Guestbook

Sunday, 17 February 2008 03:02 Host: host-88-210-232-39.adsl.caucasus.net

Dear Mr. Rollins

Currently I'm writing an article in one of Georgia's magazines about you. Couple of weeks ago when I was flipping through my old notes I suddenly bumped into a phrase which sort of escaped my memory. It said: 'With Rollins's music in my ears I can walk the cemetery after midnight'. I really have no idea why did I write it but I did so I told myself: Well, if you wrote it than go and check it! It was really dark and scary when, after couple of days, I found myself standing in front of the gates of Tbilisi's biggest cemetery. It was deeply past midnight and I had always been scared of darkness. Well, I'll cut my story short: your music won! I mean, it literally shone in the darkness! It actually allowed me to stay there for more than an hour and a half. Stupid? Pathetic? Probably yes but definitely worth trying it.

God Bless You Mr. Rollins

Wednesday, 13 February 2008 19:44 Host: adsl-71-144-61-154.dsl.hstntx.sbcglobal.net

I play alto and soon tenor.so please send me advice and tips. oh and budewig is my school.i'm 10. i want to be like you u r my inspiration. live long.

Wednesday, 13 February 2008 16:08 Host: adsl-71-144-61-154.dsl.hstntx.sbcglobal.net

Email me advice and tips.U are my inspiration. Please come to budewig in Houston,Texas and perform.

Tuesday, 12 February 2008 05:39 IP: 145.253.163.210

Dear Sonny, best wishes for your health. Get well soon. Just listened to your Trio in Aix-en-Provence 1959 with Henry Grimes on bass and Kenny Clarke on drums. This music is revolution - a bit earlier than the other music revolutions at that time and probably inspiring for them. Impressed by your 2008 itinerary - happy about your concerts in Frankfurt & in Zurich which I'll visit both. Please take care of yourself, Barbara

Monday, 11 February 2008 05:42 Host: 75-93-3-149.eug.clearwire-dns.net

Maybe you met my dad, Dave Ball, back in the late 50's when this photo I found was taken. He passed last march and left a great legacy of photographs.
I hope to make a book of them - probably 4!
All the best to you sir!
Please allow me to send you this photo I will post it where you like!
You - Jazz

Wednesday, 6 February 2008 09:04 IP: 59.23.27.206

I'm currently teaching in South Korea, and I couldn't believe when I heard you were coming to Korea. I'm a huge fan and can't wait to see you in Seoul!

Monday, 4 February 2008 14:59 IP: 216.248.224.26

sonny,
there's nothing i can say that hasn't been said a million times. nonetheless, your music is amazingly beautiful. i was wondering if you have written, are in the process of, or are considering writting an autobiography. it would be killer to hear your story from you.
thanks much,
chris

Sunday, 3 February 2008 14:02 Host: 200.84.219-146.dyn.dsl.cantv.net

Hi, Sonny,
Congratulations for you 50th anniversary.
Blessings

Thursday, 31 January 2008 19:15 Host: 93.Red-88-14-12.dynamicIP.rima-tde.net

-Hi,Mr Rollins, I am a young student of saxophone and you are the example of work and effort that marks my life day after day. Thank you very much

Wednesday, 30 January 2008 11:16 Host: nj-71-53-16-30.dhcp.embarqhsd.net

Hi Sonny ,Thinking of you often and fondly best wishes BG

Monday, 28 January 2008 02:59 IP: 145.253.163.210

three little words - and two questionmarks that saved my life. THANK YOU, Sonny, there will fly some pictures to you ... Barb

Tuesday, 22 January 2008 08:25 Host: customer194-97.iplannetworks.net

Sonny you are great!

we want to come play in Buenos Aires Argentina. Thats posible? We want to see a live concert!

Thanks

Mariano

Tuesday, 22 January 2008 06:34 Host: ool-44c58d2f.dyn.optonline.net

Hi Sonny,
I appreciate all of the good work that you keep doing. I am certain that life appreciates it as well. I just wanted to clear up some bad vibes that I once had with you. I saw you in Vermont at Middlebury College during the winter of 1980. I was a student there, newly into jazz, and I was looking to learn from you. I was getting stoned in the audience with my room-mate and you personally seemed to approve. I had a suspicious attitude of you for the rest of the show even though your music was strong. I guess that I had hoped for some kind of rebuke from you at some level. Anyway, I want you to be completely free of my negative feelings for certain. I see you now as a man who has repented and who is free from the escapist vice that was once master of me. Shine on Mr. Rollins. You are now more inspiration than I had hoped for.
Warmly, Your student

Saturday, 19 January 2008 20:27 Host: c-76-21-170-65.hsd1.va.comcast.net

Sonny - you are my all time fave- I've seen you 3 times thru the years, the best was at Blues Alley in DC when you were very welcoming between sets and signed an old album I brought with you and Kenny Dorham. Those sides with Brownie and Max bring joy every time and I never tire of the Monk stuff, but even better is the fact that you still create fresh stuff. Keep it going!

