Alfie (album)

Alfie is a 1966 album by jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins of music from the film of the same name. The original British film soundtrack featured Rollins with local musicians, including pianist Stan Tracey, who are not heard on this album.

It features performances by Rollins, with Kenny Burrell, Jimmy Cleveland, J.J. Johnson and Roger Kellaway, arranged and conducted by Oliver Nelson.^[2]

Burt Bacharach was inspired by the film to write the title song, Alfie, which became a top ten hit in the UK for Cilla Black. It subsequently appeared in the US release of the film over the final titles, in a version sung by Cher (produced by Sonny Bono). Later, Dionne Warwick recorded the most popular cover of the song. Bacharach and Hal David received an Oscar nomination for the song.

The album reached #17 on the R&B Billboard chart.^[3]

Tracklisting

All compositions by Sonny Rollins except as indicated

1. "Alfie's Theme" – 9:41
2. "He's Younger Than You Are" – 5:09
3. "Street Runner with Child" – 3:59
4. "Transition Theme for Minor Blues or Little Malcolm Loves His Dad" – 5:49
5. "On Impulse" – 4:28
6. "Alfie's Theme Differently" – 3:44

• Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, January 26, 1966

Personnel

• Oliver Nelson – arranger, conductor
• Sonny Rollins – composer, tenor saxophone
• J.J. Johnson – trombone (tracks 1 & 2)
• Jimmy Cleveland – trombone (tracks 3-6)
• Phil Woods – alto saxophone
• Bob Ashton – tenor saxophone
• Danny Bank – baritone saxophone
• Roger Kellaway – piano
• Kenny Burrell – guitar
• Walter Booker – bass
• Frankie Dunlop – drums

References