One of the most underrated albums in Sonny Rollins' extensive catalog, What's New? is his second recording for RCA Victor, featuring performances with Jim Hall, Bob Cranshaw, Ben Riley, Dennis Charles, Frank Charles, Willie Rodriguez and Candido. Many of these songs find Rollins utilizing the Latin rhythms of Candido and, on the calypso "Brownskin Girl", a vocal chorus interacts with the group. 

• Limited Edition (2000 Copies)
• 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl
• Mastered by Bernie Grundman
• Mastered from Original Analog Master Tapes
• Pressed at Pallas in Germany

One of the most underrated albums in Sonny Rollins' extensive catalog, What's New? is his second recording for the RCA Victor label, featuring performances with Jim Hall, Bob Cranshaw, Ben Riley, Dennis Charles, Frank Charles, Willie Rodriguez and Candido. Many of these songs find Rollins utilizing the Latin rhythms of Candido and, on the calypso "Brownskin Girl," a vocal chorus interacts with the group. Mastered from original analog tapes by Grammy Award winner Bernie Grundman and pressed on 180gram audiophile-grade vinyl at Pallas in Germany, this reissue shines a new light on Rollins' 1962 masterpiece

Sonny Rollins' mid-sixties experiment with bossa nova was completely different than was Stan Getz Jazz Samba. Rollins stayed true to his bop and avant garde roots, using bossa nova as a surgeon uses a scalpel, to dissect and deconstruct familiar melodies and turn them into something new. This hip reinterpretation of standards is Sonny's trademark, and in this album it's uncompromising. The whole album is interesting and highly original, but I will only comment on one cut, Rollin's deconstruction of a sentimental broadway ballad from Camelot. He takes the kitch out of this tune and turns it into a fierce meditation on the origins of jazz, the mystery of rhythm, and the fundamental particles of melody. Rollin's version of "If Ever I Would Leave You" is nothing less than this: one of the greatest tenor solos in the history of jazz.

Musicians:

Sonny Rollins (tenor saxophone)
Jim Hall (guitar)
Bob Cranshaw (bass)
Ben Riley (drums)
Dennis Charles / Frank Charles / Willie Rodriguez (percussion)
Candido Camero (congas)

Track Listing:

Side A:
1. If Ever I Would Leave You
2. Jungoso

Side B:
1. Bluesongo
2. The Night Has A Thousand Eyes
3. Brownskin Girl