Sonny Rollins

Rollins' 20th album for Fantasy finds him once again addressing environmental issues through his music as he previously had on 1958's Freedom Suite. In fact, Rollins refers to this disc as his "Freedom Suite of 1998." Besides the calypso-influenced title track, Rollins also pens three other new songs to fit this environmentally conscious project, "Mother Nature's Blues," "Echo-Side Blues," and "Clear Cut Boogie." Also on tap is a scintillating remake of "Island Lady" and the Gershwin standard "Change Partners." Utilizing a quartet for three of the tracks and a sextet for the remainder, Rollins' blowing is impassioned throughout and the surroundings are nice and intimate, making this a very inspired set. ~ Cub Koda, All Music Guide