A definitive hard-bop statement, melodic and muscular, home to the calypso 'St. Thomas'. Effortlessly inventive. One of the great tenor records. The highest-ranked Sonny Rollins album in the collection.
On vinyl: Period pressings are rare and expensive; seek out a reputable remaster on vinyl or CD.
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Tracks from this album on our lists
We don't reproduce full tracklists — only the songs from this record we've featured in our best-of lists.
More from Sonny Rollins — where to go next
If you have Saxophone Colossus, these are the Sonny Rollins records worth reaching for next.
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1
A Night at the Village Vanguard1957 · JazzStart here
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2
Saxophone Colossus1956 · you're viewing this oneClassic
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3
Way Out West1957 · JazzClassic
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4
The Bridge1962 · JazzClassic
If you like Saxophone Colossus, try
Pithecanthropus ErectusCharles Mingus
Ellington at NewportDuke Ellington
Ella and LouisElla Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
Six Pieces of SilverHorace Silver
Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm SectionArt Pepper
Minus Some FishCharles Mingus