Remembering the 'Saxophone Colossus' Sonny Rollins • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• The Colossus: A moniker for Sonny Rollins, reflecting his monumental influence on jazz and the saxophone.
• Musical Diaspora: The global spread and influence of jazz music and its cultural roots.
• The Bridge (1962): A seminal album recorded by Rollins after a three-year hiatus, named after his practice sessions under the Williamsburg Bridge.
• Band Loyalty: The professional and personal commitment between band members, exemplified by Rollins’s 50-year partnership with bassist Bob Cranshaw.
• St. Thomas: One of Rollins’s most famous compositions, noted for its West Indian influence and universal appeal.

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1. The Legacy and Impact of Sonny Rollins

Reggie Washington, a founding member of the Black Lives Ensemble, characterizes the passing of Sonny Rollins as the loss of a "colossus." Rollins is described as a foundational figure whose influence permeates the entire jazz genre. Washington notes that Rollins was the last surviving member of the iconic "Great Day in Harlem" photograph, marking the end of an era for a generation of jazz giants, including John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, and Archie Shepp.

2. Professionalism and Mentorship

Washington highlights two core aspects of Rollins’s character:

• Courtesy and Professionalism: Rollins was widely regarded by peers as a consummate professional.
• Loyalty: Rollins served as a mentor to Washington, specifically teaching him the importance of loyalty within a musical ensemble. Washington cites the 50-year collaboration between Rollins and bassist Bob Cranshaw as the gold standard for musical partnership and personal dedication.

3. The Williamsburg Bridge Hiatus (1959–1962)

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Rollins’s three-year disappearance from the public eye at the end of the 1950s.

• The Context: Rollins stepped away from the stage to allow his wife, Lucille, to rest during her pregnancy and to focus on his own spiritual and musical search.
• The Methodology: Rollins practiced his saxophone under the Williamsburg Bridge in Manhattan. He noted in a 2015 New York Times interview: "Playing against the sky really does improve your volume and your wind capacity."
• The Outcome: This period of isolation resulted in the critically acclaimed album The Bridge. Washington emphasizes that this period was not just about technical practice but a deep, spiritual search that defined Rollins’s unmistakable sound.

4. Cultural Roots and Musical Contributions

Rollins’s background as a Harlem native with West Indian parents is cited as a key influence on his music. His composition "St. Thomas" is highlighted as a prime example of his ability to bridge cultural gaps, as it remains one of the most recorded and universally recognized jazz standards, capable of engaging audiences globally.

5. Proposal to Rename the Williamsburg Bridge

The interview touches upon a movement—sparked by jazz musician Ken Vandermark—to rename the Williamsburg Bridge as the "Sonny Rollins Bridge."

• Argument: Washington strongly supports this initiative, arguing that it would serve as a "national treasure" and a source of inspiration for future generations of musicians.
• Perspective: He suggests that such a tribute would not only honor Rollins’s legacy but also bring positive notoriety to the landmark itself.

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Synthesis and Conclusion

The discussion frames Sonny Rollins not merely as a musician, but as a spiritual and technical force who shaped the trajectory of jazz. From his early work on the album Freedom Suite—which Washington recalls listening to repeatedly as a child—to his later years, Rollins maintained a standard of excellence and integrity. The consensus presented is that while the "Colossus" has passed, his influence remains etched into the history of the music and the hearts of those he mentored, with the potential for a physical monument (the bridge) to serve as a lasting testament to his contribution to American culture.