Sonny Rollins, Vol. 1 is Rollins' first album for Blue Note, released in 1957. It was recorded in a session with Donald Byrd on trumpet, Wynton Kelly on piano, Gene Ramey on bass, and Max Roach on drums. The recording marked the start of a fruitful relationship with the label. Critics praised the group's cohesion and Rollins' inventiveness.
The album features sophisticated hard bop, with original compositions like 'Decision' and 'Bluesnote'. The interplay between Rollins and Byrd is particularly notable, with energetic solos. Tracks like 'How Are Things in Glocca Morra?' showcase his ability to transform standards into fresh pieces.
Considered a classic of the genre, Sonny Rollins, Vol. 1 is essential in Rollins' discography. Its impact is reflected in the influence it had on later saxophonists. The album remains a reference for 1950s hard bop.