With the passing of Sonny Rollins, I had an inkling he was someone Mr Pete had strong feelings about. Had no idea how far back those feelings reached. As Pistol Pete the basketball player was my motivation to dribble with dedicated determination, Mr Pete looked to this great tenor saxophonist for inspiration. Read on! —The Editor
In high school, I had a somewhat adventurous English teacher who liked to challenge his students with essay assignments which we had to read in front of the class.
One assignment was to write about the “People that Influenced YOU the Most.”
I eagerly jumped at the opportunity.
When it came to present our essays and after listening to several of my classmates I feared I had misunderstood the assignment.
Most of the other students mentioned their parents or other family members. There were relatives who served in the arm services and great-great grandparents that were immigrants.
I had someone I had never actually met in person: SONNY ROLLINS
My developing interest in JAZZ MUSIC was just starting, but it was Mr Rollins’ notion on DISCIPLINE that left an influential mark on my SOUL.
Nicknamed the “Saxophone Colossus” (also an album title) and “Newk,” Sonny was Born in New York City and grew up in central Harlem and Sugar Hill.
Note: Per BLUENOTE, Newk had become Sonny’s moniker, based on his so-called resemblance to the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball pitcher Don Newcombe—one of the heroes of the sport at the time who was the first black ace to win 20 games in a season (1955) and the first to win both the National League MVP and Cy Young awards in the same season (1956). So, Sonny wore the nickname as an honor.
He worked with Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and John Coltrane.
- In 1956 he recorded “Tenor Madness“.
- In 1957 he sharpened his improvisational skills while practicing with Ornette Coleman on the West Coast.
- In 1958, back in NYC, Rollins appeared in Art Kanes’ “A Great Day in Harlem.”
A famous picture of a gathering of New York Jazz Musicians.
At the time of his death at 95, it has been stated that he was the last surviving musician of that gathering.
“That Bridge to Madness.
The Doorway to Perception/ Mission to the State of Euphoria”
- From Summer of 1959 to the Fall of 1961, Rollins sought a musical sabbatical. His quest was spiritual enlightenment through his performing skills.
His journey? Rollins would practice 15-16 hours a day on the Williamsburg Bridge.
No matter the season or weather, with only the accompaniment being the rhyme of the local trains from the nearby subway tracks… Rollins burned off notes with a studious nature of a samurai warrior finding a zen-like peacefulness with the discipline of a Buddhist monk.
Musical and Spiritual Retreat on Williamsburg Bridge
He will not record or perform in public for more than two years — a significant period for the jazzmen of the time.
One day I was on Delancey Street, and I walked up the steps to the Williamsburg Bridge and came to this big expanse. There was nobody up there. So I started walking across the bridge and said, “Wow. This is what I have been looking for. This is a private place. I can blow my horn as loud as I want.” Because the boats are coming under, and the subway is coming across, and cars, and I knew it was perfect, just serendipity.
Indeed… JUST SERENDIPITY…
Note: There was a campaign started in 2016 to rename that bridge in his honor. With his recent death there has been a renewed interest on the Internet in making this so.
Rolling Stones collab…
One of my favorite pieces of Sonny Rollins was his sideman work on the Rolling Stones “Waiting on a Friend (1981)”.
The beautiful solo gave the song a really NYC soulful sound…
That’s a Wrap !!
Asked Mr Pete what the reaction was to his presentation ( High school late 70s)… Well, let’s just say that as usual, Mr Pete was well ahead of us all — lapping us. Personally, I had no idea this happened. I also believe that without an option of playing Sonny Rollins’ music, it would be a tough sell to the teacher and audience.
That being said, I am grateful for the inspiration Mr Rollins provided Mr Pete.
Please click below for some examples of this peaceful, disciplined musician’s work.
Thanks for reading AND listening! – Mr Pete (and his Editor)
A Sampling…
About Mr Pete
A music aficionado, Mr. Pete’s mind and ears have no horizons. He has the uncanny ability to suss out the right song for the right time — a skill that is truly amazing. The Gang here at Jedemi enjoys his contributions.
—30—
Thanks for hanging with us! Oh… and if you liked it, hit us up below [Speak Your Mind] and … please to share!
-The Gang & RC
Oh… And if you haven’t done so already, we invite you to join our waitlist.
–30–
Speak Your Mind