Tenor saxophone icon Sonny Rollins composed his first film score in 1965 for the movie that put Michael Caine in the map. The movie was "Alfie". Caine played a British cad who used his looks and charm to manipulate women until he met his match and had to grow up. Rollins composed and played the music that was used throughout the film and the score was issued on a fine recording that you will hear on tonight's Jazz Feature.. We hear Sonny in wonderful form backed by an orchestra conducted by Oliver Nelson who expanded Rollins' compositions for a big band. Sonny is heard extensively but there are fine solos by guitarist Kenny Burrell and pianist Roger Kellaway. A strong rhythm section with bassist Walter Booker and great drummer Frankie Dunlop are heard to wonderful advantage. We will also follow the Rollins album with a complimentary version of the famous Bert Bacharach/Hal David tune that was also featured in the movie: "What's It All About Alfie?" (aka "Alfie"). This tune will be played by Rahsaan Roland Kirk. This will be the first of two Jazz film scores for movies that had nothing to do with Jazz. Next week, one by Miles Davis.
