Sonny Rollinsfirst appeared on a Blue Note recording session in 1949 as part ofBud Powells Modernists during a period when the saxophonist was coming up on the scene and cutting his teeth alongside bebop innovators includingThelonious Monk,Charlie Parker, andMiles Davis. After he began leading his own record dates in the 1950s, Rollins hooked up withAlfred Lionagain and recorded four tremendous albums for Blue Note in less than a year between December 1956 and November 1957. Following two quintet dates that were released asSonny Rollins,Volume 1andVol. 2,the saxophone colossus returned to Van Gelder Studio in September 1957 with a quartet comprised of pianistWynton Kelly, bassistDoug Watkins, and drummerPhilly Joe Jonesto recordNewks Time(the album title was a reference to his nickname Newk due to his resemblance to Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Don Newcombe). Rollins & Co. romp through a typically eclectic set that includes pieces by his jazz peers (Miles Davis Tune Up & Kenny Dorhams Asiatic Raes), Broadway showtunes (the saxophone-drums duet Surrey with the Fringe on Top & the sumptuous Namely You), pop songs (Wonderful! Wonderful! which was a hit for Johnny Mathis in 1956), and Rollins own spirited original Blues for Philly Joe.

This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is stereo, all-analog, mastered byKevin Grayfrom the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

Tracklist:

A1. Tune Up
A2. Asiatic Raes
A3. Wonderful! Wonderful!

B1. The Surrey With The Fringe On Top
B2. Blues For Philly Joe
B3. Namely You