Brass/Trio (Verve Vault Series)

Brass/Trio, released in 1958 on Verve Records, is an unusual two-sided statement from saxophonist Sonny Rollins – pairing a full brass ensemble session on one side with a stripped-down saxophone trio on the other. The first half features Rollins with a brass ensemble arranged and conducted by Ernie Wilkins, recorded in New York in July 1958. The lineup includes trumpeter Harry “Sweets” Edison, trombonists J.J. Johnson and Jimmy Cleveland, and tuba player Don Butterfield, supported by a rhythm section of pianist Dick Katz, guitarist Rene Thomas, bassist Henry Grimes, and drummer Roy Haynes. The second half was recorded days later in Los Angeles with bassist Henry Grimes and drummer Specs Wright – a pared-down trio setting that emphasizes Rollins’ rhythmic command and melodic elasticity. The Verve Vault Series is always mastered from analog tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.