Called “the greatest living improvisor” for his masterful ability to improvise over just about everything (which frankly is one of the best nicknames you could give a jazz musician), jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins’ chops are indisputable. On Way Out West Rollins drags you into deep waters, utilizing a style known as “strollin’” for the first time where he plays on top of a meager arrangement of bass and drums with nary a piano or guitar chord to lead the way. The result is a delightful dalliance of moods and emotions that reflect the soul of one of America’s true original jazz saxophonists. The recording session for this album began at 3am, but after a four-hour session where half the record was already recorded, Rollins gleefully said “I’m hot now” and the band went onto finish the album on the spot. That’s a true jazz cat for you right there.
Rollins formally retired in 2014 after a 65-year career due to pulmonary fibrosis, but his playing still lives on in his recorded material, one of the more prominent examples being Way Out West.
Standout Songs: “Come, Gone”, “Wagon Wheels”
