Sonny Rollins – Saxophone Colossus [One Step] (Vinil 180g, LP)

For this vinyl reissue Hemiolia Records wanted to go beyond a “standard” restoration of “Saxophone Colossus”. While the reissues of “Saxophone Colossus” previously available on the market were based on master tape copies of the recordings, Hemiolia Records had access to an original first generation “flat” ¼”-mono production master tape! This allowed the label to create a unique stereo reinterpretation of the monophonic source material, one that – in terms of sound quality – is a far cry from the usual invasive mono manipulations. Pietro Benini’s remastering approaches “Saxophone Colossus” with the utmost respect and allows this magnificent work to breathe in a broader and deeper sonic space, without distorting the sonic essence and original dynamics of the 1956 recording.

With “Saxophone Colossus”, Sonny Rollins finally achieved the widespread recognition as a central figure in the jazz world that he had long deserved. Until this release, music critics had not really taken Rollins seriously, while his peers were already predicting that he would become one of the influential new forces on the jazz scene. “Saxophone Colossus” was released in 1956 on Prestige Records and later inspired critics to write scholarly essays. Fans celebrated Rollins’ creativity, his humor, and his outstanding ballads. The album is now regarded as a milestone in the history of jazz. It showcases Rollins’ virtuoso saxophone playing and his unique approach to improvisation, and was one of the first albums to highlight the importance of the saxophone as a solo instrument in jazz. Rollins’ playing technique and melodic style influenced numerous generations of subsequent saxophonists. In 1999, “Saxophone Colossus” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and in 2006, Jazzwise magazine ranked it No. 5 on its list of the “100 Jazz Albums That Shook the World.” The German edition of Rolling Stone ranked it No. 45 on its list of the 100 best jazz albums in 2013, and in 2017, the album was added to the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry.

Produced by Bob Weinstock and recorded on June 22, 1956, at Van Gelder Studios in Hackensack, New Jersey, the album features the legendary quartet lineup of Tommy Flanagan on piano, Doug Watkins on bass, and Max Roach on drums. To mark the launch of the “Hermiolia Reference Vinyl” series and lovingly remastered by Pietro Benini, the lacquer cutting for this exclusive reissue was done by Andreas Bauer at AB Mastering in Germany. Stamper Discs in the UK is responsible for manufacturing the stampers. Although the market standard allows for the production of up to 1,000 copies per stamper, Hemiola Records limited production to just 550 copies per stamper to ensure consistent and uncompromising sound quality. The series is therefore limited to 1,650 strictly numbered copies with OBI strip. Furthermore, “Saxophone Colossus” was pressed using the sonically superior One-Step process to avoid intermediate duplicates and ensure the absolute purity of the grooves. Finally, RPM Records in Denmark oversees every single step of the “WarmTone” pressing process with meticulous care and professionalism, ensuring that the quality of the 180-gram “Virgin” vinyl (33 RPM) is second to none.

MASTERING • Tape Machine: Otari MTR15 Recorder • Mixing Desk: D&R Merlin – Full Analog 96-channel console • Outboard Processing: Maselec, Tube-Tech, Drawmer, Studer

LACQUER CUTTING • Playback Machine: Studer A80 MKII – 1/4″ preview playback machine • Cutting Console: Neumann SP-79 – 4-channel full analog console • Disc Cutting Lathe: Neumann VMS-80

MUSICIANS
Sonny Rollins: tenor saxophone
Tommy Flangan: piano
Doug Watkins: bass
Max Roach: drums

Hemiolia Records was founded in 2013 in Perugia, Italy, by Claudio Valeri. In doing so, he realized his lifelong dream: to run a label inspired and driven by a deep passion for music, whose ambitions extend far beyond financial gain. Pietro Benini became the linchpin of the label’s releases, as Hemiolia Records’ brilliant sound engineer combines in-depth technical knowledge with forty years of experience in the analog domain. Hemiolia Records aims to produce music in the best possible audiophile quality. Whether it’s a tape, vinyl, or SACD release, every recording is conceived and produced with passion and meticulous attention to detail. The label’s work is based on 100 percent continuity of the analog chain. Hemiolia Records is committed to quality across the board – a quality that all employees are determined to pursue and that is perfected through procedures documented in a constantly updated and refined guidebook.

We recommend the use of „L’Art du Son” LP cleaner to wet wash your vinyl. Even new records of high quality production will benefit from this.

Lista pieselor

Side A
1. St. Thomas
2. You Don’t Know What Love Is
3. Strode Rode

Side B
1. Moritat
2. Blue Seven