can play like fire but he appreciates melody. "My Reverie" is a great melody and Sonny displays a his supple, gorgeous tone and phrasing throughout. Hearing Sonny's notes here, I visualize a warm, translucent golden sphere - ready to step into, and conducive to ethereal transport. "The Most Beautiful Girl" has a bounding, exuberant groove and tremendous playing by all. Sonny will always reach someone, somehow...so "Vive la difference!"
To my mind, Sonny's best along with "Saxophone Colossus". The first cut is the most famous, no doubt because of John Coltrane's sharing of the solos. Trane enters the ring first - all over the place and brilliant but Sonny delivers the knock-out punch with comparatively terse and lyrical ease. On first hearing the recording, some 20 years ago, I was more impressed with the first two tunes, but now I find the other cuts even more absorbing - just my taste, perhaps - I meet many jazz fans who are primarily bowled over by speed and pyrotechnics, passing over anything that which doesn't immediately grab you by the collar. Sonny can play like fire but he appreciates melody. "My Reverie" is a great melody and Sonny displays a his supple, gorgeous tone and phrasing throughout. Hearing Sonny's notes here, I visualize a warm, translucent golden sphere - ready to step into, and conducive to ethereal transport. "The Most Beautiful Girl" has a bounding, exuberant groove and tremendous playing by all. Sonny will always reach someone, somehow... so "Vive la difference! "