"Valse Hot" from Sonny Rollins Plus 4, recorded in 1956, is a rare jazz waltz composed by Rollins himself that demonstrates the saxophonist's melodic inventiveness in three-quarter time. Set in A-flat major with a 16-bar form, the performance features an all-star lineup from the Clifford Brown-Max Roach Quintet. Rollins opens the solo section with five choruses at 137 BPM, his tenor saxophone lines dancing gracefully over the waltz rhythm. Clifford Brown follows with five equally compelling trumpet choruses, displaying the fluid technique and joyful swing that defined his tragically brief career. Pianist Richie Powell contributes five choruses of his own, and drummer Max Roach closes out the solo section with two dynamic choruses. This session, produced by Bob Weinstock for Prestige Records, captured Rollins at a creative peak, surrounded by musicians who pushed him to his highest level. The album's title refers to the Brown-Roach Quintet members who joined Rollins for the date. Recorded just months before the automobile accident that claimed the lives of both Brown and Powell, this session takes on added historical significance as one of their final recordings. The waltz format was uncommon in hard bop, making this track an adventurous departure that highlights the group's versatility.