Friday, 18 January 2008 23:49 IP: 124.28.144.226

On may, Korea performance is expected really.
Is healthy,an opportunity that can meet should like to occur.

Saturday, 12 January 2008 17:57 Host: c-76-24-83-84.hsd1.ma.comcast.net

wow sonny Rollins, you are my favorite saxophone player ever. I have sheet music of a lot of your songs and i can play them all, im in eigth grade

Thursday, 10 January 2008 19:13 IP: 209.94.196.172

I am a jazz vocalist living in the islands. I do wish you can pay us a visit in the Caribbean soon...I know a lot of musicians here will be appreciative.

Thanks for all the great music

Vaughnette

Thursday, 10 January 2008 07:47 Host: no-dns-yet.demon.co.uk

hI Sonny

Been a fan for 50 years and seen you here at a pub in Hampstead in 66, later at Ronnies and in concert.

I have a Selmer Mark VI with Otto Link and Berg Larsen, only thing wrong is me!

Look forward to your 2008 releases

God Bless You

Wednesday, 9 January 2008 02:56 Host: d211-31-101-168.dsl.nsw.optusnet.com.au

Hi Sonny

I was wondering if you are touring to Australia soon
It would be so good if you could

Hope to see you down under
Jon

Tuesday, 8 January 2008 20:19 Host: adsl-76-202-219-33.dsl.emhril.sbcglobal.net

Dear Mr. Rollins:
The North American Saxophone Alliance is about to launch a new website. The site will include an area recognizing you as one of our ten longtime Honorary Members; several of us have been concerned that little recognition has been given by NASA to you, Sigurd Rascher, Donald Sinta, Fred Hemke, Eugene Rousseau, and the others. May I ask you to send a photograph for use on the site? Many thanks for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Thomas Liley
Director of Scholarly Publications,
North American Saxophone Alliance

Monday, 7 January 2008 14:08 Host: 68-26-229-100.area1.spcsdns.net

Happy New Year Sonny !
I just recently purchased 3 of your cd's re released by RVG. I love all of them. I'm trying to collect everything you have recorded. Wow...I have a ways to go. But thanks for all the great jazz.
Marty Wells

Sunday, 6 January 2008 11:14 Host: gate1-norfolk.nmci.navy.mil

Happy New Year to you,
I'm just another fan that loves your playing. I've been blessed enough to get
orchestra seats for your upcoming concert
at the Kennedy Center in April. Evenly
important, I will have my 10 year old son
with me, who plays the sax, for the experience of seeing how it's done by the best.
You are the best!!
Stat Smith

Wednesday, 2 January 2008 10:17 Host: c-68-33-251-93.hsd1.md.comcast.net

Happy New Year, Sonny!

May 2008 be another great year for you and your fans worldwide. I'm very much looking forward to the release of your new Carnegie Hall CD and your new DVD! I continue to derive much pleasure and inspiration from your live performances and recordings. See you in April at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Ron Holloway

Saturday, 29 December 2007 19:49 Host: cpe-74-67-183-123.rochester.res.rr.com

Dear Sonny Rollins,

I did not want my life to end without telling you how incredible and inspiring you have been to me.

I have listened to, and loved your music my whole life long, beginning with my childhood in the South Bronx. It was then an inherited admiration, because my Daddy dug your music, so did I. Yet. I do still, more than ever, because of your wonderful history and creativity.

After studying the violin and cello and bassoon at long last I got a tenor saxophone. I wanted to be able to make some of the sounds. And by trying,
I am more deeply and profoundly in admiration of your skills, your journeyshaping sound. Thank you
thank you God bless you and keep you well always.

Saturday, 29 December 2007 08:15 Host: bas1-kitchener06-1167865496.dsl.bell.ca

You're the giant, thanks for all the inspiration. Happy New Year and have another great one Mr. Rollins.

