Sad news of an absolute legend at the wonderful age of 95. I’m no expert on this music but surely this marks the end of the era of those pioneering jazz giants from the 50s and 60s.
Sonny Rollins
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Boo…have a little St Thomas.
There’s that photo, A Great Day in Harlem, with 57 of the greats, and Sonny Rollins I think is the last to go
This one. All of them gone home now.
It was Sonny who is responsible for my obsession with The Village Vanguard. I was familiar with Waltz For Debby but hadn’t linked it with the venue. Sonny was clear – A Night At The Village Vanguard. Turned out it was the afternoon too and that he played with a different rhythm section each session. There was a lot resting on Sonny’s shoulders. In a trio, he had to provide all the excitement and drama. The two volume CD is a masterclass in lead sax improvisation across a wide range of songs and styles. He’s lucky to have such a dynamic drummer as Elvin Jones in the evening but this is Sonny at his most exposed and vulnerable and most powerful and confident.
Simon Spillett’s tribute to Sonny, from his blog.
https://www.simonspillett.com/blog/come-gone–the-extraordinary-journey-of-sonny-rollins.aspx
I saw him in concert once, at the Dominion in London in the 80s. Might have been a bit past his creative peak but it was great barnstormer of a gig.
I discovered Sonny in the late seventies when a couple of jazz musicians I was playing with in a “pop” band kept mentioning his name. Out of curiosity I bought this album, and still play it. His sound is so full and rich, and he’s endlessly creative melodically. I love this era of jazz.
Me too. 1970 or thereabouts is my cutoff year.
Mrs T gave me this for Christmas a few years ago – it is a thing of beauty in every respect.
Saxophone Colossus Transparent https://amzn.eu/d/02cavtXm
Description
Limited 180gm transparent blue virgin vinyl LP pressing. Saxophone Colossus is a studio album by jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins. It was recorded on June 22, 1956, with producers Bob Weinstock and Rudy Van Gelder at the latter’s studio in Hackensack, New Jersey. Rollins led a quartet on the album that included pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Doug Watkins, and drummer Max Roach. Saxophone Colossus was released by Prestige Records to critical success and helped establish Rollins as a prominent jazz artist.
Incredible drumming on that album.
Max Roach is my favourite drummer. He plays melodies on skins and cymbals. Tyshawn Sorey is his reincarnation in spirit.