"Sonny Rollins, 76, is considered by many to be the greatest living jazz improviser. Even in his 30s, when the country teemed with brilliant saxophonists -- from Coleman Hawkins to Ben Webster to Charlie Parker to John Coltrane -- Rollins was in a class by himself. Now, when virtually no contemporary of his stature is still active, he stands alone, towering over a jazz scene in which geniuses are dying off faster than they are being replaced." Read the rest of David Rubien's article found in today's San Francisco Chronicle Datebook, entititled; "Sonny Rollins: Hero of Jazz."

Jazz Profiles from NPR, salutes saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Theodore Walter "Sonny" Rollins, whose career-long penchant for exploration and innovation has resulted in some of jazz's most influential recordings, performances and collaborations. Don't miss the Sonny Rollins talk about the influence of Louis Jordan and Coleman Hawkins on his music!

Hear what Down Beat has to say, "Sonny Rollins is the first major influence on a significant number of young tenors since the Stan Getz of the late forties and early fifties. Unlike the mesmeric Getz of that period, Sonny's approach is far from cool, and he is seldom lyrical. Sonny's style is hot, driving, deeply pulsating, and is rooted in Charlie Parker and before Bird, Coleman Hawkins."

"When Sonny Rollins picks up the tenor saxophone, the world listens. For nearly half a century, he has played music with the majesty of a Greek god, and today remains one of the few surviving icons from a golden era of jazz that will probably never be equalled." Europe Jazz Network

You can visit the Sonny Rollins Website Here.

Jazz Files recommended recordings can be found HERE.

Don't miss his upcoming concert this Friday, October 20, at the Masonic Center. For details, visit the San Francisco Jazz Festival website.

Labels: Bay Area Jazz, Europe Jazz Network, Jazz, Jazz Files, NPR Jazz Profiles, San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Jazz, Sax, Sonny Rollins