Reel Life

Released in 1982 on the Milestone label, Reel Life represents a pivotal moment in Sonny Rollins' later career where he successfully integrated jazz-funk and Caribbean influences into his core hard bop identity. The album is notable for its unique instrumentation, featuring two electric guitarists (Bobby Broom and Yoshiaki Masuo) which gives the record a lush, modern texture distinct from the sparse trio or quartet settings of his 1950s peak. The presence of Jack DeJohnette on drums ensures a high level of rhythmic complexity and drive, particularly on the title track and 'Sonny Side Up'. While some purists at the time were wary of the 'contemporary' production, the album has been reassessed as a testament to Rollins' adaptability and his refusal to become a museum piece. It showcases his ability to maintain his signature 'muscular' tone while exploring the funkier, more melodic landscapes of the early 80s urban jazz scene.