Sonny Rollins - The Contemporary Leaders (1958) [1986]

The last of the classic Sonny Rollins albums prior to his unexpected three-year retirement features the great tenor with pianist Hampton Hawes, guitarist Barney Kessel, bassist Leroy Vinnegar, and drummer Shelly Manne (all bandleaders for Contemporary Records during this era) on an unusual but inspired list of standards. Rollins creates explorative and often witty improvisations on such songs as "Rock-A-Bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody," "You," "In the Chapel in the Moonlight," and roaring versions of "I've Found a New Baby" and "The Song Is You." Great music.


Tracks:

1. I've Told Ev'ry Little Star
2. Rock-a-Bye Your Baby With a Dixie Melody
3. How High the Moon
4. You
5. I've Found a New Baby
6. Alone Together
7. In The Chapel In The Moonlight
8. The Song Is You
9. You (Alternate Take)
10. I've Found a New Baby (Alternate Take)
11. The Song Is You (Alternate Take)

Personnel:

Sonny Rollins — tenor sax
Barney Kessel — guitar
Hampton Hawes — piano
Leroy Vinnegar — bass
Shelly Manne — drums
Victor Feldman — vibes