Overly Popular Saxophone Colossus Might Divert Audience from Sonny Rollins's True Talent
While it is undeniable that the catchy theme of "St. Thomas" has made Saxophone Colossus the most beloved work of Sonny Rollins, the album fairly showcases his improvisational genius. As heard on "St. Thomas," Rollins typically begins with cautions and then gradually develops into lyric lines. After the other musicians' solos, Rollins comes back with furious fast phrases before returning to the theme. Among the band members, drummer Max Roach is phenomenal, playing aggressive ad-libs while keeping the beat (especially on "Blue 7"). His interplays with Rollins are also thrilling (especially on "Strode Rode"). The variety of tunes, from calypso to Kurt Weill cover to authentic blues, shows Rollins's broad range of interests. Overall, Saxophone Colossus has remained as the most well-known work of his; being overly popular, it might divert the audience's attention from his true talent as a jazz improviser.

The Great Sonny Rollins
In all books about jazz I found this CD highly recommended, I looked for it and when I listened its music I understood the reason.

Mine DOESN'T skip
I don't write reviews very often (or EVER...) but I was just glancing over the reviews here that claim the 2006 RVG remaster is defective, so I popped my copy in and played it straight through (yeah, it's my day off) and there are no skips, glitches, or hiccups. Nothing. I don't know why some would skip, but mine works perfectly.

Reliable, steady, and oh so good
This CD is a treat from start to finish. I like the mix of well known and not so well known songs, and I especially like Moritat ("Mack the Knife") for its straight forward delivery, true to the original rhythm and swing, and a saxophone solo by Sonny that is unparalleled in recorded jazz history. I've never had any issues with Van Gelder re-mixes, and I can confirm that there are a few blips here and there, but I don't consider them distracting and the music can still be easily enjoyed. Fans of sax jazz simply must buy this recording, and I don't see how any serious fan of jazz can be without it. If you are looking for something to broaden a non-jazz oriented music collection, I think this might be a good candidate for you, simply because the music is so much fun. Let 'er rip!

Colossal genius
No CD comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, but the first minute or so of "St. Thomas" -- with Max Roach setting up the calypso beat on his toms and then Sonny coming in on sax -- is about as close as it gets. What a perfect introduction to Sonny Rollins, and maybe jazz in general. "St. Thomas" is the most memorable performance here, due to the insanely catchy melody, but the other tracks are equally rewarding. "You Don't Know What Love Is" is a superb reading of the ballad. "Moritat" (better known as "Mac the Knife") swings along leisurely while "Strode Rode" chugs along at a more hectic pace. And "Blue 7" is a blues (obviously) that allows all four musicians to stretch out, with a particularly inspired solo by Rollins. The two guys that really shine here are Sonny and Max Roach, but you can't forget Tommy Flanagan's always-tasteful piano and Doug Watkin's tight bass playing. Saxophone Colossus is one of the first jazz CDs a jazz newbie should hear, and if you like it pick up Sonny's Way Out West and A Night at the Village Vanguard as well.

[This review is based on the K2 20-bit reissue, which has great sound. The tracklist is identical to the RVG.]