Sonny Rollins has character. I guarded his show at Millennium Park in 2008. He's like this big guy with a horn that looked BIG. His hair was big and white. His sound was big. All decked out in black suit and clear white shirt. Mr. Rollins never seemed on the inside like Parker, Coltrane, Miles, Adderley. He's uniquely different. Miles was a man of superior taste. If he saw something in Rollins, Rollins is 'good enough'..
This video was created in early 2007. Sonny is very much still going strong. He just returned from a triumphant tour of Asia, playing Japan, Korea, Singapore and Australia.
How nice to hear this giant of jazz speaking about his experiences with other jazz heroes. Sonny has always been an incredibly innovative artist and genius. He is one of the final great real jazz artists left. An original. Thank you for posting this intelligent video. Noreen J.
Of all the tenors, I've always been naturally drawn to Sonny Rollins. I went through my Coltrane phase, but Rollins just---I don't know---resonated more with me than any other. Stan Getz had a beautiful sound, Dexter Gordon had a sense of humor in his playing, Wayne Shorter could play ANYthing technically, but Newk just clicked for me. On another note, I liked how he referred to Miles as if he's still here with us. RIP, Miles.
It's way more interesting to hear other musicians talk about thier musician colleagues (in most cases anyway). Calling Miles a "seeker" helps me to get why Herbie and Coltrane, and other folks who played with Miles had that mentality. It's a beautiful thing.
I dont mean to be so off topic but does someone know a way to get back into an Instagram account?? I was dumb lost the account password. I love any tricks you can offer me
Awesome video absolutely loved the sompare and contrast of styles of all mentioned musicians. Loved the old school performances this can be used as a teaching tool for the younger generation! Thanks Jazz Video Guy two thumbs up!
I've had this sitting in my "Watch Later" file forever, it seems. Why, I don't know, but I am happy I finally watched it. Sonny is/was great; I was fortunate enough to see him in DC 20 or 30 years ago (wow, where has the time gone). Even though he no longer plays, he still blows my mind. Thanks Bret...
We're so lucky to still have Sonny to not only play at the same high level of accomplishment, but for his remembrances of those days. He's one of the few left, along with Hank Jones and a few others. God Bless Sonny Rollilns!
I love what he says about Miles being a seeker and evolving rather than remaining static. Look at the killer fusion stuff that Miles went on to do, despite the heckling from the purists who wanted him to play bebop forever and ever.
I heard Miles in 1981 in Boston and around 1987 in Minneapolis with electric bands. Even there, 1981 was more jammy and 1987 more compositional within the fusiony thing. All great.
Yes Bret thanks for documenting all this invaluable historical stuff before it -- and the brilliant players who created it -- all disappear forever. (Miles sadly in 1990 or 1991. I remember hearing the news on the radio at the time that I was working at Heathrow Airport, London.)
"I think we are in the midst of this period where we are committing this suicide on the planet, and everybody is just using up all of our natural resources like a bunch of insane people. That's what I worry about more than I worry about jazz." Sonny Rollins Dude abides.
Beautiful What Sonny says about change although I would disagree with his suggestion that he must change because he's "not good enough" to stay the same. I believe his "inability" to stay the same is a strength.
the first recording of "Oleo" Sonny on it Check the Prestige Catalog.These early "comeback " sessions include ;Kenny Clarke Art Blakey, Monk,Horace ,Bags,and indeed Sonny.The complete Prestige sessions is worth checking out .
@JazzVideoGuy Great Brett!Your channal is a blessing for us jazz lovers!Best greetings and send a real good greet to Sonny to!He have great fanclub here in Sweden!!Jan
Folks lets get real here. If you really care about this music and know whats up you would not try to compare these two masters. They are different and the individuality is the message, not "who is better".
Miles had ultimate respect for Sonny Rollins and rated him as the best artist that he could record with. Interestingly Sonny Rollins would play into round open spaces hence the Brooklin bridge practices. Miles had the same tendencies hence his practices at lake side way back in St Louis.
