RIP Sonny Rollins - Saxophone Colossus

[Doctor Phibes]

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1e224dwz18o

He was 95, a heck of an age for a jazz musician. One of the last of the jazz greats from the golden age of jazz in the 1950's. I saw him play in London in the early 90's, and he was still really playing, although my favourite stuff is what he released prior to his first sabbatical in 1959.

This is from the 1980's, but an epic solo. The trombonist never had a chance...

Link to video

[Renauda]

Truly a giant among the great jazz saxophonists. One my favourite albums is him with Coleman Hawkins and Paul Bley,
Sonny Meets the Hawk! from 1963.

[mark]

I have several of his albums.

That drummer and bass player are freakin' epic! The pianist isn't too shabby either.

[Doctor Phibes]

I think my favourite albums are Saxophone Colossus and Sonny Rollins and the Contemporary Leaders. I have a whole bunch of his stuff - I bought Newk's Time on vinyl back in the 70's, and it blew my 16 year old mind.

One of the things that marked him out from others at the time was the humor in his playing, and his use of a Caribbean influence - his parents were from the Virgin Islands.

[Tom-K]

Link to video

Best jazz sax solo EveAH!!!

[Doctor Phibes]

@Tom-K said:

Best jazz sax solo EveAH!!!

WTF, dude. Why not just post Kenny G videos and be done with it?

[Axtremus]

@Tom-K said:

Best jazz sax solo EveAH!!!

I'd be impressed had you told me it's a kazoo solo.