Sonny Rollins
About
Sonny Rollins
We got him! After literally more than two decades of trying, JazzFest has finally been able to book Sonny Rollins, the saxophone colossus dubbed “the last jazz immortal” by The Village Voice. One of the greatest jazz artists of all time and still a master of undiminished power and finesse, Rollins grew up in New York City during the Harlem Renaissance. Particularly inspired by Coleman Hawkins, Rollins played sax in high school and was soon working with stars such as Fats Navarro and Roy Haynes. After graduating from the legendary hard-bop Max Roach-Clifford Brown Quintet, Rollins became a leader in 1957 and never looked back. For decades he has inspired nothing less than awe in fans and fellow musicians alike, who revere him for his dedication to the art of jazz, as much as his peerless technique and exhilarating improvisational skills that allow him to be fully in the moment and yet shape extended solos of great complexity and beauty. And Rollins still refuses to take things easy: since 2000 this tenor titan has won two Grammys, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and released 2005’s superb Sonny, Please on his own Doxy label. Rollins will be appearing with his long-time touring band: Clifton Anderson trombone, Bobby Broom guitar, Bob Cranshaw bass, Kimati Dinizulu percussion and Kobie Watkins drums.Active / Available
Past Events
29
Jun
2009
The Orpheum
24
Jun
2007
20:00
22
Jun
2007
20:00
Current Projects
