Label: OJC
Audio CD: (October 25, 1990)
Jazz
This 1956 outing pairs the tenor great with Miles Davis's rhythm section of the time: pianist Red Garland, bassist Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones. Most significantly, the title track represents the only recorded meeting between Rollins and John Coltrane (also a Davis Quintet member at the time), a fierce cutting contest that finds the two legends pushing each other to great effect. The remainder of the session finds Rollins in a warm, relaxed mood, rolling through a typically eclectic repertoire and adding the lightly swinging original "Paul's Pal." His respect for melody and emphasis on tone shine through clearly.
By Marc Greilsamer.
**
The bad news is that tenor Olympians Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane joined forces in the studio just once. The good news is that it's available on TENOR MADNESS. The title track is battle of two gladiators, exchanging solos with such strength and imagination it's mind-boggling. Coltrane begins the exchange, which is really not a battle but rather a collaboration with Rollins. Although the piece is not really a competition, Rollins is every bit Coltrane's equal during the 12+ minute romp. This recording is astounding and timeless. It literally doesn't get any better than this.
So the CD goes downhill from there, right? No way. Sonny is as relaxed as a late summer morning on the second track, "When Your Lover Has Gone." Red Garland (piano) and Paul Chambers (bass) also takes solos that are as smooth as a velvet rainbow. "Paul's Pal" is a nice groove number with some outstanding brush work by drummer Philly Joe Jones. "My Reverie" finds Sonny floating a soft, smoky vibrato over the rhythm section. The disc concludes with "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World," a Richard Rodgers tune that the boys have great fun reconstructing. Great solos by all.
Very highly recommended.
By A. Wolverton.
**
This was, in my opinion, Sonny's first real important and influential album. The public was aware of his talents, when he replaced Harold Land in the Max Roach/Clifford Brown Quintet the year before, but Sonny hadn't really made a ground breaking album yet. This was it!
Tenor Madness swings in ever which way. There ain't a bad track on the whole album. A masterpiece from start to finish. Though over-shadowed by its more famous father release, Saxophone Colossus, Tenor Madness can hold its own, and it features some of the best tenor saxophone playing by Sonny, and ever in jazz.
The players were top notch too. For the first track, John Coltrane sits in. I believe Sonny thought it was his job to let the new guy blow. Sort of like old man let's young man have a shot. And back and forth solos between them in the song is almost woth the price of the cut alone.
There isn't two saxophonists who play more different. You can easily distinguish Sonny from Trane, and both of their ideas are endless and imaginative.
And joining Trane and Newk was The Red Garland Trio. Red Garland on piano, Paul Chambers on bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums. Also know as, the rhythm section of the Miles Davis Quintet. The three worked together on numerous projects, though Garland substituted Art Taylor for drummer Philly Joe Jones most of the time, on Red's solo projects, The Red Garland Trio quickly became Garland, Chambers, and Art Taylor, but the original drummer, Philly Joe Jones is here for the recording.
Red Garland was truely his own man. Very distinct style, with his use of block chords, and melodically swinging approach. After Sonny gives up his solo time and Garland comes in, a beautiful mileau comes over you, due to Garland's colorful and imaginative solos.
Paul Chambers' bass solos, some while using a bow, are extraudinary. Philly Joe had a way of being very melodic when he soloed. His solos are very imaginative and all fit well with the piece. He compliments whom ever is soloing very well, and makes it even more of a joy to listen to.
Though the album opens up with the classic, Tenor Madness, I agree with the other reviewer who was pleased more with the last few tunes, omit John Coltrane.
There is The Most Beautiful Girl started out in 3/4 and which features a very nice melodic drum solo by Philly Joe, and there is the dedication piece to Paul Chambers, Paul's Pal, perhaps the most melodic tune on the whole album. I love when Sonny and Philly Joe are trading solos, and Sonny just finds that special note he likes and just sticks with it, calm and subtle, and Philly Joe just picks up his brushes and solos like nothing ever happened.
This was a unique and enjoyable recording all around. I highly recommend it to anybody into jazz, for a short time or for a while.
You can't go wrong with Tenor Madness.
By Chris Covais.
**
Sonny Rollins- Tenor Saxophone
John Coltrane- Tenor Saxophone
Red Garland- Piano
Paul Chambers- Double Bass
Philly Joe Jones- Drums
**
01. Tenor Madness 12:15
02. When Your Lover Has Gone 6:12
03. Paul's Pal 5:12
04. My Reverie 6:08
05. The Most Beautiful Girl In The World 5:35
**
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