Results for "Sonny Rollins"

Article: Interview

Ron Carter: Sweet Notes: The Gospel According To An Upright Man

by Ian Patterson
June 10, 2026

There is just no slowing down for bassist Ron Carter. At least, not that you would know. Writing, arranging, recording, gigging, teaching, media commitments--it is all in a day's work for the indefatigable 89-year-old NEA Jazz Master. Since 1959, when he arrived in New York from his native Detroit, Ron Carter has enjoyed an unparalleled career. ...

Article: Radio & Podcasts

Tribute to Sonny Rollins (RIP); Recognizing Birthdays For Oliver Nelson, Paquito D'Rivera, and Others

by David W. Daniels
June 9, 2026

In addition to our musical tribute to Sonny Rollins and the birthdays named, this week's Exploration show features new music from New Jazz Underground, Eliane Elias, and Brian Jackson with Rahsaan Patterson. Other musicians whose birthdays were recognized include Louis Hayes, Dakota Staton, and bassist Tony Levin.Playlist Sonny Rollins “Trav'lin Light" from The Standard ...

Article: Interview

Virginia MacDonald: In Search Of A New Clarinet Renaissance

by John Chacona
June 8, 2026

The clarinet occupies an unusual space in jazz in the 2020s. Once a lead instrument with advocates who graced the covers of fanzines for music and popular culture, the clarinet now stands 20 Feet From Stardom as the title of the 2013 documentary film about background singers described. It's a common enough double for reed players, ...

Article: Live Review

Ambrose Akinmusire Quartet Seizes the Evening at Village Vanguard

by Andrew Schinder
June 6, 2026

Ambrose Akinmusire Quartet Village Vangaurd New York, NY May 26, 2026 May 26, 2026 was a momentous day in jazz history. The jazz community celebrated the centennial of one of its most revered figures, Miles Davis. At the same time, the music world was still raw following the previous ...

Article: Radio & Podcasts

New Music from Lakecia Benjamin, Yazz Ahmed, New Jazz Underground and Brad Goode with Ernie Watts

by Hobart Taylor
June 3, 2026

Loads of new releases and Sonny Rollins answers the question, “Why was I Born?"Playlist Host Speaks 00:00 Claudia Acuña “Meditation in Two Chords" from Ave de Luz (Delfin) 00:11 Okan “Ajé (Owo Nla Nla)" from (Single) (Lulaworld) 05:33 Julian Muro “Ay (feat. Bergamot Quartet, Ethan Cohn)" from Apfus, Vol.1 (ears&eyes) 08:30 Host Speaks 14:15 ...

Article: Radio & Podcasts

Celebrating Miles Davis's 100th Birthday! Music Representing Three Time Periods (1950-1964, 1965-1968, and 1969-1982)

by David W. Daniels
June 2, 2026

This week's show plays the music of Miles Davis during three distinct time periods and jazz subgenres. First, we feature his bop, hard bop, and cool jazz contributions between 1950 and 1964. Next, music from his modal period and with the 2nd Great Quintet is played, ranging from 1965 through 1968. Finally, Miles's fusion compositions between ...

Article: Big Band in the Sky

Sonny Rollins Blows His Last At 95

by Ian Patterson
May 29, 2026

Sonny Rollins, the world-renowned tenor saxophonist who lit up the jazz world for nearly seven decades, has died at the age of 95. Hailed in many quarters as the greatest improvising musician in jazz, his passing feels like the end of an era. In a career that began in the 1940s, Rollins played with ...

Video

Sonny Rollins Live in Denmark

Featuring the music of Sonny Rollins
Duration: 86:39
May 29, 2026

Tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins was one of those rare icons whose approach to life was as well-respected as his approach to performing jazz. He passed away on May 25, 2026. At a pinnacle of his early career in the late 1950s, he walked away from concerts and focused exclusively on woodshedding for 15 hours a day, while standing on the Williamsburg Bridge to Brooklyn in all kinds of weather. His goal was to achieve musical authenticity – strong tone, indomitable stamina, uniquely constructed solos, and endless curiosity in band formats. Rollins mirrored his musical growth with personal exploration, including stints studying yoga, anthropology, and clean living. On this trio concert recording spanning 1965 to1968, Rollins demonstrates how he methodically builds a solo from melodic recap, to clipped phrases, to flurries, then turns over the energy to his commanding rhythm section. The first song is "There Will Never Be Another You." How True.

Article: Interview

Sonny Rollins: Still a Student

by Chris M. Slawecki
May 27, 2026

This article first appeared on All About Jazz sometime in Spring 1999. Considering his five decades as a fixture among the tenor greats, it's pretty safe to say that in 1999 most jazz fans under the age of sixty have never known a time when saxophonist Theodore “Sonny" Rollins was NOT on the scene. ...

Article: Interview

My Conversation With Sonny Rollins

by AAJ Staff
March 27, 1999

This interview first appeared on All About Jazz in March 1999. What can be said about Sonny that hasn't already been said or hasn't already been written? It was nice to chat with him again and get some more of his insight on issues, his playing, and his life. This is a unique look ...