“I’m an Old Cowhand” from Sonny Rollins’ classic album “Way Out West,” is a sterling example of the great tenor saxophone player’s wit and creativity in action.

It is the leadoff track for Rollins’ album “Way Out West,” which he recorded as a commemoration of his first trip to the west coast. Rollins, a New York City native, always wanted to be a cowboy as a kid.

The source material, originally written by Johnny Mercer for a Broadway musical called “Rhythm on the Range,” is completely hokey.

Rollins’ version begins with drummer Shelly Manne tapping on wood blocks to evoke the sound of clicking horse hooves.

Rollins and bassist Ray Brown soon enter, Rollins delivering the cutely simple melody and Brown interjecting with swinging improvised phrases.

When drummer Manne switches from the galloping horse sounds to a straight-ahead swinging ride cymbal, the familiar groove sounds somehow more convincing than it would have in a more traditional context.

Rollins, Brown and Manne each take solos, feeding off of each other’s ideas, which are usually tinged with humor.

The material is corny but close to Rollins’ own heart. It’s a perfect jumping-off point for his distinctive improvisation.