Sonny's Hollywood Detour
Rollins tackles the Burt Bacharach standard with the same fearless energy he brought to his Blue Note sessions.
By the time Sonny Rollins recorded Alfie (1966), he'd already established himself as one of jazz's most commanding tenor saxophonists. This album finds him in an interesting spot — working with composer Burt Bacharach and arranger Oliver Nelson on material written for the film of the same name. It's not exactly a detour into commercial territory, but it's definitely different from what made him famous.
The title track is the heart of the record, and it's worth hearing just for how Rollins approaches that elegant melody. He doesn't sentimentalize it; instead, he applies the same searching intensity he'd use on a blues, turning the Bacharach tune into something that feels genuinely earned rather than just pretty. Nelson's arrangements are smart — they give the band room to breathe while keeping things focused. The supporting cast, including pianist Ray Bryant and the rhythm section, never lets things drift into easy listening territory. The other tracks work less consistently, though "Changing World" has real substance.
This isn't Rollins at his most adventurous. If you want to understand why he matters, start with Saxophone Colossus (1956) or The Bridge (1962). But Alfie shows a side of him worth knowing — a player who could engage with sophisticated pop material without losing his edge. It's a solid album that reveals his range, even if it doesn't rank among his essential recordings. Think of it as a complement to his core work, not a replacement for it.
Who's playing
Walter Bookerdouble bass
Roger Kellawaypiano
Kenny Burrellguitar
Bob Ashtontenor saxophone
Danny Bankbaritone saxophone
Sonny Rollinstenor saxophone
Phil Woodsalto saxophone
Danny Banksbaritone saxophone
Oliver Nelsontenor saxophone
J.J. Johnsontrombone
Jimmy Clevelandtrombone
Frankie Dunlopdrums
Where next?
More by Sonny Rollins
All 23 albums →
The musicians on this record
Oliver Nelson Plays Michelle 1966
Oliver Nelson
plays tenor saxophone here
plays tenor saxophone here
Midnight Blue 1963
Kenny Burrell
plays guitar here
plays guitar here
