Gitler plans to question the saxophonist about how he prepares for a concert; about influences that haven't been highlighted in previous interviews; and about his spiritual side, from his studies of Rosicrucianism and Buddhism to his yoga practice and travels in India and Japan. Ira also wants to ask Sonny about particular concerts; there's one 1980s show in Buffalo, NY, for instance, that he still can't get out of his mind!
Specifics aside, Rollins and Gitler should have a lot to talk about, as they are longtime colleagues whose acquaintance dates back to the early days of Prestige Records: the 21-year-old Rollins's first session as a leader, on December 17, 1951, was supervised by Gitler--his first such assignment--on the eve of his 23rd birthday.
Sonny Rollins has been nominated for a Grammy Award in the “Best Jazz Instrumental Solo" category for “Why Was I Born?," a track from his latest Milestone CD Without a Song (The 9/11 Concert). His previous album, “This Is What I Do," earned Rollins his first-ever performance Grammy.
In an interview with Paul Jackson in the Daily Yomiuri that was published (10/27) during Rollins's recent “Farewell Tour" of Japan, the saxophonist singled out several “acceptable" records of his that he likes “parts" of, including This Is What I Do, Saxophone Colossus, A Night at the Village Vanguard, Way Out West, and Freedom Suite.
“Freedom Suite [1958, Riverside] was a very important record for me because it demonstrated that I had a certain social consciousness and showed I could express it through my music. It became the start of an important groundbreaking trend. Among all the other jazz protest albums it was probably the first one."
In stores next Tuesday (1/10): eight new compilation CDs in the multi-label Plays for Lovers series, featuring the lyrical sides of TONY BENNETT (Concord), STAN GETZ (Concord Jazz), BILL EVANS (Riverside), CHET BAKER (Riverside), SARAH VAUGHAN (Pablo), DAVE BRUBECK (Fantasy), and--from the Prestige catalog--MILES DAVIS and JOHN COLTRANE.
The Davis and Coltrane sets were produced by Richard Seidel, the others by Concord's Nick Phillips. All eight are priced at $11.98.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
