Sonny Rollins LP "with the Modern Jazz Quartet" W. 50th

$

510

You are bidding on an original copy of Sonny Rollins' 1956 Prestige LP - "With the Modern Jazz Quartet"

The vinyl appears to be NM- with little to no scuffing. The label is sharp and clean with a deep groove and some modest spindle wear which you can see on an angle. The sleeve has seen some wear. The top spine is edge is nice, the spine is worn with a mid-seam split. the bottom is nice except for a 1 1/2" seam split on the corner. All four corners are worn. The overall look of the sleeve is presentable and nice although not top rate due to some lost luster. No ring wear. I'd assign a VG- grade to it and some may rate it lower.

The first side of the album is 6 tracks with the Sonny Rollins Quartet (Sonny Rollins, tenor sax; Kenny Drew, piano; Percy Heath, bass; Art Blakey, Drums) recorded December 1951:

Mambo Bounce

Time on my Hands

This Love of Mine

Shadrack

Slow Boat to China

Newk's Fadeaway

and "I Know" with Rolins, Miles Davis (Piano), Heath on bass and Roy Haynes on Drums.

Side two includes With a Song in my Heart and Scoops with the Quartet line up and four more with the Modern Jazz Quartet. (Rollin, tenor sax; John Lewis, piano; Milt Jackson, vibes; Percy Heath, bass; Kenny Clarke, Drums.

The Stopper

In a Sentimental Mood

No Moe

Almost like being in Love

These four were recorded Oct. 7, 1953.

Lindsey Planer reviews the LP on allmusic.com as follows...

Included here are some of Sonny Rollins' earliest sessions as a bandleader. These are among the fresh and vibrant baker's dozen of selections on Sonny Rollins With the Modern Jazz Quartet (1953). The title is a bit misleading though, since the MJQ -- with John Lewis (piano), Milt Jackson (vibes), Percy Heath (bass), and Kenny Clarke (drums) -- is only accounted for during the first four sides. There is a playful and energetic tone that ricochets from Jackson's fluid vibes, landing firmly in Rollins' musical court. One prime example of this interaction is heard throughout the solos on the opening track, "Stopper." Similarly, "Almost Like Falling in Love" bops, weaves, and swings throughout, with some expressive contributions via Lewis, effectively linking Rollins' and Jackson's solos. "No Moe," which stands as one of the best originals on the disc, also bears their undeniable connection. Another not-to-be-missed reading is the sultry "In a Sentimental Mood." Here, Rollins spirals mature and ethereal lines against Jackson's resonant intonation and shimmer. If just for these tunes, Sonny Rollins With the Modern Jazz Quartet is a vital component in any jazz enthusiasts' collection. The rest of the disc is performed by Rollins and a quartet that also includes the talents of Kenny Drew (piano), the MJQ's Percy Heath (bass), and the main Jazz Messenger, Art Blakey (drums). On the original tune "Scoops," Blakey's hardball antics provide well-placed sonic interjections, punctuating Rollins' highly infectious melodic sense. While on the subject of catchy tunes, all ears should be directed to the biblically derived title "Shadrack," which had been a signature piece for Louis Armstrong. This early incarnation of the Sonny Rollins Quartet has rarely sounded as cohesive, as they collectively percolate with their definitive execution. Of particular note is the inclusion of Miles Davis' "I Know." This extension of Charlie Parker's "Confirmation" features Davis on piano accompanying Rollins with solid chord progressions, allowing the burgeoning player to lead his first-ever quartet with Heath and Roy Haynes (drums).

Good luck bidding and I'm sure you'll enjoy this one!