Sonny Rollins & Coleman Hawkins: Lover Man

Sonny Rollins avant-garde period culminating in East Broadway Rundown was in full bloom when the 33-year-old recorded with his boyhood idol, Coleman Hawkins. On Lover Man, Rollins boisterous tenor is at its most expressive jarringly rhythmic in the low end, feeding off the more subdued statements of Hawkins. The two trade inspired choruses before Hawkins restates the melody under Rollins screeching, sustained altissimo counterpoint. A thrilling performance.