Sonny Rollins

only one sonny, only one roy, only one ornette,and only once in a lifetime. Beautiful.

From the beginning to the end I have never seen such an energetic and entertaining performance.

Average performance, concert felt short. No encore.

I lost a pair of black binoculars at the show- I was sitting in the upper balcony, middle section. If anyone has found these, please let me know. Thanks in advance.

It was amazing. The band, special guests, and Sonny! He was on stage all the time and played for 2 hours and more. My entire body was shaking from the beginning to the end. I liked Roy Hargrove, Jim Hall, Christian McBride, and of course Sonny Rollins. And guitarist, Russell Malone, played gorgeously. Thank you everyone. I will never forget this great moment.

When I was a teenager in the early 60's, Sonny Rollins existed on record and in my imagination. To see and hear him at the Beacon was a dream within a dream. I could not believe I was there. As I dreamt, Roy Haynes, Jim Hall, and Ornette Coleman appeared. Men in their 80's. Sonny Rollins played using every cell in his body. All the sidemen were in top form. Roy Hargrove and Christian McBride were a perfect foil to Sonny, youthful energy playing counter to hard earned wisdom. I am grateful that I lived long enough to be at this event. Thank you Sonny Rollins.

Sonny was amazing; it didnt look like he could lift the sax, let alone Play it. but, boy, did he play. Roy Haynes could have passed for 50, not the 85 he is. Getting ornette coleman was an added surprise.

Sonny was over the top fantastic. The base band was absolutely beyond their game and the reveal of Roy Hargrove, Jim Hall, Roy Haynes was spectacular. Over the top was Ornett Coleman wishing Sonny a happy birthday with his avant guarde approach of playing In all this is one of Mr. Rollins finest hours in show. Bravo!

One of the best concerts I have ever attended. I was very lucky to be there.

This was the second time I have seen Sonny. The first was about 30 yrs. ago. I was truly amazed with his peformance that he could stand for two hrs @ age 80 . This was truly amazing & other artists young & old should take to heart.

I bought my tickets back in May because Sonny is special and not to be missed. I also knew that once the word was out, tickets would go like hotcakes. The spirit that Sonny brings to his music instills in his listeners an appreciation for the American music of Jazz and embraces the emotions of everyday life. That is what music does whatever genre it may be. I cannot believe his chops at 80 years old. I felt as if I were back in the '50's listening to a 20 something musician but with the experience that comes with life. The special guests were right on. I experienced a depth of bringing Roy Hargrove and Christian McBride to the stage. You know, the father and the sons. Wow! Jim Hall with his hip changes went right through me. I can feel him in my bones. Enough can't be said about Roy Haynes. That was a real treat. Ornette Coleman took Sonny back to the days of a certain ad lib in jazz and he answered the call. That was a priviledge. He makes you listen whether you like it or not. Sonny has a group that is so in tune with each other that one felt the cohesiveness throughtout the evening. I am so in love with Bob Cranshaw, (bass,) and how he brightens the ensemble with his driving force. Russell Malone,(guitar,) is an excellent choice to round out the rhythm section since Sonny has often said he likes playing without a piano. One doesn't seem to miss it. The drummer and percussion keeps the pulse alive with many surprises. To make my point clear, one can appreciate the importance of Sonny Rollins by the number of musicians present in the audience. I would like to add that the Beacon Theater was the perfect venue. Although it is a big room, it brought an intimacy to the event. I think it has something to do with the achitecture which enhances the sound to the listeners ears. I am so proud and ectastic to have been a part of the evening.

I've never had the pleasure of seeing Rollins play live... so I was looking forward to this venue...and my expectations were excelled!!! Those few hours will forever be remembered as moments of extreme pleasure to my ears! I will always cherish the day I "met" Mr. Rolins, Mr. Ornette Coleman, Mr. Roy Haynes, Mr. Jim Hall... Thank you, guys!!!

It was amazing to what Sonny Rollins play. At 80 he is full of vitality and so clearly is passionate about music. His guests made the show a lifetime event. Old and young so good.

Being in the presence of such an icon was a treat. An experience you do not want to miss.

The venue was electrified by Sonny's performance and that of his band. What an amazing experience to witness a legend who still has what it takes to deliver a toe-tapping experience.

