Newk's Time

Sonny Rollins

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 5, 1990)
• Original Release Date: September 22, 1957
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B000005HC1
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #388,995 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Rollins session, August 15, 2000

By	"jazzfanmn" (St Cloud, MN United States) - See all my reviews

The music on this cd is straightahead collection of standards and one Rollins' original. While it is not as exceptional as his albums from the same period such as "Way Out West" or his "Live at the Village Vanguard" sessions, "Newk's Time" is very enjoyable. Rollins' tenor is robust and swings throughout. The Miles Davis cut "Tune Up" and the Kenny Dorham original "Asiatic Raes" are highlights. Rollins' quartet includes talented veterans Wynton Kelly on piano, Doug Watkins on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums. The trio's familiarty with each other is evident as they are watertight in support of the tenor. This is a solid swinging set from Rollins and should be enjoyed by fans of the great tenor and fans of straight ahead hard bop alike.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Making Something New, September 14, 2000

By	Paul Savage (Surrey, England) - See all my reviews

Sonny Rollins was (and I suppose still is) fond of standards. If any jazzman uses them, in accordance with be-bop theory, as a framework for something new Rollins does it here. This is 'Surrey with a fringe on top' as you have never heard it sound before; a surreal pre-reggae honk, and a duo to boot, which works perfectly and leaves any thought of the original far behind whilst spookily managing to respect its form and harmonic structure. 'Asiatic Raes' again evokes the black world outside America (Rollins antecedants were from the West indies) and is a treat, with alternating African and American jazz rhythms underpinning theme and top class variations - a treat. Tune Up, composed by Miles or Cleanhead Vinson, depending who you believe, is brilliant. Some reckon Sonny to be the greatest genuine improvisor and on this evidence you have to believe it. Blues for Philly Jo is an excellently turned out original, but it is with the two ballads, Namely You and Wonderful Wonderful that the alchemy of turning a standard into something new is again cleraly in evidence, even after forty-odd years. Paul Chambers and Philly Jo Jones are at the top of their game throughout and this is one of my all time favourites.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A blowing session, April 11, 2002

By	nadav haber (jerusalem Israel) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Although I believe that this CD is not as good as Anight at the village Vanguard and Saxophone Colossus, but for the sound, the rhythmic invention, the tightness, and the skill - it is a certain 5 stars. So when discussing this CD, one should take into account that there are others that are even more exciting.
The opener, Tune Up, is a masterpiece - the band plays with fire, and the sparks go flying. Rollins takes the melody and harmony apart and does wondedrful things with them. His playing here falls short of nothing.
The rest of the CD is great but not AS great, although Rollins continues his high form and the rhythm section provides perfect support.
I always liked Rollins ballad playing, and the closer is up to Rollins' ballad standard.
This is a CD for anyone who likes to hear a strong hard-bop tenor master, for Rollins' fans, and for saxophone players who need to learn from Rollins improvisational skills.