Sonny Rollins @ Sydney OperaHouse (2/6/11)

Sat 4th Jun, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Early last month, I interviewed Sonny Rollins for FL ending the interview by asking what to expect for his show at the Sydney Opera House. He replied “I hope we give you a good show that night, remember jazz is a music that is not fixed, it is always evolving, always different.” The 80 year old has put out over 50 albums as a band leader making music as early as 1953, but he didn’t show any intention of slowing down. Sonny Rollins put on one of the most energetic, skilful and downright fun performances I’ve ever seen. Over the course of two hours, Rollins’ reaffirmed why he has been and remains the unchallenged ‘Saxophone Colossus’.

As Rollins launched into his first saxophone solo of the night, he avowed himself as a master of improvisation. Rollins is connected with every note he plays, from his lengthy single note drones to his quick scale runs. With the deep link he possesses with his improvisation and playing it’s easy to understand why he considers it “better than sex”. Although, Rollins dominated the show with his seemingly limitless virtuosity, charisma and energy; the rest of the band were not without their moments in the spotlight (literally).

Kobie Watkins’ time-keeping and driving rhythm parts were adorned with a sense of skill and precision that few other jazz drummers match. Watkins combined technique, speed, passion and creativity in his several drum solos throughout the night; each receiving rapturous applause. Guitarist Peter Bernstein provided Rollins with his closest (yet still distant) competition in his group. Bernstein was given more solo time than the other members in the group excluding Rollins, however, the audience didn’t at all tire from his exposure instead becoming increasingly receptive of his unique style.

The band moved through more recent material of Rollins including Sonny, Please, Serenade, They Say it’s Wonderful and Patanjali as well as older material including Don’t Stop the Carnival. The last track, Don’t Stop the Carnival saw Rollins in an almost transcendent state. Rollins was his instrument, producing passionate and awe-inspiring music to close the show. The band left the stage to a standing ovation after a two hour performance re-affirming Rollins’ position as one of the most integral figures in the history of the jazz. Rollins returned to the stage alone accompanied by his saxophone playing the melody line to Waltzing Mathilda after telling the audience “Thank you, you’ve been amazing, I mean it, I really mean it”. Rollins’ sincerity, energy and talent as a musician really make him the full package as a performer. Sonny Rollins is truly a character that emanates positive energy to all those in proximity to him and is no less than one of the best performers alive.