Personnel: Sonny Rollins (tenor saxophone); Wynton Kelly (piano); Doug Watkins (bass); Philly Joe Jones (drums).

Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey on September 22, 1957. Includes liner notes by Joe Goldberg and Bob Blumenthal.

This is part of Blue Note's RVG series.

In his early prime and well-respected, tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins cut this fine hard bop date as one of several late-'50s sessions for Blue Note. The record is part classic date, part blowing session, sporting a mix of engaging head statements and lengthy solos. Rollins takes to the spacious quartet setting, stretching out on taut versions of Miles Davis' '50s concert opener "Tune Up" and Kenny Dorham's "Asiatic Raes." Keeping the swing hard but supple are drummer Philly Joe Jones, bassist Doug Watkins, and pianist Wynton Kelly; Jones was certainly the standout in this well-respected sampling of the best young players of the period, as he oftentimes matched the intensity and ingenuity of the star soloists he backed. Jones, in fact, puts in some career highlights on "Wonderful! Wonderful!" and "The Surrey With the Fringe on Top," just two of many wholly unique Tin Pan Alley song interpretations Rollins has done in his long career. From a career-defining period before the legendary Williamsburg Bridge layoff of two years, Rollins' Newk's Time may not make classic status in jazz roundups, but it certainly is a must for fans of this most important of classic hard bop soloists. ~ Stephen Cook

The mid-'50s Blue Note date NEWK'S TIME is a shining star in the Sonny Rollins catalog. The title is derived from Rollins' nickname "Newk," so-called because of his resemblance to baseball player Don Newcomb. It is Rollins' fierce strength as an improviser, along with his assembled quartet of stellar guests, which makes this session so special. Still in his 20s, the saxophonist displays relentless imagination and fire in lengthy solos on standards like Miles Davis' "Tune Up" and Kenny Dorham's rhythmically challenging "Asiatic Raes."

Rollins also continues his penchant for reinterpreting popular tunes, with a delightful reading of "Wonderful, Wonderful!" and "The Surrey With The Fringe On Top" on which he and Philly Joe Jones play a masterful sax/drums duet. Rollins' only composition on the disc is his swinging "Blues For Philly Joe" in honor of the legendary drummer who displays his signature style here. Finally, a lightly swinging stroll through Johnny Mercer's "Namely You" puts the finishing touch on a hard-bop classic.

Q (p.141) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[H]e effervescently powers through a chestnut-heavy set..."