Alfie [1966] [Original Music from the Score]

Original music from the Paramount motion picture Alfie composed by Sonny Rollins; arranged and conducted by Oliver Nelson.
Personnel: Sonny Rollins (tenor saxophone); Oliver Nelson (conductor, arranger, tenor saxophone); Phil Woods (alto saxophone); Bob Ashton (tenor saxophone); Danny Bank (baritone saxophone); Jimmy Cleveland, J.J. Johnson (trombone); Roger Kellaway (piano); Kenny Burrell (guitar); Walter Booker (bass); Frankie Dunlop (drums).
Producer: Bob Thiele.
Reissue producer: Michael Cuscuna.
Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on January 26, 1966. Originally released on Impulse (AS-9111). Includes original liner notes by Nat Hentoff.
Digitally remastered using 20-bit technology by Erick Labson (MCA Music Media Studios).
Tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins loaned his flair for the dramatic to the score for the film Alfie, accompanying the story of what the liner notes describe as "the involuntary education of a hipster." Arranged by Oliver Nelson, the soundtrack follows the character's evolution from the carefree, rakish Lothario of "Alfie's Theme" to the contemplative, somewhat broken man reflected in "Alfie's Theme Differently." Rollins attempts to capture the textures of life through his incisive and energetic playing, his coherent improvisations, and variations on musical themes. While "Alfie's Theme" and its variants make the most lasting impression, "He's Younger Than You Are" is touching, laced with regret. And the sensual, relaxed "On Impulse" has a nice sense of immediacy. ~ Rovi Staff