This Is What I Do
With his nephew, Clifton Anderson, on trombone,Stephen Scotton piano, longtime partner Bob Cranshaw on electric bass, and Perry Wilson andJack DeJohnetteon drums, Sonny Rollins's big sound and genius for thematic improvisation are in full effect onThis Is What I Do. "Salvador," a calypso-samba tribute to the Afro-Brazilian city, is a rhythmic ancestor of his celebrated "St. Thomas." The gospel-tinged version of "Sweet Leilani" and his midtempo rendition of "The Moon of Manakoora"--from the filmsWaikiki WeddingandThe Hurricane, respectively--both highlight Rollins's humorous side and his genius for turning corny pop tunes into jazz vehicles. Rollins also salutes dearly departed comrades with the funky "Did You See Harold Vick" and the sanctified stirrings of "Charles M" in honor ofCharles Mingus. What tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins has done for the past 50 years is reign as one of jazz's most thrilling improvisers. This is further proof why.--Eugene Holley Jr.