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By Sriram Gopal in Arts and Events on December 3, 2009
During the 1960s, a great debate among jazz aficionados was over who was the better saxophonist, John Coltrane or Sonny Rollins. A fool's errand, really, as they had completely different approaches to music. Both were master technicians who could run the gamut, from aggressive to serene. Coltrane's playing had a deeper spirituality, while Rollins was the more mischievous, always playing with a witty edge. And while 'Trane's group was probably more groundbreaking, Sonny deserves a great deal of credit for his sheer longevity and high quality output over a 50+ year career. Few jazzers of his generation remain, making the 79-year-old saxophonist an artistic treasure, and totally deserving of the standing ovation that greeted him as he took the Concert Hall stage last night at the Kennedy Center.
Though walking with a bit of a hobble due to age, any sign of frailty disappeared the second Rollins brought the horn to his mouth. Opening with and uptempo swinger, he prowled about the stage, upper body bobbing back and forth, like a prize fighter throwing musical jabs at each of his bandmates. His tone was as powerful as ever, and the elder was the only band member who did not take a seat for the duration of his two-hour, two-set performance. Time has also not diminished Rollins's stylish flair. Always known for being one of the cleanest cats on the scene, yesterday he was looking quite dapper, with his hair slicked back while sporting a white blazer, dark pants, and his trademark sunglasses. Rollins even changed during intermission, returning to the stage with an equally eye-catching bright red shirt.
The evening's heartwarming moment came just before the band performed the ballad, "Cabin in the Sky," the title song to the 1943 picture starring the wonderful Lena Horne. Rollins recalled seeing the picture as a youngster at a movie theater in Annapolis, while on a trip to the nearby Carr's Beach and Sparrow's Beach, waterfront spots available to African-Americans during segregation. Rollins went on to tell a story of how he saw a big band while at the beach, and was heartbroken to see his crush sitting on the bandstand. But that same concert also planted the seed of his love of jazz, something he remembers, he said, every time he plays in this area. The song itself featured a soulful trombone solo from Clifton Anderson, who also shined on a moving tribute to J.J. Johnson, the trombonist who gave Rollins one of his early breaks.
While this was clearly Sonny's show, he gave his formidable bandmates plenty of space to shine. The first set closed with a Rollins original, "Nice Lady," an island theme that showcased the musicality of percussionist Victor Y. See Yuen, who gave a clinic in balancing technical prowess with taste and restraint. The second set began with another uptempo number that saw Rollins trade phrases with Kobie Watkins, a versatile young drummer with no shortage of chops, but who is also steeped in tradition. Guitarist Bobby Broom was given several solos throughout the evening, and rocked out on "Sonny, Please," the title track to the 2005 release. Bass guitarist Bob Cranshaw, who has been collaborating with Rollins since the late 1950s, spent most of the night holding things down, but was given a moment on the closer, "Don't Stop the Carnival." An homage to his parents' Virgin Island roots, the Rollins staple is built on an instantly hummable melody played over an infectious calypso groove, which brought the boisterous crowd to its feet once more.
In an interview conducted last year, Rollins told DCist that he does not listen to much music anymore. That remark struck us as odd, given the inherent desire artists have to grow and evolve. But like a grandfather who is unapologetically set in his ways, even artists of Rollins' stature probably reach a point where they don't feel that inner fire lighting an explorer's spirit. Instead, they are content to express the emotions and knowledge they have amassed over decades. And like that same grandfather who doles out words of wisdom for us to cherish, last night's audience could feel blessed that Rollins is still around to lend us his sweet, sweet sound.
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