Sonny Rollins was really busy last week; on Tuesday, September 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 guitarist Jim Hall, who, at age 79, brought the two great Jazz artists together at New York City's Beacon Theater. If that wasn't enough 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 because he didn't look 85), joined Mr. Rollins in a trio with the youngster, 38-year-old bassist Christian McBride, for a number. Then Mr. Rollins seemed to 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, guitarist Russell Malone, drummer Kobie Watkins, and percussionist Sammy Figueroa.
A very lucky audience seemed to be the recipients of a gifted historical performance that topped off Sonny Rollins'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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