Rollins Finds His Footing
A tight Prestige trio session that shows Rollins loosening up and swinging hard before Saxophone Colossus.
Work Time came out in 1956, recorded for Prestige, and it captures Sonny Rollins during a productive stretch when he was still building the confidence that would soon pay off in larger statements. This is a lean, straightforward session with Ray Bryant on piano, George Morrow on bass, and Max Roach on drums. Nothing fancy, just a working group playing standards and originals with plenty of swing.
What stands out is how relaxed Rollins sounds. His tone is full and his lines move easily from idea to idea, and the rhythm section gives him plenty of room without getting in the way. Roach keeps things propulsive, and Bryant brings a bright, bluesy comping style that suits the material well. It is an enjoyable record more than a revelatory one.
AllMusic reviewer Scott Yanow wrote that the outing may not be essential but is a strong effort, which is a fair summary. Author Peter Niklas Wilson went further, calling it one of Rollins's most brilliant sessions and placing it on par with the Saxophone Colossus recordings. That is a generous view, but it explains why fans still point to it. If you are new to Rollins, start with Saxophone Colossus (1956), but if you want a more intimate look at him at work in a trio, this one rewards the time.
Who's playing
Where next?
More by Sonny Rollins
Way Out West 1957
The Bridge 1962
Sonny Rollins Plus 4 1956
Sonny Rollins With The Modern Jazz Quartet 1956
The musicians on this record
Deeds, Not Words 1958
Max Roach
plays drums (drum set) here
plays drums (drum set) here
Jam Session 1954
George Morrow
plays bass here
plays bass here
Ray Bryant Plays 1960
Ray Bryant
plays piano here
plays piano here
