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Sonny Rollins: Without a Song (The 9/11 Concert)
Some men are saxophone players; Rollins plays the saxophone as his jazz vehicle. The difference is that Rollins is comfortable using his tenor in any means possible to make the song swing. Whether creating boisterous serpentine solos ("Without a Song"), joining the percussion section and clipping notes in a hypnotically rhythmic pattern ("Global Warming"), or becoming the reed section of an orchestra and providing swinging riffs behind Clifton Anderson's trombone solos ("Where or When"), Rollins is the consummate example of jazz personified. Robust and gritty as in his halcyon days, he brings the crowd to thunderous applause after each solo.
His supporting band members, usually unfairly maligned, are stellar. His nephew, Clifton Anderson, is the perfect foil for Rollins, with big and brash solos weaving in and out of each theme. Pianist Stephen Scott delivers, and long-time bassist Bob Cranshaw provides the reliable support that keeps everything rocking.
Speaking to the audience, Rollins explains, "Music is one of the beautiful things of life. Maybe music can help, I don't know, but we have to try something." Music has a way of healing. This record helps.
Track Listing
Sonny Rollins: tenor saxophone; Clifton Anderson: trombone; Stephen Scott: piano, kalimba (2); Bob Cranshaw: electric bass; Perry Wilson: drums; Kimati Dinizulu: percussion.
Personnel
Sonny Rollins
saxophoneWithout a Song; Global Warming; Introductions; A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square; Why Was I Born?; Where or When.
Album information
Title: Without a Song (The 9/11 Concert) | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Unknown label
About Sonny Rollins
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