Sonny Rollins Quartet – PA, USA – May 3, 1979 – Complete Remastered

This release serves as a tribute to the jazz giant Sonny Rollins—who passed away peacefully at the age of 95 in May 2026—by presenting a complete, 1-hour-and-57-minute recording of his concert in Philadelphia on May 3, 1979. Drawn from a high-quality audience master tape, the audio has undergone state-of-the-art 2026 remastering, including pitch correction, sound pressure adjustment, and hiss reduction, resulting in a smooth, powerful, and dynamic sound. The Milestone label era was a time of remarkably active output for Rollins—spanning both studio albums and live performances—and this recording perfectly captures the essence of his 1970s style: a period defined by relentless, spirited playing that evolved from the various stylistic shifts of the 1950s. The performance also features a solid backing band that includes musicians who played on his albums, such as Mark Soskin and Jerome Harris. Notably, while his drummers changed frequently during this period, the lineup here features Al Foster—known for his work with the Miles Davis band and his participation in the album *Don’t Ask*, released the following year—forming a robust rhythm section that drives the fiery performance. It is an excellent live set showcasing a wide range of performances, from the pop sensibilities of Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” to a solo played on the Lyricon during the finale, John Coltrane’s “Impressions.” Recorded at Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, PA, USA May 3rd 1979 : Audience Recording / 2026 Remaster DISC 1 : First Set 1. STRODE RODE 2. HARLEM BOYS 3. EASY LIVING 4. ISN’T SHE LOVELY 5. KEEP HOLD OF YOURSELF DISC 2 : Second Set 1. AND THEN MY LOVE I FOUND YOU 2. Tenor Saxophone Solo 3. DON’T STOP THE CARNAVAL 4. THE CUTTING EDGE 5. HEAR WHAT I’M SAYING 6. ALFIE’S THEME 7. IMPRESSIONS Sonny Rollins – tenor saxophone, lyricon / Mark Soskin – keyboards / Jerome Harris – electric bass / Al Foster – drums