Thursday, 27 December 2007 13:40 Host: cpc1-pool4-0-0-cust158.sotn.cable.ntl.com

Hi Sonny, Happy New Year, See you In England if London gets on the itinerary next November, I hope you can Squeeze Us In .Take Care Man , We all LOVE YOU.

Wednesday, 26 December 2007 10:07 Host: pool-71-183-121-204.nycmny.fios.verizon.net

Dear Sonny,

I am a grateful 43 yr old fan, who plays tenor saxophone and continually draws inspiration from you.

As a player, I always practice in an effort to learn more and play better. Listening to you reminds me that playing better is about getting in touch with the inner soul and expressing it truthfully....not just playing as many notes as you can. This helps me to truly be the best I can be, and I teach my guitarist son to keep the same in mind when he plays.

I especially love the soul and honesty of your latest "Sonny Please", and am obsessed with the simple beauty of the track "Park Palace Parade." This track is a perfect example of everything music should be.

Thank you for all the beautiful music you've given us throughout the years, and hopefully will continue to for more years to come.

May God bless you with health and happiness in this new year and always.

Russ Paladino
Staten, Island, NY

Monday, 24 December 2007 09:40 Host: 201.86.8.145.adsl.gvt.net.br

Dear Mr. Rollins,

i can't tell how glad i am for of the opportunity to say directly to you how much i admire your music and how important it has been to me since i first listened to it. I believe in Jazz and i can tell It exists, like someone could tell God or even himself exists, by listening to your sound. Actually i see no difference between your art, thought and religion. Because it leads, through a singing thought or a thoughtful singing, to what or who concerns us all. I feel This coming to us through your music, being your music.

Thank you, Mr. Rollins, for this gift. "God bless the child!"


Most sincerely,

M. A. Valentim.

Sunday, 23 December 2007 08:56 Host: pD9E63CDF.dip.t-dialin.net

Dear Sonny,
reading your guestbook I came to know, that you´re going to be in Germany next year. The tickets for your concert in Hamburg are ordered. I´m looking forward to it.
In May 2006 I saw you performing in Duisburg, half an hour away from my place and in Nov. 2007 I was at your concert in Barcelona. It was the highlight of my trip to this beautiful city. Two totally different locations but both were equally impressive.
For the next year I wish you and your family and friends all the best.
Michael

Wednesday, 19 December 2007 15:33 Host: d042182.adsl.hansenet.de

Dear Sonny,

I've just bought three tickets for me and my parents for your concert in Hamburg in November 2008. We're so exited!
See you in November 2008,
Yours Verena

Wednesday, 19 December 2007 07:48 Host: pD9F6AF78.dip.t-dialin.net

Dear Sonny, wish you very relaxing and nice holidays. Your Paris Concert is still in my mind - you played in a way I never heard you playing - sometimes minimalistic. Very beautiful. The whole band was so great. Thank you.
Have sent you something - hope it will arrive at you. Please, take care of yourself. Barbara

Saturday, 15 December 2007 17:00 Host: cpc3-pool4-0-0-cust296.sotn.cable.ntl.com

Hi Sonny thanks for the recent London show,finally on the front row after all these years thanks for every spiritual moment,your shows are a real lift,

Saturday, 15 December 2007 14:02 Host: 70-91-122-97-michigan.hfc.comcastbusiness.net

Hi Sonny -

I was listening to "Sonny Side Up" on 12-11-07 and realized that "Duets" was recorded on 12-11-57 and "SSU" on 12-19-57.... I played with Dizzy in 1977 (college gig) and met Mr. Stitt, who promptly gave me his "standard" saxophone lesson ("how may keys...."). My longtime pianist informs me that SS asked him the same question for piano!

I've also recently become aware that you've been quoting "Oh, Susannah" for fifty years as well ("Vanguard," "Please"). For whatever reason, I never noticed it before (maybe it's because I heard James Taylor's version of it for the first time recently....). Now I can't stop doing so myself!!!! :)

You're of course one of my biggest influences and I'm happy to report that players & audience members hear some of you in my tenor playing....

Thanks for talking to me at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor and Orchestra Hall in Detroit - it meant a lot to me....

Thanks also for enriching my playing, the world in general, the tenor, and "Don't Stop The Carnival"!

Happy holidays!

