3 Songs – 1959
Sonny Rollins
Some remarkable playing by the great tenor
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Later in 1959, tenor-saxophonist Sonny Rollins shocked the jazz world by dropping out and not returning to active playing for nearly three years.
At the time he and John Coltrane were considered the top tenors, but Rollins felt that he was running out of fresh ideas and he spent the time off the scene practicing to get even better.
Shortly before he went into temporary retirement, he went on a European tour.
This film, which starts out with a short interview in both Swedish and English, features Rollins, bassist Henry Grimes and drummer Joe Harris performing a rapid version of “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” “Paul’s Pal,” and a lyrical rendition of “Love Letters.”
Sonny Rollins’ playing is so fresh, personal and melodic (particularly on the latter two songs) that one can appreciate fans of the time not understanding why he felt he had to go woodshed; the music is timeless.
And after a few words in Swedish, a bonus is included: the Bill Evans Trio (with bassist Chuck Israels and drummer Larry Bunker) playing “My Foolish Heart” in 1964.
-Scott Yanow
Stan Getz