Easy Living
Sonny Rollins · 1977
41 min · 6 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of jazz improvisation and soulful melodies, blending classic standards with Rollins' distinctive tenor saxophone voice.
Top tracks — play these first
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Isn't She Lovely Start here — This track features a playful yet intricate arrangement that allows Rollins to showcase his expressive phrasing and emotional depth, breathing fresh life into Stevie Wonder's classic.
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Down the Line — A standout composition highlighting Rollins' improvisational prowess, the track weaves complex rhythms with a sense of spontaneity that exemplifies his artistry.
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Easy Living — Rollins delivers a poignant interpretation of this standard, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotion through nuance and subtle variations in tone.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalRollins' improvisational skill shines through in this vibrant jazz record, balancing energy and introspection.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of extended improvisation, with each track allowing Rollins to explore melodic variations over the chord changes.
- The first three tracks maintain a lively tempo, while the fourth introduces a slower groove that contrasts with the preceding energy.
- Each piece is anchored by a strong rhythm section that complements Rollins' saxophone lines, creating a dynamic interplay between melody and rhythm.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady melodic progression
- rich harmonic exploration
- soulful moments of reflection
- inviting afternoon listening
- engaging background for conversation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer short standalone songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Released after a hiatus, it showcases Rollins' continued vitality and innovation.
- Themes
- sophisticated melodies· Latin jazz fusion· post-bop evolution
- Career context
- By 1977, Sonny Rollins had established himself as a prominent figure in jazz, known for his innovative approach to improvisation. 'Easy Living' was released after a lengthy hiatus from recording, marking his return to the studio since the groundbreaking 'The Bridge' in 1962. This album showcases his continued evolution as an artist while embracing more lyrical and melodic interpretations.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Coltrane· Ornette Coleman· Wayne Shorter
Tracklist
- 1 Isn't She Lovely Start here 6:41
- 2 Down the Line 8:01
- 3 My One and Only Love 5:06
- 4 Arroz Con Pollo 5:38
- 5 Easy Living 6:11
- 6 Hear What I'm Saying 9:41
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Light as a Feather
Chick Corea
Shares lush melodies and intricate harmonies, blending jazz with Latin influences.
Speak Like a Child
Herbie Hancock
Presents sophisticated arrangements and a rich harmonic palette, focusing on melodic exploration.
The Real McCoy
McCoy Tyner
Features post-bop sophistication with deep emotional resonance and complex harmonic structures.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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