Arturo Sandoval’s Music is Impressing – Stereogum

Renowned musician Sonny Rollins recently passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy as the last great figure of his generation in the bebop and hard bop jazz styles. Although he retired from live performances a few years ago due to health reasons, he continued to be an inspiration to many. I was fortunate enough to interview Rollins twice, and what struck me most was his profound humility. When asked how he managed to avoid falling back on repetitive phrases when improvising, he admitted, “I’m not that skilled a musician… it takes a certain skill to be able to play the same way every night. That takes skill. And I don’t have that skill, I can’t play the same thing every night. So it’s just my lot in life that I’m going to change, and what I play isn’t going to be the same.”Rollins’ journey was not without struggles, particularly with drug use in his younger years. However, in his later life, he prioritized his mental, emotional, and physical well-being. He largely followed a vegetarian diet, with some small exceptions, practiced yoga, and embraced spirituality, all of which informed his musical practice. He described a transcendent experience when improvising: “When I’m playing, I leave my body in the sense that when I’m really in the middle of a solo, I try to forget all the things I’ve learned about the music, I try to forget where I’m at, the audience, everything. Be oblivious to everything. So I leave my body in that sense, and the music is playing me.”I had the pleasure of witnessing Rollins perform live on two occasions – once at Tramps in the late 1990s and again at his 80th birthday concert in 2010 at the Beacon Theatre. The highlight of the latter event was seeing him share the stage with longtime friend Ornette Coleman, with whom he had rehearsed decades earlier. The sheer joy on Rollins’ face when Coleman appeared was priceless, and their musical collaboration, lasting over 20 minutes, was an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.If you are unfamiliar with Sonny Rollins’ extensive discography, it may seem daunting to know where to begin. From the 1950s to the 2000s, he recorded for various labels and explored a wide range of musical styles. Some recommended starting points include “Saxophone Colossus” and “Freedom Suite” from 1957, “Our Man In Jazz” from 1962, “Alfie” from 1966, and “Nucleus” from 1975. Each album offers a unique glimpse into Rollins’ incredible artistry and serves as a testament to his musical genius.Sonny Rollins was undeniably one of the greatest musicians to ever grace the jazz scene, and his absence will be keenly felt throughout the music world.