Sonny Rollins - Sonny Rollins Vol. 2 (Japanese Blue Note Reissue Vinyl LP)

Vinyl: EX
Sleeve: EX
Obi: None

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A cornerstone of hard bop and one of the finest albums in Sonny Rollins' legendary discography, Vol. 2 captures the tenor saxophonist at a peak moment, surrounded by an all-star cast that reads like a who's who of 1950s jazz royalty. This 1978 Japanese reissue, part of Blue Note's prestigious Masterpiece Selection 150 series, presents Alfred Lion's original 1957 production with the sonic excellence Japanese pressings are renowned for.

Recorded on 14 April 1957 at Rudy Van Gelder's studio, the album features two distinct piano configurations. Horace Silver appears on four tracks, while Thelonious Monk joins for the aptly titled "Misterioso" and "Reflections". Throughout, the rhythm section of bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Art Blakey provides impeccable support, while trombonist J.J. Johnson adds another horn voice to the front line.

Rollins' playing here is magnificent. His tone is robust and confident, his improvisations melodically inventive and rhythmically daring. From the buoyant opener "Why Don't I" through the martial swing of "Wail March" to sensitive readings of standards like "You Stepped Out Of A Dream" and "Poor Butterfly", Rollins demonstrates why he was already considered one of jazz's greatest saxophonists. The presence of Monk on two tracks adds particular historical significance, as their musical relationship was always creatively fertile.

This Japanese mono pressing captures Van Gelder's immaculate engineering with clarity and warmth. Part of the Blue Note Masterpiece Selection 150 series, it includes the original insert and represents this essential hard bop session in audiophile quality.