The Festival was delightful as a whole. Good free music in the sun is hard to beat. Amina Figarova and the Luis Ochoa Quintet were very pleasant surprises. The ticketed events were worth every penny. Kenny Werner's evening was great, and Sonny Rollins was amazing. He came out blowing and barely rested through the 1-1/2 hour set. Some at his age (78) are banking on nostalgia - not Sonny. He blew the lights out. But, the pinnacle for me was the Monterey Quartet, with Dave Holland, Chris Potter, Eric Harland and Gonzalo Rubalcaba. One is used to tolerating, rather than welcoming, extended drum solos. Not so for Harland. His musicality was non pareil. While Sonny is a giant, Chris Potter showed what can be done with the saxophone nowadays. Most amazing was Dave Holland. The bass is simply not designed to be played that well. I'll certainly be back next year.

Last Thursday Sonny Rollins woke the dead at Royce Hall on the UCLA campus. As he walked on stage with his wild white afro and white rimmed sunglasses, he proceeded to crack the atmosphere by blowing his horn, and blowing it hard. Kobie Watkins returned the favor by morphing into his drum kit, becoming one incredible drumming machine, only to be joined by Sammy Figueroa on congas, creating a spirited blending of their percussive beats. Sonny challenged all personnel to solos that included Peter Bernstein on some amazing guitar riffs, mirroring and interpreting exactly what Sonny was saying. Bob Cranshaw followed suit, providing the heartbeat for this incredible pure jazz lovefest, on his stand-up electric bass. Sonny took all the personnel to task and made them successfully walk the plank on their solos and took us all along for the ride on the trip back to the composition. At the end, Sonny proclaimed that he tried hard to please, and told us that trying is something we should all do. Not only did Sonny and the band try, they wildly succeeded in setting the place on fire.

What a night. First, Royce Hall is an incredible venue - the amazing architecture and craftsmanship, the beautiful grounds and buildings, and the incredible nostalgia and history of the great artistic performers who have graced it's halls since 1929 just make this an experience that won't be forgotten. Second, Sonny Rollins was superb! What an honor to hear, in-person, one of the last 'founding fathers' of a modern jazz era. Although his body showed signs of age, his sound, enthusiasm, and creative spark seemed immortal. The band Sonny has with him are all tip-top perfermers in their own right; worthy of their own headline gigs. However, they were humbly content to just do their thing, let Sonny take the lead, and thereby just enhanced the entire show. What an amazing team. Third, the audience in attendance made it an even better show. It seemed everyone there definitely knewSonny, and the crowd generously, and gratefully, gave him the props and respect he so rightfully deserved. Overall, this will be one of the top performances of my life!

It was a great performance by Sonny Rollins backed up by an outstanding band.

This concert was great. The set was awesome and regardless of Sonny's age, he was full of energy that reflected in the crowd.

Sonny Rollins at Royce Hall was beyond incredible. He shuffled onto the stage looking like he would have a hard time standing for 90 minutes because of his 81 years. But from the first note he blew, it was clear that he was100% in control of all his talents. He moved, he swayed, and most importantly he made music come out of his instrument that was as strong and unique as could be desired. With his 4 member band, they were in sync and just made every piece a memorable standout. The only thing was when he said good night, he meant it, and the lights went on immediately. It apparently would have been too much to ask him to walk off the stage and then walk back on. But what we heard showed why he is described as the last of the true Jazz giants.

sonny rollins last appearance in L A was about a year ago at disney hall. he's made some changes in his band since then adding a new guitarist and his longtime bassist bob cranshaw has switched from electric to acoustic bass. what hasn't changed is sonny's fierce playing which at 81 is sounding as good as it ever has. like his friend ornette coleman(who opened last year's ucla season) he seems to be getting better with age. He and his stellar band ripped through a ninety minute set that included hard driving post bop, funk, avant garde and calypso closing with the classic "don't stop the carnival." if you ever get a chance to see sonny in concert do it. he is truly one of the towering figures in jazz music.

Sonny is the greatest living Saxophonist and master of thematic Improvisation. His solos and inspiration deepen with time. He is more subtle and profound then every. His sound is spectacular. It doesn't get any better! A virile demonstration of circular breathing occurred early in the set. The band played cohesively as a unit with spectacular solos by all. The choice of tunes remains ecclectically sonny. He is a living legend. One (or perhaps the only) remaining performer who was a contemporary of Parker, Trane, Mingus, Miles, Monk, Roach, etc. Later in the set, perhaps jet lag or a little fatigue set in. While brilliant by any standard, the later tunes didn't have the escape velocity of the first. Regardless it was as expected brilliant from start to finish. LA loves you Sonny!

a master and a legend. a privilege and an honor to be in the audience!

