Sonny Rollins @ Vancouver Intl. Jazz Festival June 22, 2007

He’s one of the most revered musicians in the world.
Down Beat calls him “the greatest saxophone player since Charlie Parker’s explosion on the scene in the ’40s.” Rolling Stone declares that this “saxophone colossus is one of the most inventive improvisers in the history of music.” And Pop Matters refers to him as “our greatest living jazzman and a link to the music’s most storied era.”

A bona fide legend, Sonny Rollins has often been called the greatest living saxophonist. His extraordinary work stands up with the likes of giants Lester Young, John Coltrane, Ben Webster, and Coleman Hawkins. More importantly, he has mastered and integrated styles from every corner of jazz, and then some. From the speed and intricacy of bebop, through lush romantic balladry, into lively Caribbean dance rhythms, and by way of startling melodic and harmonic inventions, Rollins has continually proven to be one of the most innovative artists in modern music.

Over the last 50 years he has released over 70 recordings including his latest Sonny Please (Doxy), and he has toured and recorded with Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, and the Rolling Stones. At 76, his distinctive sound–with its robust attack, elegant lyricism, and fierce swing—remains undiminished. Rollins was presented with a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2004. Don’t miss this special opening-night Jazz Festival performance with one of the most gifted artists of our time.

Official Website: http://www.coastaljazz.ca/index.cfm?page_id=97&view=ARTIST&artist_id=358