Today's playlist, the 35th installment, features Sonny Rollins.
I bought this record at "Flash Disc Ranch," my favorite record store in Shimokitazawa.
I've been frequenting this record store since I first started living in Setagaya. They have a popular, amazing system where, if you collect 50 stamps on their point card (which is valid as long as the store exists), you get 50% off any number of records under 15,000 yen.
Sonny Rollins: The Jazz Giant, His Trajectory, and Philosophy
Sonny Rollins, the brilliant saxophone giant in the jazz world, has a powerful yet sometimes delicate sound that moves listeners and is deeply etched in jazz history. His music is not just a series of notes; it is a cry from the soul, born from life's struggles and joys, and his unceasing quest.
Youthful Passion and Struggle: From New York to the World
Born in Harlem, New York, in 1930, Rollins was drawn to music from a young age and began his professional career as a teenager. In 1949, at just 19, he recorded his first original composition, "Audobon," showing a glimpse of his talent. In the early 1950s, he was greatly influenced by the innovative musicality of the legendary trumpeter Miles Davis, with whom he collaborated. "Oleo," created during this period, later became a jazz standard, showcasing his talent as a composer.
However, the young Rollins struggled with heroin addiction, a battle that cast a long shadow over his musical life. In 1950, he was arrested for robbery to buy drugs and served time. He continued to face hardship, with repeated arrests and rehabilitations.
Saxophone Colossus: Establishing Fame and Sudden Retirement
In 1956, with the album "Saxophone Colossus," Rollins' music reached a new dimension. This album is one of his masterpieces and includes "St. Thomas," a beloved jazz standard. This song, incorporating calypso rhythms, reflects the Caribbean influence on his musical roots. Rollins continued to produce numerous masterpieces such as "Way Out West" and "A Night at the Village Vanguard," reigning at the pinnacle of the jazz world. However, despite his fame, he suddenly announced his retirement in 1959, shocking the music world.
The reasons cited for this sudden retirement include his dissatisfaction with his own playing and disappointment with the commercialism of the jazz world. Rollins chose to pause to reflect on himself and confront his music.
Resurrection and New Challenges: Fusion of Latin Rhythms and Free Jazz
Breaking a two-year silence, Rollins resumed his activities in 1961 and began new musical challenges. He explored innovative sounds that defied traditional jazz boundaries, such as "What's New," which incorporated Latin music rhythms, and "Our Man in Jazz," which introduced elements of free jazz. Particularly in "Our Man in Jazz," with a simple trio of saxophone, bass, and drums, he created free-spirited music through improvisation.
In 1963, he made his first visit to Japan, captivating Japanese fans with his energetic performances and his Mohawk hairstyle. This visit became a source of new inspiration for him and greatly influenced his subsequent musical activities.
Further Evolution and Musical Exploration: Fusion with Rock and Unaccompanied Solos
In the 1970s, he ventured into electric jazz, and in 1981, he participated in the Rolling Stones' album "Tattoo You." Collaborating with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, he attempted to fuse jazz and rock. This collaboration demonstrates his broad musical range and his quest for music that transcends genres.
In 1985, he performed an unaccompanied saxophone solo lasting nearly an hour at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. This performance once again demonstrated the depth of his musical exploration to the world. His playing, which eliminated all accompaniment and filled the space with only the sound of the saxophone, overwhelmed listeners and conveyed the infinite possibilities of music.
9/11 and a New Chapter: Hope Through the Power of Music
On September 11, 2001, witnessing the simultaneous terrorist attacks in the United States, Rollins, despite his deep sorrow and shock, resolved to encourage people through the power of music. Just days after the attacks, he performed in Boston, emphasizing the beauty of music and the importance of hope. This performance was later released as the live album "Without a Song (The 9/11 Concert)," moving many people.
Fusion of Music and Philosophy: The Sound World Created by Zen and Yoga
Rollins is well-versed not only in music but also in Eastern philosophy, incorporating Zen and yoga into his daily life. Breathing techniques, in particular, have greatly influenced his saxophone playing, and his deep, long breaths are one of the characteristics of his music. The fusion of music and philosophy gives depth and richness to his performances, creating a unique sound.
Endless Exploration: Journeying Through the Universe of Jazz
Sonny Rollins' music possesses a universal charm that transcends the genre of jazz. This can be attributed to his lifelong passion for music and the depth of his character. His music will continue to inspire and give hope to many people and shine brightly in the history of jazz.
At WAITER-U, we curate not only camping gear but also music, books, and movies.
We also create playlists on Spotify, so please feel free to listen to them in your car on the way to your camping trip.
