Sonny Rollins was really busy last week, on Tuesday, September the 7th he turned 80, and a new book by Abbott and Blumenthal, “Saxophone Colossus: A Portrait of Sonny Rollins” was released. Though he was just warming up...
To top off the week he appeared with the guitarist Jim Hall who at age 79 brought the two great Jazz artists together at the Beacon Theater in New York City. If that wasn't enough of a draw to fill the sold-out concert... Roy Hargrove was the first special guest to join Mr. Rollins and his band on stage. The drummer Roy Haynes who at 85 surprised the audience, ( I think more for the fact that he didn't appear to be 85) when he joined Mr. Rollins in a trio with the youngster, 38 year old bassist Christian McBride for a number. Then it seems as if Mr. Rollins had become a magician pulling another surprise guest from his hat, when alto saxophonist, Ornette Coleman who also turned 80 this year joined the show.
Also featured were Mr. Rollins’s longtime bassist Bob Cranshaw, the guitarist Russell Malone, the drummer Kobie Watkins and the percussionist Sammy Figueroa.
A very lucky audience seemed to be the receivers of a gifted historical performance topping out Sonny Rollin's week long birthday celebration.
Apparently... 80 is the new magical number for really getting in the groove.
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TOP PICTURE / Sonny Rollins 80th Birthday Celebration at Beacon Theater - By David Michael Wade ©2010
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