Peace,

- Jeff

Saturday, 15 December 2007 08:58 Host: 209-150-49-101.c3-0.nwt-ubr3.sbo-nwt.ma.cable.rcn.com

Hey Sonny,
I am a 10 year old alto saxophonist inspired by you! In the ensamble i'm in we're playing your song, Did You See Harold Vick? A few months ago, I saw your concert at symphony hall, in boston. You were rocking out! I'll trade you a signed picture of me on sax, for a signed picture of you on sax, please! : )

From, Nathan



Nathan Reider
135 Langley Rd.
Newton, MA 02459

Friday, 14 December 2007 18:36 Host: adsl-68-73-192-201.dsl.sfldmi.ameritech.net

Hi Sonny

My name is Sheila and I was at your concert in Detroit in october at the Music hall. You were awesome and I was absolutely thrilled to be there experiencing your gift. You are someone in jazz that I have admired. I tried to stick around and meet you but I had no luck there. But, I just wanted you to know how much I appreciated your concert.
Take care.

Wednesday, 12 December 2007 18:45 Host: 82-32-56-78.cable.ubr08.azte.blueyonder.co.uk

Hello Sonny,
Saw you in Ronnies Scott's in 1965.
Unforgetable. You played the bell
off your tenor. Ronnie said (introducing the support band)-
"I don't know how they are going to top that..."
Gerrard Street, Soho - London
Thanks for an evening I'll always remember.
Jeff Glynn

Wednesday, 12 December 2007 09:07 Host: fctnnbsc14w-142167074094.pppoe-dynamic.nb.aliant.net

Hi Sonny. Your music truly inspires me.
Happy Holidays!

Monday, 10 December 2007 20:28 Host: clcsec2-126974.utep.edu

You are why i play - thank you Sonny. Come to El Paso, Texas Soon.

Sunday, 9 December 2007 09:46 Host: ool-4350a346.dyn.optonline.net

I purchased your signed photograph for my boyfriend for his birthday. He absolutely loved it!

Sunday, 9 December 2007 08:10 Host: 132.Red-81-36-120.dynamicIP.rima-tde.net

Sonny - Happy Christmas

Friday, 7 December 2007 11:54 Host: 168.Red-83-32-68.dynamicIP.rima-tde.net

Hi Sonny ;

Bravo !!!!

From Barcelona Nov. ; 16th concent.

Carry on...

Friday, 7 December 2007 10:28 Host: ip24-255-10-91.tc.ph.cox.net

Merry Christmas Saxophone Santa

Wednesday, 5 December 2007 09:46 Host: ip24-255-10-91.tc.ph.cox.net

Just purchased and downloaded "Lover."

Oh my goodness! You are absolutely on fire.

Happy holidays, Sonny from freezing Maine.

Monday, 3 December 2007 10:10 IP: 216.103.134.130

Mr. Sonny,
You would most likely not remember me, but I was the audio engineer at House of Blues in New Orleans when you performed there back in 1999 or so. I will never forget the experience of mixing your performance and of meeting you and your lovely wife. I have moved to L.A. after Hurricane Katrina and am still working for HOB as the national director of production. I have never forgotten the poster you signed for me"Chopper, You are the Man!". Unfortunately, it was lost along with 25 years of music business memorabilia in the flood. I hope to see you again down the road. Have a wonderful holiday season and a great tour. Chopper Brady

Sunday, 2 December 2007 18:10 Host: user-387gg5c.cable.mindspring.com

Thank You Sonny

Sunday, 2 December 2007 08:04 Host: dialup90.vlz.ru

Just bought "Sonny, please". It's awesome! Sonny rules!
Bobby Broom is also great. I do love the combination of sax and guitar. This is magic!

Sunday, 2 December 2007 05:59 IP: 195.16.232.225

Setlist Monte Carlo:

1)Why was i born ?
2)Nice Lady
3)In a sentimental mood
4)They say it`s wonderful
5)Someday i`ll find you
6)Global warming
7)Nishi
8)Where or when

148 minutes without intermission

This concert had a different feeling than any other Sonny-Rollins-cincert i witnessed.
“Global warming” and “Where or when “got a new reading here-understated,yet magical.
Travelled all the way from Austria to Monaco.Probably i`ll travel even further next time-i need to know how the numbers develop !!

