Sonny Rollins - Boston - Symphony Hall - 4/6/07

[bigtiny]

I've always loved Sonny Rollins, but never saw him live. I remedied that last night. I've read a lot of things about Rollins' performances over the years:

- he doesn't let the band play much

Though he did the lions share of the playing last night, the band was certainly heard

- his bands aren't particularly interesting

The band last night sounded real good, and was a new lineup I think, with Bobby Broom on guitar instead of piano

- Clifton Anderson is a weak player

Like I said, this is my first time hearing them, but Anderson played his ASS off last night

- Sonny dosn't play like he used to

That's probably true, the man's getting up there in age, doesn't move around as easily as he used to, whatever. But he played his ass off last night -- muscular tone, technique out the wazoo, and the ideas just flowed.

- some of the runes can be long

Agreed. I think this is his way of really drilling down into a piece, but they played 4 pieces in the first hour and 45 minutes

Overall the concert was excellent and Sonny and company were strong. I'd recommend anyone (especially if you've never seen him) check out Sonny ASAP !!!

bigtiny

[jesus marion joseph]

There's a review in the Herald this morning that echoes your observations. Wish I could have made it there!

[bugsbunny]

Originally Posted by bigtiny

I've always loved Sonny Rollins, but never saw him live. I remedied that last night. I've read a lot of things about Rollins' performances over the years:

- he doesn't let the band play much

Though he did the lions share of the playing last night, the band was certainly heard

- his bands aren't particularly interesting

The band last night sounded real good, and was a new lineup I think, with Bobby Broom on guitar instead of piano

- Clifton Anderson is a weak player

Like I said, this is my first time hearing them, but Anderson played his ASS off last night

- Sonny dosn't play like he used to

That's probably true, the man's getting up there in age, doesn't move around as easily as he used to, whatever. But he played his ass off last night -- muscular tone, technique out the wazoo, and the ideas just flowed.

- some of the runes can be long

Agreed. I think this is his way of really drilling down into a piece, but they played 4 pieces in the first hour and 45 minutes

Overall the concert was excellent and Sonny and company were strong. I'd recommend anyone (especially if you've never seen him) check out Sonny ASAP !!!

bigtiny

Thanks for the review...
Who played bass and drums? Cranshaw...and ???