Thanks to JazzVideoGuy for these fascinating interviews of Sonny Rollins. As far as know, there is not any footage of Sonny Rollins in1967, and just a handful of performances in 1968. I would love to see Sonny interviewed about that period, and what was he doing between 1967 and 1970. Was he happy with his playing in 1968? Was this sabbatical he took at that time due to personal or musical reasons?
HEY! What about Uncle Ornette C? Or Evan Parker? There's more than one kindda sax and more than one kindda brilliant sax player of any era - which kindda makes the concept of 'the best' a bit redundant, dontcha fink?
Man... he says "I empathize with his style". That's a powerful way to explain someone's effect on you. Speaking of Fats Navarro - do you have anything on him, or can you point to recordings with Fats?
Awesome, thanks for sharing. At the montage at the end, there is a short clip of him playing "in a sentimental mood" in 1975. Does anybody know where to find the rest of that footage?
@seulbzzaj Music and personal reasons for the sabbatical. Sonny is very critical of his own music, and during this time, he wasn't totally happy with what he was doing. Also, this was the period when he spent time in both Japan and India, in an ashram, working on his spiritual side.
The out of context videos of The Birth of the Cool don't really illustrate Rollins' points adequately. When Miles was with Bird, it was a different era. Different music was played then.
Sonny Rollins has character. I guarded his show at Millennium Park in 2008. He's like this big guy with a horn that looked BIG. His hair was big and white. His sound was big. All decked out in black suit and clear white shirt. Mr. Rollins never seemed on the inside like Parker, Coltrane, Miles, Adderley. He's uniquely different. Miles was a man of superior taste. If he saw something in Rollins, Rollins is 'good enough'..
This video was created in early 2007.
Sonny is very much still going strong. He just returned from a triumphant tour of Asia, playing Japan, Korea, Singapore and Australia.
It's just sad that we got no more Jam sessions like Miles and Sonny did.
How nice to hear this giant of jazz speaking about his experiences with other jazz heroes. Sonny has always been an incredibly innovative artist and genius. He is one of the final great real jazz artists left. An original. Thank you for posting this intelligent video. Noreen J.
Of all the tenors, I've always been naturally drawn to Sonny Rollins. I went through my Coltrane phase, but Rollins just---I don't know---resonated more with me than any other. Stan Getz had a beautiful sound, Dexter Gordon had a sense of humor in his playing, Wayne Shorter could play ANYthing technically, but Newk just clicked for me. On another note, I liked how he referred to Miles as if he's still here with us. RIP, Miles.
Sonny is the Titan... case closed 🔐 just amazing sound both powerful and humorist
It's way more interesting to hear other musicians talk about thier musician colleagues (in most cases anyway). Calling Miles a "seeker" helps me to get why Herbie and Coltrane, and other folks who played with Miles had that mentality. It's a beautiful thing.
I dont mean to be so off topic but does someone know a way to get back into an Instagram account??
I was dumb lost the account password. I love any tricks you can offer me
@Elliott Troy Instablaster ;)
Sonny Rollins is the last of the GIANTS of Jazz. Thanks for "Sonny Speaks!" Very cool!
WAS!
July 19, 2021 Long live the Colossus
I do raise my hat for my late father.
Outstanding bit of verbal banter from Sonny about Miles, that shed a bit of light on the whys and wherefores...
Sonny Rollins Trio - Live At Village Vanguard. B.N. Records. WOW!
JazzVideoGuy I love the way you tell a story, Thank you for your gift. You have a magic touch. Great job!
Thanks for the post. And thank yo Sonny for laying it down so sweet and clear.
Awesome video absolutely loved the sompare and contrast of styles of all mentioned musicians. Loved the old school performances this can be used as a teaching tool for the younger generation! Thanks Jazz Video Guy two thumbs up!
9:46... that note sums up the reason I love Sonny so much. Every musician longs to play a note like that. They work they're whole life at it.
