After Sonny Rollins' first Blue Note appearance with Bud Powell in 1949, the saxophonist returned to make his label debut as a leader in 1956. "Volume 1" was classic Rollins with hard-swinging originals plus a tender ballad that showcased his robust sound and boundless improvisational skills. Rollins played with a quintet featuring Donald Byrd, Wynton Kelly, Gene Ramey, and Max Roach.
