Joshua Redman has shared “If Ever I Would Leave You,” the title track from his forthcoming Sonny Rollins tribute album, If Ever You Would Leave Us (we play for Rollins). The project brings together 11 selections from Rollins’ repertoire, performed in several different configurations.
If Ever I Would Leave You
The standard “If Ever I Would Leave You” was recorded by Rollins for his 1962 album What’s New? Redman’s version features a quartet with pianist Kevin Hays, who previously played in Rollins’ band, bassist Larry Grenadier, and drummer Marcus Gilmore.
Redman began organizing the sessions in the days after Rollins’ passing. He said he woke up the following day with a need to do something for Rollins, then called friends and colleagues. A group of musicians made themselves available for studio sessions in New York, which came together within a couple of weeks. The album also features bassist Christian McBride, guitarist Peter Bernstein, tenor saxophonist Chris Potter, and vocalists Cécile McLorin Salvant and Gabrielle Cavassa.
Redman described Rollins as a lasting influence on his playing and his life. “Sonny’s passing definitely hit me hard,” he said. “It felt not unlike the passing of a parent. He certainly felt like a musical father, grandfather and godfather, all rolled into one, for me and I think for all of us.” Redman has called Rollins his “number one” influence as an improviser and saxophonist, and said the saxophonist had seemed like someone who “would never leave us.”
Listen to Joshua Redman’s “If Ever You Would Leave You” here.
