Sonny Rollins – Saxophone Colossus (Prestige, Mono)

With Saxophone Colossus, Sonny Rollins finally gained the widespread recognition as a central figure in the jazz world that he deserved. Until this release, music critics had not taken Rollins seriously, while his colleagues already knew that he was one of the influential new forces on the jazz scene. Saxophone Colossus, released in 1956, inspired critics to write scholarly treatises; fans celebrated Rollins' creativity, humor and outstanding ballads. The tenor saxophonist is accompanied by Tommy Flanagan on piano, Doug Watkins on bass and Max Roach on drums.