Sonny Rollins traverses a path in this survey of his years as a Prestige recording artist, from hotshot young New York tenorman to a saxophone colossus astride the entire jazz world. His assertive attack, boundless imagination, harmonic daring, rhythmic diversity, and often caustic humor allow him to excel on mambos and calypsos, sentimental pop songs, and boppish blues, all with a swagger and intelligence that came to set a new standard for improvisers on all instruments. Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, and the Modern Jazz Quartet are featured on various tracks, yet Rollins is never overshadowed in what remain some of his most prized performances.

with Tommy Flanagan, Doug Watkins, Max Roach, Thelonious Monk, Tommy Potter, Arthur Taylor, Clifford Brown, Richie Powell, George Morrow, Kenny Drew, Percy Heath, Art Blakey, Ray Bryant, John Lewis, Milt Jackson, Kenny Clarke, John Coltrane, Red Garland, Paul Chambers, and Earl Coleman