This Is What I Do

Sonny Rollins | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 14, 2000)
• Original Release Date: October 24, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Milestone
• ASIN: B00004Z3ZD
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #196,156 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

With his nephew, Clifton Anderson, on trombone, Stephen Scott on piano, longtime partner Bob Cranshaw on electric bass, and Perry Wilson and Jack DeJohnette on drums, Sonny Rollins's big sound and genius for thematic improvisation are in full effect on This Is What I Do. "Salvador," a calypso-samba tribute to the Afro-Brazilian city, is a rhythmic ancestor of his celebrated "St. Thomas." The gospel-tinged version of "Sweet Leilani" and his midtempo rendition of "The Moon of Manakoora"--from the films Waikiki Wedding and The Hurricane, respectively--both highlight Rollins's humorous side and his genius for turning corny pop tunes into jazz vehicles. Rollins also salutes dearly departed comrades with the funky "Did You See Harold Vick" and the sanctified stirrings of "Charles M" in honor of Charles Mingus. What tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins has done for the past 50 years is reign as one of jazz's most thrilling improvisers. This is further proof why. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Product Description

CD

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I think even Sonny might like this recording. November 4, 2000

By John Nicholas

Format:Audio CD

This is his best studio recording in years. Other than the presence on Jack DeJohnette on a couple of tracks, this is Sonny's regular working group. Stephen Scott and Clifton Anderson play a few short, pleasant solos, but Sonny dominates the recording from beginning to end. No barnburners, (all of the tunes are medium to medium-slow tempo), but the Sonny's playing is the warm, lyrical, and filled with imagination and humor. Even though a studio recording will probably never match his playing for those of us that have heard him in a club or concert hall, this one comes close.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Another amazing album from Sonny Rollins... January 2, 2001

By Stephen Judkins

Format:Audio CD

Perhaps the most amazing thing about Mr. Rollins isn't that he's still producing albums at the age of 70, but that he's still producing amazing, innovative albums. This is no exception.

It starts out with a mid-tempo calypso-like tune which is quite remincesent of his old stanard, St. Thomas. Rollin's playing over this is lively, inventive, interesting, and fresh sounding. Part of the appeal isn't what he plays, but how he plays it. His tone is powerful and awe-inspiring, yet he plays with restraint, and keeps his characteristic playfulness and expressiveness that he's famous for. I'm not saying, however, that his playing is devoid of substance- on the contrary, his playing is full of rich ideas and lines. He achieves the ultimate goal of all jazz musicians- his playing is almost lyrical, telling a story, often not distinguishing itself from the melody of the tune.

I know I'm gushing praise, but I don't do it that often. I doubt there's anyone qualified enough to make any major complaints against this seemingly perfect album. I know I've put this in my collection along with Tenor Madness and Saxophone Colossus, and it keeps finding its way onto my stereo over and over again. I really can't say enough good things about this album, I'd just tell you to buy it as soon as possible.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars 70 years young and still blowing with perfection December 2, 2001

By Rick

Format:Audio CD

What can I say, the title of the album says it all...This is what I do. And he does, with exceptional wit and authority. The album starts of with a great calypso hook, "Salvador". Then Sonny plays a rear and enjoyable sweet ballad titled "Sweet Leilani" with a graceful touch. After the groovy "Did You See Harold Vick?" and an elegant ballad "A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square", Sonny ventures into the world of Charles Mingus with a nice tribute original titled, "Charles M.". He exits the album with a sensitive yet stylistic, "The Moon of Manakoora." All in all this album plays beautifully and Sonny really shows strength on improvisation with controlled crooning. At 70, he plays better than most of the young guns today. He is still the master of the sax. Anyone who enjoys Sonny Rollins or Jazz in general will be truly satisfied with this CD.