Sep 3, 2025 12:02 PM
Keeping the Flame at Van Gelder Studio
On the last Sunday of 2024, in the control room of Van Gelder Studio, Don and Maureen Sickler, co-owners since Rudy Van…
The mono version of Sonny Rollins’ Way Out West was issued in 1957, with the stereo version of the album coming out the following year. A reissued set marks the latter’s 60th anniversary.
(Photo: Courtesy Craft Recordings)Sixty years ago, the stereo version of saxophonist Sonny Rollins’ Way Out West was released.
On the album, which features bassist Ray Brown and drummer Shelly Manne, the bandleader takes his trio through six cuts. On the expanded deluxe LP edition of the album, available today on the Craft Recordings imprint, a few unreleased takes are are added, including a version of the group working through “There Is No Greater Love.” A version of the standard is streaming below.
Sourced from the session’s original analog tapes, the reissue package includes thoroughly researched liner notes from Neil Tesser and photos by William Claxton.
For more information about the release and other albums on Craft, visit the label’s website. DB
Don and Maureen Sickler serve as the keepers of engineer Rudy Van Gelder’s flame at Van Gelder Studio, perhaps the most famous recording studio in jazz history.
Sep 3, 2025 12:02 PM
On the last Sunday of 2024, in the control room of Van Gelder Studio, Don and Maureen Sickler, co-owners since Rudy Van…
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