Customer Reviews

Plus Four: Rudy Van Gelder Remasters Series

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album was originally released as "The Three Giants" by Prestige, and is easily in the top 5 of the best records I've ever owned. The first thing that I noticed was the "as one" harmony between Sonny and Brownie. Sonny Rollins made only ONE album (The Standard Sonny Rollins) without an original on it, prolific writer that he is. This set has two. The opener, "Valse Hot", is a waltz, and my favorite Rollins composition of all time(and that's saying a lot). Sonny's opening solo is a cool, controlled MONSTER! Brownie picks right up where he left off, and Max, who will waltz anytime, puts down the best drum solo I've ever heard. "Pent-Up House" is the other original. Brownie comes out "cookin'", followed by Sonny, and Ritchie (Bud's brother), fours all around, with Max, who then solos,and out. Of the two greatest drummers on earth, Max Roach is one. Kiss and Run is a hit and run; SO if you should ever "Feel a Song Coming On", then "Count Your Blessings" if you have this album.

This 1956 date with the incomparable quintet, including a front line of Rollins' tenor and trumpeter Clifford Brown, and drummer Max Roach, is unabashedly sunny, upbeat music. Rollins' "Valse Hot" is a prime example. However, much of the credit goes to Brown, who was Armstrong and Gillespie's presumptive heir until his tragic death. Brownie was a prodigal sun. Three superstars submerge their egos, and create a gem. Feel-good music that refuses to surrender complexity.

Fantastic. This is Sonny at his best. I love the sound he gets out of the instrument and the passion with which he plays. I met hm at a masters class at Dartmouth College in my undergraduate days in the 70's and have followed him ever since. I told him the music in this album, like him, is like fine wine. It just gets better with age.

sonny rollins, clifford brown, max roach, and it's made on the 50ths.if you like hardbop, what else do you need to know?