Book Review: Sonny Rollins

Started by David Houck, July 13, 2023, 12:44:19 PM

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David Houck

I just finished a new biography of Sonny Rollins, Saxophone Colossus by Aidan Levy.  (Note that there is an older biography of Rollins with the same title but different author).  715 pages, before the index; it's long.  Despite it's length, I thought it well written and engaging.  It is quite detailed, with lots of who played with him on that gig, that tour, that recording, etc; and lots of testimony from the musicians on what it was like to play with him and to spend time with him.  I found the level of detail gave me a deeper insight into his life.  In my view, you do not need to be a jazz fan to appreciate the story and enjoy reading this biography.


Recommended.

xlrogue6

That's a must-read for me. "A Night At The Village Vanguard" is a truly amazing album--just Sonny with bass and drums. Highly recommended.