Saturday, 1 December 2007 08:51 Host: ip24-255-10-91.tc.ph.cox.net

I've seen you a number of times here in London, Mr. Colossus, but this was simply the best. When your magnificent bassist, Bob "Ageless" Cranshaw, took such a long solo on the first tune, "In A Sentimental Mood," I thought you were sick and not ready to play. Then your guitarist, whose playing I like more and more, came in for chorus after chorus, I was even more worried.

Then the explosion began. And when the evening was over, you, and the audience, were spent.

I can't believe you actually played "There�ll Be Bluebirds Over the White Cliffs of Dover."

What a repertoire!

What a saxophone surprise.

Friday, 30 November 2007 11:19 Host: ip24-255-10-91.tc.ph.cox.net

Thank you so much!

We love you Sonny.

Please, just keep doing what you're doing!

Thursday, 29 November 2007 06:43 Host: ip24-255-10-91.tc.ph.cox.net

The children of the night make such beautiful music.

Thursday, 29 November 2007 02:38 Host: host93-82-static.106-82-b.business.telecomitalia.it

See You tonite in Montecarlo, Great Man!

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 15:46 Host: ip24-255-10-91.tc.ph.cox.net

I was lucky enough to attend the Carnegie Hall concert. I've told my friends about it, and they're anxious to hearing the CD. So am I!

Happy holidays Saxophone Colossus

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:47 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

Sonny at Barbican,London 24th November 2007

Fantastic show.First time I've heard Sonny and I was knocked out.Never heard the tenor sound that good and great band too.Why didn't Sonny do an encore?The audience wore themselves out clapping for one.

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:46 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

We saw Sonny perform last November in Scottsdale. As expected, he was AMAZING. The crowd was on its feet for standing ovations more than once, and he deserved it. When he started playing "In A Sentimental Mood" my heart raced, because that's the ONE song that I had hoped he'd play. What a beautiful job he did on it too. He even "quoted" his song "Alfie's Theme Differently" during his performance of "In A Sentimental Mood." - - It was just too cool!

But I was completely unprepared for our meeting with Sonny backstage. I was initially paralyzed by fear and excitement. But he quickly put us at ease with his friendly manner and sense of humor. We spent perhaps 45 minutes with him and, before we left, I was struck by the realization that Sonny Rollins is even more impressive as simply a human being, than he is as a musician. His humble, kind, engaging demeanor was really inspiring. Although he spent considerable time with us sharing his wisdom and knowledge about playing the saxophone... the most important lesson I learned from him that evening was "humility."

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:45 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

hey folks, just to let you in on sonnys recent gig here in barcelona. rightly as you can imagine, it was awesome. the seats that we all had were just barely used, bum on the edge sort of thing. sonny and his terrific band glowed from start to finish. that was the only bummer to the end of the night , was that we had to stop the carnival, cos we had to work in the morning, plus sonny and the boys had to roll the carnival down to seville, midst bad bad weather. god bless the man, his mother, and all good things that shaped him............... toodle doo. gabe

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:44 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

This past Saturday Sonny blew into Detroit like a Hurricane !

I've had the great opportunity to hear Sonny on every occaision (with the exception two years ago) he's performed in Detroit for the last twenty five years.
This time was special though; I was the presenter of him and the cats. Sonny came to play Saturday and everbody knew it......

The set list included Why was I born, St. Thomas, Don't Stop the Carnival, Without a Song, In a sentimental mood, and several other gems. More than two hours straight !

Highlights? There were many......
Bob Cranshaw's rock bottom steadiness, Bobby Broom's blues licks under the soloists, Clifton Anderson sounding more like JJ,....Kimati Dinazulu dropping afro cuban hand bombs, and Willie Jones III confirming he's one of the outstanding drummers of his generation.......

But the real Killer was Sonny......after playing for more than two hours, he then signed more than 100 autographs and memorabilia......

Thank You Sonny for your grace, elegance, honor, and humility. And did I tell you the best part?

Saturday, October 13, 2007 was Sonny Rollins day in Detroit.

