Customer Reviews

Sonny Rollins: The Definite Musical Guide

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Wilson accomplishes what he sets out to do, which is to give a more rounded, multi-faceted image of Rollins, and fill in more of the gaps about this private man's life. Wilson does this by limiting the scope of the book, weaving a good story, and drawing from reliable jazz sources to construct a more cmoplete picture of the enigmatic jazz artist.
Wilson packs the basics in four meaty chapters: biography, personality, style, and discography. It lacks an index, but you can't have everything, and what you get is well worth it -- a writing style that is authentic about Rollins and jazz like a great sports writer might cover a sports icon, being true to the athlete and true to the sport as well.

As I just retired and wanted to start understand better the jazzmusic, that I am following since 40 years, this is the first book I bought for this purpose. It will definitely suit this purpose. At first I read it as a novel, including the extensive discography. I then could situate all the Rollins' records and tracks that I collected over the years. Next, but most extensive and the most interesting further use will be to systematically go through my records and study them based on the comments in this book. I am looking forward to much additional joy with the book and to improve my understanding of jazz in general.

I am a jazz musician myself , and I adore this book ! Especially the "Style" section , Mr. Wilson is telling the truth of Sonny's playing , if you were kinda confused by Schuller's 1958 analysis of "Blue 7" as well , get this book and read it , then listen to the recording again , you gonna find out Sonny didn't "think" like scholars thought .

The earlier Ornette Coleman book is in the similar layout , and it's also superb !