Product details
- Label Original Jazz Classics
- Artist Sonny Rollins
- Format 1LP
- Country United States
- Released Date 2009
- Genre Jazz
- Sealed Yes
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Way Out West by Sonny Rollins.
Few records in the jazz canon capture the sound of a musician stretching out with such fearless confidence as Sonny Rollins does on "Way Out West." Recorded at Contemporary's studio in Los Angeles on March 7, 1957, and originally released that same year, this is Rollins in a stripped down, wide open setting, his tenor saxophone carrying melodies with only bass and drums for company. The pianoless trio format leaves plenty of space, and Rollins fills it with the kind of muscular, inventive playing that made him one of the definitive voices of his era.
The company he keeps here is impeccable. Ray Brown anchors the sessions on bass with his deep, resonant tone, while Shelly Manne brings a light, conversational touch on drums, the two of them giving Rollins both a foundation and a partner in dialogue. The interplay across all six tracks feels loose yet purposeful, a testament to musicians who could think fast and swing hard without a chord instrument to lean on.
The program itself is a study in contrasts and a bit of playful wit given the album's title and Western theme. The set opens with "I'm An Old Cowhand," a tune Rollins turns into something both cheeky and swinging, followed by the tender balladry of "Solitude" and the brisk drive of "Come, Gone." Side two carries the same spirit through "Wagon Wheels," the standard "There Is No Greater Love," and the closing title track, "Way Out West," which sends things off with real momentum.
This edition traces its lineage through Contemporary's storied production values. Lester Koenig produced the original sessions and contributed the liner notes dated June 6, 1957, while Roy DuNann handled the engineering that gave Contemporary its famously clear, present sound. William Claxton's photography defines the album's visual identity, from the iconic cover image of Rollins to the liner photo, with Koenig himself credited for the back cover photography. The front and back cover carry a 1957 copyright by Contemporary Records, Inc.
This is a 2009 repress of the 1988 remaster, which was handled by Phil De Lancie at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. It arrives on the classic yellow Contemporary Records labels, housed in a plain white paper inner sleeve with rounded corners and a center cutout. Notably, the cover does not carry the Original Jazz Classics logo, and the runouts are etched "OJC-337 A ₁ RE₂" and "OJC-337 B ₁ RE₂."
For collectors drawn to the golden age of West Coast recording and the towering artistry of Sonny Rollins, this pressing offers a faithful way to hear a genuine classic.
Pressing Details:
Track Listing:
A1. I'm An Old Cowhand
A2. Solitude
A3. Come, Gone
B1. Wagon Wheels
B2. There Is No Greater Love
B3. Way Out West
Credits:
Ray Brown - Bass
Shelly Manne - Drums
Roy DuNann - Engineer [Sound By]
Lester Koenig - Liner Notes [June 6, 1957]
William Claxton - Photography By [Cover Photo Of Sonny Rollins Is By], Cover [Cover Photo Of Sonny Rollins Is By], Photography By [Liner Photo By]
Lester Koenig - Producer [Produced By]
Phil De Lancie - Remastered By [1988]
Sonny Rollins - Tenor Saxophone
Notes:
2009 repress of the 1988 remaster. Plain white paper inner sleeve with rounded corners and center cutout. Yellow 'Contemporary Records' labels. 'Original Jazz Classics' logo NOT printed on cover.
Originally released 1957
Recorded at Contemporary's studio in Los Angeles; March 7, 1957
Remastered at Fantasy Studios, Berkeley
Photography on the back cover: Lester Koenig
Album front & back cover © 1957 by Contemporary Records, Inc.
Etched runouts as on release: "OJC-337 A ₁ RE₂" and "OJC-337 B ₁ RE₂"
Artist: Sonny Rollins
Format: 1LP
Genre: Jazz
Label: Original Jazz Classics
Catalog Number: OJC-337
Release Year: 2009
Country: United States
Condition: Sealed (New)
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