Jazz Artist of the Week
Sonny Rollins "Saxophone Colossus"

Here is the biggest saxophone sound to hit jazz since Ben Webster. Sonny Rollins released "Saxophone Colossus" in 1957 and has been a giant presence ever since. As evident in his famous St. Thomas solo below, Sonny Rollins would often improvise over a rhythmic pattern rather than a melodic pattern. The result is a rhythmically intense and uniformed musical expression. Throughout his career, Rollins has taken long breaks in recording and performing. Once, for two years, to focus on practicing. Another time, to focus on meditation and the study of eastern philosophies. Each time he comes back with a different but still captivating sound.