Slow start, it got interesting when the drummer and the percussion player got it going. Over all Sonny showed his age and talent, as well as his typical centrism. I was disappointed he didn't play St Thomas.

The tickets were affordable. Sonny Rollins was top notch! This was a once in a lifetime experience. The venue was great. Ticketmaster made it easy.

It was every thing I imagine, sonny ,jim ,roy , christain, I especialy like the surprise guest being roy. hynes was awsome! I enjoy from start to finish , and what a sound it was it was rich &fulfilling, 2, hear sonny on top of his game, wow what a show I enjoyed it ..

I echo all the other reviewers that this was an amazing performance. My 5th time seeing Sonny in NYC over the past 18 years, and he keeps getting better. This may have been the most rewarding of all the concerts I've seen by Sonny, mainly for the guests. Have Sonny and Ornette played together on stage before? Jim Hall still has that signature sound, and Roy Haynes can tear up a drum set. Sonny was in top form from start to finish, God was in the house. And it sounds good at the Beacon. Happy Birthday and many more Sonny Rollins.

Sonny Rollins remarkable as usual! I first discovered the great Sonny Rollins in 1985 at the age of 17. The radio station WBGO (Jazz 88.3 fm) was playing a tribute to Sonny early in the morning hours and while flipping stations I happened across this amazing saxophone sound coming out of the radio's speakers. Needless to say i sat up straight and turned the volume up louder!! His self titled debut album Sonny Rollins(Prestige Label) was playing. Such a rich tenor sound and the most harmonically complex, rhythmic improvising i had ever heard, Wow!!!! The song he was soloing on was "On A Slow Boat To China." I feel all in attendance this night were treated to a hint of the improvisational genius that is Sonny Rollins. I am 42 years old now and not ashamed to say "I still get goose bumps," listening to this master carry on our jazz legacy. Hats Off To You Sonny Rollins!

At his 80th birthday celebration, Sonny first hobbled onto stage but the second he played you knew you were in the presence of a master and legend. Always wanting to see/hear Sonny live, the show at the Beacon did not disappoint. A big sound from a big man - a must see.

I went to see Sonny Rollins' 80th Birthday Show at the Beacon Theatre, NYC on Friday, September 10, 2010. The short review is it was the most important, and memorable shows I've seen this century and one of the 10 greatest shows I've ever seen. The show was advertised as featuring 3 special guests, Roy Hargrove, Christian McBride and Jim Hall! The show began with Sonny's current band, featuring the usual Bob Cranshaw on bass, Russell Malone (my favorite guitarist from Sonny's post-Silver City bands), drums and African percussion (I can't remember their names right now). The band began with two numbers, and frankly it seemed to me that Sonny was not yet focused. He seemed to be looking ahead. Roy Hargrove was the first guest to come on stage and there was more confusion. Hargrove came out wears a sharp, dark suit and a grey fedora (more later). Hargrove began playing his trumpet, and stopped almost immediately, when he realized that he was supposed to play the cornet. He switched, they re-started and the band started to flow. A show of this band would have easily been a most satisfying show. Once he finished, Hargrove left the stage and the 79 year old Jim Hall came on stage. Hall looked very frail. He also started rough, but after about 2 minutes, he was playing great. He and Russell Malone would trade bars and it was great. After Jim Hall had finished his segment, the entire band except for Sonny left the stage. Sonny announced the next guest, Christian McBride, who was great in the Sonny Rollins's "50th Anniversary of his Carnegie Hall debut" show several years ago. Sonny then announced that a special unannounced guest would be joining them - Roy Haynes! Thus re-uniting the "50th Anniversary" band. BTW, Roy, who is in his eighties, makes McBride look old. We are now in the highpoint of the show. These guys kicked butt! About 10 minutes into the Trio, Sonny announces that he's been told there is a young man who is back-stage and wants to wish him a happy birthday. And he brought his horn. But nobody comes on stage. After about a minute or two, a thin man comes on stage. He's also wearing dark suit and a dark fedora - it must be some new jazz musician fashion trend. I can't quite see his face under the brim of the fedora, since I'm sitting in row V and my night vision is getting worse. He bows on one knee as if greeting royalty (and he is) and shakes Sonny's hand. He stands and faces the audience. I get smart and look at the horn and recognize it. It's Ornette Coleman! This is probably the only public meeting/performance between Sonny and Ornette. It was clearly unrehearsed. They also begin rough. Sonny and Ornette started out sounding discordant. Ornette was playing Ornette and Sonny was playing Sonny. But after a minute or so, Ornette began to play in a more compatible manner with the birthday boy. And it was great! Finally, the show ended and everyone left the stage. The audience went crazy (well, they had been crazy for the last half hour or so, but you know what I mean. For an encore, Sonny and everyone except Ornette (who hadn't rehearsed with the bands) came out and closed with an amazing version of St. Thomas.