JazzVideoGuy I love the way you tell a story, Thank you for your gift. You have a magic touch. Hay I didn'y know Miles painted too. Great job!
Thank you for sharing, beautiful 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
The part at the end where he talks about change, and the different reasons for it is amazing.
Love Sonny Rollins ..... there will never be another .....
Very beautifully produced. Very insightful words and music. Great job, Bret. Thank you.
One of my Heros! If you're a Sax player he's got to be one of you're influences!
Pure History! Pure Magic! Pure Jazz!
great video. thanks for posting i always loved rollins from the start.
I love Sonny Rollins. He seems like he'd be a great guy to pal around with.
With Sonny Rollins you are never wrong!
I've had this sitting in my "Watch Later" file forever, it seems. Why, I don't know, but I am happy I finally watched it. Sonny is/was great; I was fortunate enough to see him in DC 20 or 30 years ago (wow, where has the time gone). Even though he no longer plays, he still blows my mind. Thanks Bret...
Better late than never
We're so lucky to still have Sonny to not only play at the same high level of accomplishment, but for his remembrances of those days. He's one of the few left, along with Hank Jones and a few others. God Bless Sonny Rollilns!
Fantastic!! Thanks Mannen!
Great document! I would like to question him more about the Bag's Groove session, but well, great video!!!
What an amazing meeting of minds. Thanks for your video, JVG, from the north of England, UK.
Glad you enjoyed it!
What a gift to listen to a Masters testimony!
I love what he says about Miles being a seeker and evolving rather than remaining static. Look at the killer fusion stuff that Miles went on to do, despite the heckling from the purists who wanted him to play bebop forever and ever.
I heard Miles in 1981 in Boston and around 1987 in Minneapolis with electric bands. Even there, 1981 was more jammy and 1987 more compositional within the fusiony thing. All great.
Great stuff! Thanks, Bret.
Thank you!
i agree. everyone should check out his solo on this track. its one of the best
Yes Bret thanks for documenting all this invaluable historical stuff before it -- and the brilliant players who created it -- all disappear forever. (Miles sadly in 1990 or 1991. I remember hearing the news on the radio at the time that I was working at Heathrow Airport, London.)
Appreciate the kind words, Ian. Please take care.....
Thank's for posting, I learned something new.
Thanks for much for posting.
Thanks for posting this video...
One master speaking about the master.
"Music is intended and designed for sentient beings that have hopes and purposes and emotions."
Jacques Barzun
"I think we are in the midst of this period where we are committing this suicide on the planet, and everybody is just using up all of our natural resources like a bunch of insane people. That's what I worry about more than I worry about jazz."
Sonny Rollins
Dude abides.
jazz is not designed for anything, jazz evolves.
Long live, Sonny, live long.
Rest in peace, Miles Davis
Beautiful What Sonny says about change although I would disagree with his suggestion that he must change because he's "not good enough" to stay the same. I believe his "inability" to stay the same is a strength.
Thanks guy nice work!
Sonny says "I'm not a good enough musician..." wow!
what a musician!
the first recording of "Oleo" Sonny on it Check the Prestige Catalog.These early "comeback " sessions include ;Kenny Clarke Art Blakey, Monk,Horace ,Bags,and indeed Sonny.The complete Prestige sessions is worth checking out .
Coleman Hawkins had such a beautiful saxophone sound. Just beautiful , like Ben Webster's was beautiful. These are high-spirit feel good saxophonists!
Their music will survive the ages
@JazzVideoGuy Great Brett!Your channal is a blessing for us jazz lovers!Best greetings and send a real
good greet to Sonny to!He have great fanclub here in Sweden!!Jan
Another jazz great and genius. You can understand why Miles dug him ... birds of a feather ... .
Great video. A true Jazz Giant !!
Sonny, Please
Another great Video Ben -Thank you.
You mean Ben Franklin? Sorry, he doesn't work here any more.
Love this. Thank you
My favorite musician
Ellington's "In A Sentimental Mood" is the closing tune here.
