Sonny Rollins’ rendition of There’s No Business Like Show Business is a lively, virtuosic interpretation of the Irving Berlin classic, showcasing the saxophonist’s signature blend of wit, spontaneity, and technical mastery.
The track appears on his 1956 album Work Time, recorded on December 2, 1955, and released on the Prestige label.
The album features Rollins in a quartet setting with pianist Ray Bryant, bassist George Morrow, and drummer Max Roach, delivering a dynamic exploration of standards and original compositions.
Work Time is often celebrated for its energetic performances, tight interplay, and Rollins’ imaginative improvisations, cementing his reputation as a leading figure in modern jazz during the hard bop era.
If you don’t have it on CD, there’s a great reissue which combines this recording with his classic Saxophone Colossus recorded a year later.
Find out more about this topic with our pick of his 10 essential Rollins albums, or check out his place on our guide the the most influential jazz saxophonists ever.