Sonny Rollins + 3
Sonny Rollins · 1995
56 min · 7 tracks · jazz
Richly melodic improvisations intertwine with rhythmic complexity, showcasing the depth of jazz’s post-bop evolution.
Top tracks — play these first
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Biji — This track exemplifies Rollins' ability to weave complex melodies with intricate rhythms, showcasing his improvisational prowess alongside a vibrant backing ensemble.
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What a Difference a Day Makes Start here — Rollins transforms this standard into an expressive vehicle for exploration, demonstrating his unique interpretation and emotional depth through extended solos.
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I've Never Been in Love Before — The lengthy arrangement allows for profound emotional expression, revealing Rollins’ nuanced approach to phrasing and dynamics within a classic tune.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate improvisation and strong arrangements, reflecting Rollins' mastery in jazz.
What we noticed
- Each track features extended improvisation sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes in depth.
- The album opens with a slow ballad and gradually introduces more complex rhythms and faster tempos in subsequent tracks.
- Rollins' saxophone lines often weave in and out of the piano and bass, creating a conversational dynamic among the instruments.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- wave-like dynamic explorations
- reflective moments of improvisation
- sophisticated evening listening
- intimate settings with friends
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer short standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Reaffirms Rollins' status with sophisticated arrangements after a long hiatus.
- Themes
- post-bop innovation· intimate jazz standards· personal expression
- Career context
- Released in 1995, Sonny Rollins + 3 marked a significant moment in Rollins' later career, following his acclaimed album 'The Bridge' from 1962. This album comes after a long hiatus from studio recordings, highlighting his enduring influence and mastery in jazz as he returned to the forefront of the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Coltrane· Ornette Coleman· Wayne Shorter
Tracklist
- 1 What a Difference a Day Makes Start here 10:07
- 2 Biji 8:19
- 3 They Say It's Wonderful 6:17
- 4 Mona Lisa 3:55
- 5 Cabin in the Sky 8:52
- 6 H.S. 6:19
- 7 I've Never Been in Love Before 12:19
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Speak No Evil
Wayne Shorter
Shares a similar post-bop innovation with intricate compositions and personal expression.
Chet Baker Sings
Chet Baker
Offers intimate jazz standards with a focus on personal storytelling and emotive improvisation.
The New Standard
Herbie Hancock
Explores tunes through a modern lens, blending familiar themes with fresh arrangements.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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