Sonny Rollins to perform at TD Canada Trust Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival

Legendary great Sonny Rollins, kicks off the TD Canada Trust Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival with a special performance at Massey Hall, on June 24, 2005 at 8pm. This performance is sponsored by Jazz FM and the Toronto Star.

Known throughout as one of the last great jazz immortals from the golden era, Sonny Rollins has had an impressive career that has spanned over six decades. Born in Harlem, New York, his career on the tenor saxophone began at an early age when he formed a high school band with future jazz masters Jackie McLean, Arthur Taylor and Kenny Drew. Rollins quickly established a name for himself and began recording with giants such as Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Charlie Parker and Miles Davis - all before the age of twenty.

Over the next two decades Rollins would be on and off the music scene, re-emerging each time with a more authoritative presence. It was during one of these extended absences that his habit of practicing on the Williamsburg Bridge in New York City became legendary. This would lead to The Bridge, Rollins’ most popular record of his career.

A 2004 Grammy recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Rollins has had an impressive career that continually seeks to redefine itself. His latest release, This is What I Do, represents the true essence of jazz. Known for defining hard bop tenor, alongside John Coltrane during the late ‘50s, Rollins is one of the last great jazz improvisers who defies categorization. From Tenor Madness to Our Man in Jazz to Silver City, his true genius lies in the new generation of musical styles and song forms he brings to each recording.

Tickets on sale Friday, March 4, 2005 at: Massey Hall & Roy Thompson Hall Box Office, (416) 872 – 4255, www.masseyhall.com

Ticketmaster telephone line (416) 870-8000, www.ticketmaster.ca

Ticket Prices $49.50 - $69.50 - $89.50