Sonny Rollins - Plus 3 (1996)

Ever since Sonny Rollins signed with Milestone in the mid-1970s,
critics who prefer his earlier work have complained that
Rollins' sidemen are not worthy of him. For this superb effort,
detractors have nothing to complain about, for the immortal
tenor is joined by either Tommy Flanagan or Stephen Scott on
piano, his longtime electric bassist Bob Cranshaw and either Al
Foster or Jack DeJohnette on drums. Rollins is in wonderful
form, stretching out on two basic originals and five standards
including "What a Difference a Day Made," "Cabin In the Sky"
and "I've Never Been In Love Before." Building his rhythmic
improvisations off of the songs' strong melodies (returning to
the themes often), Rollins sounds quite exuberant. This studio
set captures the excitement of a Sonny Rollins concert and is
highly recommended.