Saxophone Colossus

So there are a lot of wonderful Jazz saxophonists out there. And, if you asked someone for a list you would probably see some familiar names: Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, etc. I feel like one artist who tends to be overlooked by those who are just starting to look into jazz is Sonny Rollins.

Rollins has been making great tunes since before 1950, and today I feature his sixth album as a leader. The album was cut with several great musicians, including Max Roach, an astounding drummer who I recommend everyone check out.

Rollins' contributions to the genre are immeasurable. He pioneered the "pianoless trio" along with simply giving generations of great players something to strive for.

One of the most awesome things about Sonny Rollins was an homage to him written into a Simpsons episode. If any of you remember Bleedin' Gums Murphy, at one point he appears playing his Sax late at night alone on a bridge. This is an homage to Rollins who, for 3 years, took a break from jazz and disappeared from public, until a fan discovered him playing alone in the middle of the night on the Williamsburg Bridge in NYC.

Anywho, here is "Moritat", of Saxophone Colossus. For those of you familiar with Louis Armstrong, you may recognize the tune as "Mack The Knife"

If you don't think this dude is the coolest, get off my site!

And here is the album! (Saxophone Colossus - 1956)

Oh by the way.

Oh I forgot to mention...

I haven't posted recently because I've been busy taking prelims and then starting school. Just wanted to let everyone know I passed both my preliminary exams! Granted they may not have been slam dunks, but I chalk that up to way too much goofing off in the office and not a lack of understanding on my part!

Hope everyone enjoyed their Labor Day weekends!

Sir I need your John Hancock here. DUH!? It's Herbie Hancock!

If you recognize that line congrats, if not it's from Tommy Boy--a movie I definitely suggest you check out! Today I have one of the hippest dudes ever. Herbie Hancock has been making great jazz for the better part of 70 years. He was part of Miles Davis' "second great quintet" as during his tenure there, helped to redefine the role of a rhythm section.

I love Hancock for a few reasons: first, his album "Maiden Voyage" is great smooth piano jazz; second, he has continued to make great jazz although often pushing the style and merging it with other genres (Funk, hip-hop, etc.); third, he's a Buddhist.

Today I am uploading "Maiden Voyage," Hancock's fifth studio album. I would like to post more about Herbie, but I think to truly appreciate him you need to move through his work and see the changes in his style. Here is the title track:



But, to give you a little idea of what he has gone on to produce, here is a version of perhaps his most famous song: "Watermelon Man" initially from the album Takin' Off, but this is a version from Head Hunters that is drastically redone.



Check both out and see the incredible changes in his style. We're sure to see more from him!

Dude doesn't look bad for 70!

And here is the album - Maiden Voyage (1965)