Sonny Rollins

The great tenor talks a bit about the importance of one note

While Sonny Rollins had to retire from active playing for health reasons in 2012, he is still very much a part of the jazz scene, giving interviews and advice.

On this chat from Apr. 9, 2016 that was conducted by Bret Primack, Rollins (who is seen at an earlier sound check) talks about the importance of long tones for players who are developing their sound.

He talks about how one can get into playing just one note, saying “Play it as if it is the only note on your instrument” and advising that “every note you play is supposed to have a meaning.”

– Scott Yanow