Old Flames

Released in 1993 on the Milestone label, Old Flames represents a significant chapter in Sonny Rollins' late-career discography. While Rollins is often celebrated for his 'strenuous' and 'volcanic' playing style, this record focuses almost entirely on the ballad form. The lineup is a 'who's who' of jazz royalty, featuring Tommy Flanagan on piano, Bob Cranshaw on bass, and Jack DeJohnette on drums. Two tracks feature expanded brass arrangements by Jimmy Heath, adding a 'chamber jazz' feel that is rare in Rollins' catalog. Critics, particularly Scott Yanow of AllMusic, noted the 'comfortable' and 'passionate' nature of the recording, highlighting it as a successful example of a veteran musician revisiting his roots with newfound maturity. The album is notable for its long track durations, allowing Rollins to deconstruct melodies with a leisurely, conversational approach that avoids the clichés of standard 'dinner jazz' in favor of genuine emotional exploration.