Thanks Newk,

Skip Norris
Jazz Artistic Director
Music Hall for the Perfroming Arts Center
Detroit, Michigan

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:43 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

Just saw Sonny at the MJF 50th. Fantastic Performance.
I never got the name of the next to the last piece he (they) played.
It had a Latin Beat, Excellent !
Was anyone else there who can help me with the name of that music ?
Thanks..
John Cortellacci

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:42 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

Living in NY, I have made it my business to try to see each and every Sonny Rollins concert performed in the NY area. I saw all of the concerts with the "Young Lions" and of course they were spectacular. I have seen Sonny with McCoy Tyner. On and on, but the two that bring back the most longing memories was first a concert on the Circle Line. Besides hearing Sonny & group in all their glory, with the background of the skyline of Manhattan, the highlight was a walk on by Betty Carter. Her vocals with Sonny's obligatto's was perfect music. My last & best Sonny concert memory was from sometime from the mid 80's (?) when the Museum of Modern Art had a Jazz in the Garden series and Sonny played solo. Walking or stalking that garden, just his music, floating through the night air, chorus after chorus of invention, music from the God's. Long live Sonny.

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:42 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

Last timer I saw Sonny was in Paris/France a few years ago. Do you know if Sonny intends to visit France ?

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:39 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

I saw him perform at the NJ Performing Arts Center, this year. April? It was fantastic. What I will not forget is after the final encore he and his band mates left the stage and the house lights went on. many people had already left but I sat still, for I wanted the night to be as long as it could be.

It was beautiful. I wrote my friends a very long passionate email that night about Sonny that included the following:

"After the second encore, the house lights went up and
a quarter of the audience had made their way out and I
sat in my chair not wanting the night to end. And then
it happened. Magic. Sonny quietly walked back out on
stage and walked to its edge and began speaking to us.
His band members could be seen just off in the wings,
stepping just a bit around the curtains, still holding
their instruments, to watch Sonny play. He let loose
decades of music and a lifetime of soul searching and
performed what I feel was his final solo, in what will
be one of his final shows on one of his final tours.
Sonny, on stage alone, playing his sax, speaking to us
all."

But it was NOT his final solo in NOT his last tour. I will be there at Carnegie Hall to share yet another moment with Mr Rollins. I cannot wait!

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:38 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

I was lucky enough to be present at the concert Sonny did at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston, on September 15, 2001. The recording "Without a Song" comes from that concert.

That night he played and reached our hearts, and spirits, as never before. Perhaps because we need his nourishment so badly, at that time.

I will never forget how he made me cry that night.

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:37 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

Can't remember the year, probably five or six years ago, I heard Sonny live in a free concert, outside in Damrosh (sp?) Park, right near Lincoln Center. He must have played for two hours non-stop. Incredible.

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:37 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

The first time I heard Sonny live was particularly memorable. it was at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in 1971. Walter Davis, Jr. was on piano, Masuo on guitar, I forget the others.

I'd be listening to Sonny and digging him on records (remember those?), for a while.

Hearing him life was a revelation. The energy, the spirit, the musicality, it was just incredible.

One of those things you never forget.

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:30 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

Hello. Unfortunately I wasn´t able to get a ticket for the London or Paris Gig and I´m so sad ´cause of that... It would be my biggest dream if Sonny could have a gig in Germany sometimes... Is there anything planned?
Best regards, Sonny is the one who made me play saxophon and I´m still loving it above all.

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:30 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

Dear God Rollins,

it is a honor to have the chance to contact you, and I really wish you could read these few lines and reply me personnaly.

You are just THE God for me, and no one except you and your art would deserve all the attention of the world.

Please accept that you are the One, and please pardon the actual world and its people who do not know / realize the the depth of your work.

I am a French person (28 y.o.) and work / live in Beijing (China) since 4 years. A friend of mine, also French and fond of jazz have since a very long time a question for you, but we always didn't have the courage to ask you it since for us you are an untouchable God!
We waited too long, now is the time!
Here it is:

Therefore, this "Humanity project" would be a concert or a recording of you, God Rollins, with Ahmad Jamal, plus the rythmic section that you would be confortable to play with, for the style / approach you would consider.

The Humanity needs you God Rollins. Please bear it in mind

Hoping that I could get an answer from you, please accept, God Rollins, the most respectable regards.

Richard

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:28 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

good evening, mr rollins, i just wanted to thank you for the wonderful concert the other night in barcelona, your supurb band and your one and only self had us all evening at the edge of our seats. meeting you i must say was also a beautiful experience, my wife has been hummin her way around the house with dont stop the carnival, ever since. do you remember the story about our hens and roosters reaction to certain areas of sonny meets hawk, i must try to get it on video for you and send it off to bret. my wife was a bit blue after meetin you, cos on her way up the steps she slipped and cracked the half dozen eggs she had brought for your breakfast, from those tuned in hens that just eat corn and listen to good tunes. god bless you sonny, whats mine is yours.............. gabriel..... hugs all around, and a biggie for bret...

