Monday, September 13, 2010

Sonny Rollins at 80 - a masterful performance by an Old Master


When he came on stage ambulating in an awkward,slow, wide gait we wondered.  Until the first powerful, perfect note.  And it lasted for two hours - with guest appearances by octoenarian drummer Roy haynes and the icon of the avant-garde - Ornette Coleman.  Oh, and Jim Hall and trumpeter Roy Hargrove.  Nate Chinen's review describes Rollins:


Pacing the stage in a tunic-like white shirt his head topped by a cumulonimbus of hair, he called to mind an old testament prophet, a figure of adamant authority."  Amen.
Music Review - Sonny Rollins Celebrates Birthday at Beacon Theater - NYTimes.com