ALBUM REVIEWS /JAZZ

SONNY ROLLINS

“Sonny Rollins +3” ** 1/2 Milestone

Sonny Rollins in performance with a trio is a promising notion, an arena that is open yet supportive enough to allow his improvisational skills on the saxophone to take wing. But what might have been a sterling outing is largely betrayed by his rhythm sections, which offer meager foundations for soloing. Bob Cranshaw’s walking electric bass generates little propulsive energy, and Al Foster’s drums sound noisy and out of touch. Jack DeJohnette, who performs on two tracks, provides more centered drumming, but it is nearly buried by Cranshaw’s bass. And pianists Tommy Flanagan and Stephen Scott rarely play up to their usual elevated levels.

Which is a shame, since Rollins appears ready to have done some serious improvising. His pinched tone is a far cry from the gorgeous rich sound of his early years. But his imaginative ideas are as fruitful as ever, pouring forth in a kind of continuous, vocal-like, declamatory style. Some very good Rollins here, but with the right support it could have been much, much better.

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