Well stated!
Yes, we've all listened to Coltrane and he's incredible. You missed the point.....
Great!
GIANT!!
Thanks for this,
My pleasure!
Sad that Sonny can’t play anymore. Must be so hard on him. Ty Sonny.
Talking about,what about that session with Bags and Monk :Miles meets the modern jazz giants " they realy show off on that session .
Folks lets get real here. If you really care about this music and know whats up you would not try to compare these two masters. They are different and the individuality is the message, not "who is better".
GOD BLESS MILES FOR EVER...........
I don't care for beards BUT Sonny Rollins' looks great on him. Nice beard and a distinguished looking older man!
bag's groove, one of the first prestige recordings of miles in the early fifties..
god bless sonny and miles
Has anybody figured out where Sonny has been getting his sunglasses?
Miles had ultimate respect for Sonny Rollins and rated him as the best artist that he could record with. Interestingly Sonny Rollins would play into round open spaces hence the Brooklin bridge practices. Miles had the same tendencies hence his practices at lake side way back in St Louis.
Thanks !
Btw I'd be remiss if I neglected to thank you for the footage... Thank you.
Thanks to JazzVideoGuy for these fascinating interviews of Sonny Rollins. As far as know, there is not any footage of Sonny Rollins in1967, and just a handful of performances in 1968. I would love to see Sonny interviewed about that period, and what was he doing between 1967 and 1970. Was he happy with his playing in 1968? Was this sabbatical he took at that time due to personal or musical reasons?
And another great one from Bret. Is he Michael Cusacuna incarnate or what?
u should ask bout clifford brown
Sonny is the MAN!!!!!
A treasure !
He's got the "MusicianNobelPrize", remember! For sure one of the great tenorsaxists.
HEY! What about Uncle Ornette C? Or Evan Parker? There's more than one kindda sax and more than one kindda brilliant sax player of any era - which kindda makes the concept of 'the best' a bit redundant, dontcha fink?
"And, of course, Charlie Parker was our god!"
Bless you for saying this, Sonny. You ain't so bad yourself ;-)
You have to know the history to better understand the present...
@FREEGOO
They are mostly from the Album " Kind of Blue". Songs like So What, All Blues, Freddie Freeloader etc. Most of them are here on You Tube.
Groovy ❤
one of the last great giants of jazz
Man... he says "I empathize with his style". That's a powerful way to explain someone's effect on you. Speaking of Fats Navarro - do you have anything on him, or can you point to recordings with Fats?
Awesome, thanks for sharing.
At the montage at the end, there is a short clip of him playing "in a sentimental mood" in 1975.
Does anybody know where to find the rest of that footage?
my one and only love. recording in 1964 with herbie hancock is beautiful.
"You Don't Know What Love Is" from 'Saxophone Colossus' is comparable to the great "Body and Soul" recording by Coleman Hawkins in my humble opinion.
I love that whole album, especially Strode Rode and You Don't Know What Love Is.
What's the name of the song at the beginning of this video?
Like Hawkins, he moved through styles at a critical time but kept his history, thus his authenticity....
Walk the Bridge, Sonny!!!
you cant put it better than that
@seulbzzaj Music and personal reasons for the sabbatical. Sonny is very critical of his own music, and during this time, he wasn't totally happy with what he was doing. Also, this was the period when he spent time in both Japan and India, in an ashram, working on his spiritual side.
But, NHÖP, and "Four" in Copenhagen 1968, fantastic!
I'm not aware of any Miles Davis albums that have Sonny as a sideman.
I shared this.
Thanks
is there a part2?
Interesting and very well done - explains a lot. Mort Weiss SMS JAZZ "The Mort Report" @ All About Jazz
would you happen to know the tune starting around 9:07? thanks
Just tell me where Sonny gets his particular sunglasses...
The out of context videos of The Birth of the Cool don't really illustrate Rollins' points adequately. When Miles was with Bird, it was a different era. Different music was played then.