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:27 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

A question for Sonny from a long-time (47 years) fan in the UK (I was at your memorable concert at the Barbican, London, a few years ago).

You toured Europe in 1974, your group including your friend the late Rufus Harley, but there seem to be only two issued tracks of Rufus playing bagpipes with you (Alfie's Theme - and Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (complementing each other beautifully throughout and that wonderful introduction).

I was glad when Rufus' collected Atlantic recordings were issued fairly recently.

There must be unreleased recordings of your 1974 group with Rufus playing bagpipes. If so, is there any chance of your being able to arrange for them to be released for your many fans worldwde?

I salute you - 77 years old and still striving for greater heights (and another punishing tour!).

Best wishes
ChrisB

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:27 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

Good evening Sonny, thank you so much for the beautiful surprise which makes me very happy. I will send you my thoughts in a letter.
My very best wishes for all of your Europe concerts. I hope to see you in Paris after the concert. I'll try to - it is a bit tricky to get into the backstage area. But sometimes it works. Looking forward to you_r tenor magic, Barbara

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:27 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

Good evening Sonny, thank you so much for the beautiful surprise which makes me very happy. I will send you my thoughts in a letter.
My very best wishes for all of your Europe concerts. I hope to see you in Paris after the concert. I'll try to - it is a bit tricky to get into the backstage area. But sometimes it works. Looking forward to you_r tenor magic, Barbara

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:26 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

Dear Sonny:

My daughter & son-in-law live in Port Hueneme, Calif. Their favorite restaurant is a Japanese restaurant called Hanada Sushi. Yuki Hanada plays nothing but Sonny Rollins CD's. I have taken in framed photos, of you, that he has hung thru-out the restaurant.
I tried to catch up with you at the Monterey Jazz Festival but just missed you, after your performance. This year was my 49th there, by the way.
I would like to receive an autographed photo, of you, to present to Yuki, and his wife. It would be great if you would address it to Yuki Hanada and in return I know you would be treated to dinner anytime you could get into Port Huenenme (Ventura/Oxnard area)
Send it to me at 31242 Orange Ave, Nuevo, Ca 92567, so I could get it framed before deliverying it.
Hope to catch you again soon,
Thanks, Denzil Lee

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:25 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

On your contact page there is this beautiful Japanese portrait: is it really you or by some mysterious coincidence an ancient portrait of your previous birth?
Just curious about it...

Many Greetings, and Kindest Regards.

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:24 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

Hi Sonny is Detroit on your itinerary I certainly hope so. I really and truly enjoy your music and especially seeing you again after such a long time. Please make the return soon. This is the second time I tried to get a message to you I hope this one gets thru. Safe journey on your trip to Europe. Love you and your music. Muminah

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:23 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

Hi Sonny -

Great show in Detroit on the 13th, and thanks for the photo/autograph!

I've played tenor since 1973 and you are a seminal influence.

I play well enough that Branford has let me play with his band.

I've lived in Detroit all my life. Some other players (James Carter, Kenny Garrett, Tim Reis, Rick Margitza, Dave Mann) left here for NYC.

1. Do you recommend NYC these days for an older (49...) player?

2. What can we, as players, do to direct the public's attention to actual (not Smooth) Jazz?

Thanks for all the great music and inspiration!

Peace,

- Jeff Newton

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:22 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

I have a question, that perhaps might find its way to Sonny and result in an answer finding its way back to me:

Obviously, your sound and musical concept have evolved throughout your career. I am interested to know how your approach to studying music off of the stage changed. In other words, what sorts of things did you practice on the saxophone in the 50s, what were you practicing in the 60s, 70s, etc. What do you practice now? On a more general level, how has your approach to studying music changed over the years?


What were the best musical performances you've ever seen live? If you could go back in time and record any of the concerts you've seen in your life, which ones would they be?


If you were teaching a class called, "How to learn to play jazz saxophone," which recordings would be most useful for your students to listen to and transcribe?

I greatly appreciate your help and sharing your wisdom and experience.

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 13:22 Host: ip68-0-133-122.tc.ph.cox.net

Sonny,

I celebrated Trane's birthday (he would've been 81 today) by playing my alto on the street for a couple of hours. Thanks for the inspiration to do so!

Nate