It was the most amazing concert I've ever been to! First of all, the organization was great. The day before I got an email reminder with all the directions. Then when I came to the theatre I was very pleased to see that there was no line for people who already had tickets. Everyone in the theatre was very helpful with directions. And secondly.. The music, the vibe... It was so beautiful I didn't know what to do with all the feeling it awoke in me: to cry, to laugh, to dance or what else. Sonny is amazing, amazing, amazing. His charisma, his music... I am very happy I was lucky enough to be there on that day.

I am not a jazz fan - but have become one now. I got the tickets because my boyfriend is a big jazz fan and I wanted to partake of something with him. Boy, was I surprised. I LOVED IT!!! I am definitely a jazz fan now.

Sonny was in great form, his band kicked. When Ornette Coleman walked on stage my jaw dropped. It was like being at an old timers day except that Whitey Ford was pitching a no hitter and Yogi Berra was hitting for the cycle. It was great to see Christian McBride and Roy Hargrove represent the "young" lions, they've learned well. Jim Hall... wow!

My 5th time seeing Sonny Rollins over the past 18 years, and he keeps getting better with age. The show started with Sonny and his band, including long-time bassist Bob Cranshaw. Then trumpet player Roy Hargrove joined and blew nicely along with Sonny. The night kept getting better as more guests arrived, Jim Hall, Roy Haynes, Christian McBride, and then, unannounced, the great Ornette Coleman.....pushing Sonny into some free jazz improvisation. Have Sonny and Ornette ever played together before?

We loved the energy and interplay between Sonny and his MANY friends! We've been inspired for so long by his amazing musical genius! He grew up with my father-in-law in Harlem (he could rarely get Sonny to come out because he was practicing). I have loved his music since before I met my husband; now our older son plays saxophone ... we ALL had the best time! Love you, Sonny!

Extrodinary. I loved the whole show especially the guest he had with him all stars in their own rights.

It had been more than 20 years since I had last seen Sonny Rollins play. I could not believe that at age 80, he could still play like that -- absolutely inspiring. That this show also showcased other octogenarians still cooking is all the more extraordinary. Jim Hall (79), Ornette Coleman (80) and the ageless Roy Haynes (85), this is one I will always remember.

Sonny Rollins stayed on stage for almost two hours at the age of eighty!!!! His sound was breath taking, full, unhindered, and masterful. He is without doubt the greatest tenor saxophone player to have graced the world with his complete mastery of the Jazz genre and has inspired generations with his vision, talent, pursuit of sheer excellence and love of music. He is the Leonardo DiVinci of Jazz!!

First time I saw this amazing artist and he knows what is happening in the world of jazz.

Thomas 'Fats' Waller, one of the other 'giants' of Jazz, is reputed to have said when Art Tatum, his friend, protegé and colleague, walked into a jam session: 'God is in the house tonight'........ That's what I felt when I saw this wonderful concert.....a nonstoppable stream of creativity and energy...(and let's not forget the other great musicians who helped Sonny Rollins reach his peak and came to wish him happy birthday). Wow!!!!

Thoroughly marvellous. Sonny Rollins is wonder. Let's hope that life begins at 80.

A historic event of timeless music. Sonny Rollins, Roy Haynes, Ornette Coleman, Jim Hall, Roy Hargrove, Christian McBride, Russell Malone, and many other great musicians.

Words can not describe how good this show was. The band and the guests were totally I'm synch

Friday night's Sonny Rollins 80th Birthday was a remarkable event. Sonny although looking somewhat frail, played like a man half his age. His band and guests played brilliantly and Ornette Colman was an unexpected surprise.

Often we hear the terms "master" or "mastery" applied to an artist or his or her work. Sonny Rollins@80 was the perfect example of both. From the opening note through the last, I felt privileged to get a rare glimpse of how the true master never lets up, doesn't take short cuts, and, above all, is willing to take chances. Thank you, Sonny Rollins, for sharing your gift and teaching the true meaning of mastery.