Sonny Rollins

Anyone can have opinions, but the ability to make a compelling case in defense of them is rare. I think Palmer succeeds. His critiques of Rollins' music, as well as the state of jazz during the various periods of Rollins' output, are well developed and quite interesting. Even if you disagree with his conclusions, his theories provide ample food for thought. This is not a biography or discography (although it contains a good deal of both), but an analysis. P.N. Wilson's Sonny Rollins: The Definitive Musical Guide is similar and also very good, but I prefer this book.