Product Details

• Actors: Gary Giddins, Ira Gitler, Sonny Rollins
• Directors: Robert Mugge
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Winstar
• VHS Release Date: December 22, 1998
• Run Time: 101 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 1572524065
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #217,572 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

When a jazz musician plays a solo that lasts for a full 15 minutes, not one of which is less than inspired, powerful, and entertaining; and when he later, in the midst of an inventive and witty unaccompanied solo, exuberantly leaps from the stage, breaks his heel in the process, and continues to play on his back.... Well, you know you're witnessing something special. And so it is with tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins. While he may not be as universally known as Charlie Parker or John Coltrane, jazz fans have regarded Rollins as the instrument's greatest living exponent, and this concert- documentary leaves no doubt as to why.

Filmed by producer-director-editor Robert Mugge in 1986, the 100-minute Saxophone Colossus focuses primarily on two performances: the aforementioned concert by the Rollins quintet at a rock quarry in Saugerties, New York, and the premiere of his Concerto for Tenor Saxophone and Orchestra in Tokyo. And while they are obviously quite different--the former is a freewheeling jazz gig, the latter a more august affair with a full orchestra playing (and Rollins blowing) under the guidance of Finnish conductor- orchestrator Heikki Sarmanto--both are pure Rollins, featuring his big sound, bold tone, and endless supply of ideas. Through interviews with Rollins and his wife, Lucille, we also learn a good deal about his life and philosophy, while a trio of jazz critics discusses his music and influence (the DVD also includes a full discography and some production information). In the end, though, it's the power of Sonny Rollins's music that makes this fascinating, entertaining document worth owning. --Sam Graham

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sonny's playing makes up for some poor cinematic technique., May 27, 2001

By 

Douglas Groothuis "Douglas Groothuis" - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Sonny Rollins - Saxophone Colossus [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This 101 minute performance and documentary is taken from material mostly from 1986 (although there is a short clip from Sonny's "Jazz Casuals" appearance in the early 1960s). It features two very different performances: Sonny's working quintet and a special performance with an orchestra in Japan, "Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra." I have not found the latter released on CD.

I know far more about John Coltrane than Sonny Rollins, but I was overwhelmed by Rollin's playing on this video, especially his work with his combo. His energy and creativity far transcended anything I have from him on record. But that's not surprising, since many reviewers claim he is best live and doesn't really like to spend time in the studio.

Sonny's physical presence is commanding. His body english is perfectly matched to every note--every ounce of his being is put into the playing. (This reminded me a bit of Joshua Redman, who I saw perform in Denver in April--another monster!) And what playing it is! The long solo--chorus after chorus--of "G-Man," which begins the video, is phenomenal. It brought chills to my spine and tears to my eyes.

The orchestral piece was interesting and rewarding, although somewhat more difficult to approach. I wish it were available on CD, but I have not been able to find it. I think it would reveal its depths upon repeated listenings.

The cinematic technique falters at times, particularly in the Japan part of the video. We see too much random shots of Japanese culture--including many images of blinking billboards!--and not enough of Sonny himself. Why not simply show him performing? He's the master.

Several jazz critics comment on Sonny's art, including Gary Giddens, an articulate and passionate communicator who featured prominately in Ken Burn's "Jazz."

I hope I can see this man perform live while he remains in the land of the living. He's seventy, now--and a living legend.

Douglas Groothuis, Denver Seminary

14 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sonny Interviewed! Sonny vintage footage...Sonny LIVE!, October 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Sonny Rollins - Saxophone Colossus (DVD)

this is fabulous and filmed skillfully! I could have lived without the pontification from the jazz critics...but use that time to get some refreshments. Sonny is one of the GIANTS of the saxophone and this document as his playing/recording will stand the test of time!!

11 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not enough music, August 3, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Sonny Rollins - Saxophone Colossus (DVD)

While this video starts with an amazing performance at a stone quarry in Saugerties, New York; there's just way too little music. In a video I don't need to hear critics drone on and on about what makes Sonny great. That ought to be self-evident from the musical content. There are also interviews with Sonny and his wife that could have been condensed and offered as a "special feature." The japanese orchestral performance was interesting but, really, I'd like to see the rest of the Saugerties concert. Overall, there's maybe thirty minutes of worthwhile footage.