What’s New?

Released in 1962, What’s New? represents Sonny Rollins' fascination with Latin and Caribbean rhythms during a pivotal era of his career. Recorded shortly after his return from a three-year self-imposed hiatus, the album features a stellar lineup including Jim Hall on guitar and Bob Cranshaw on bass. Unlike the dense harmonic structures of his contemporaries, Rollins opts here for a more rhythmic, almost skeletal approach. The inclusion of 'Brownskin Girl' highlights his West Indian heritage, utilizing a vocal group to create a calypso-jazz hybrid that was radical for its time. 'Jungoso' is perhaps the most striking track, featuring only saxophone and congas, anticipating the avant-garde's move toward primal, minimalist structures. While some critics at the time were puzzled by its departure from standard hard bop, it has since been recognized as a vital document of Rollins' rhythmic genius and his willingness to subvert jazz orthodoxy.