My One And Only Love – 1982
Sonny Rollins
The unique tenor-saxophonist plays a warm ballad melodically and unaccompanied
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Tenor-saxophonist Sonny Rollins always had the ability to create solos based on the melody of a tune that he interpreted, playing variations of the theme over and over again endlessly without running out of ideas or losing one’s interest.
A good example of this rare talent can be heard during this performance from a 1982 concert in Montreal.
Rollins embraces “My One And Only Love” while being joined by both Bobby Broom and Yoshiaki Masuo on guitars, electric bassist Bob Cranshaw, and drummer Jack DeJohnette.
Halfway through the performance, the other musicians drop out and Rollins plays unaccompanied as only he can.
Along the way he quotes several songs including “I’ve Got A Gal In Kalamazoo” (a 1942 hit for Glenn Miller), “Don’t Stop The Carnival,” “Camptown Races,” and “Rock A Bye Baby.”
-Scott Yanow
