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Saxophone Colossus: The Life and Music of Sonny Rollins,Used
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**Winner of the American Book Award (2023)****Longlisted for the PEN/Jacqueline Bograd Weld Award (2023)**The longawaited first full biography of legendary jazz saxophonist and composer Sonny RollinsSonny Rollins has long been considered an enigma. Known as the Saxophone Colossus, he is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest jazz improvisers of all time, winning Grammys, the Austrian Cross of Honor, Swedens Polar Music Prize and a National Medal of Arts. A bridge from bebop to the avantgarde, he is a lasting link to the golden age of jazz, pictured in the iconic Great Day in Harlem portrait. His sevendecade career has been well documented, but the backstage life of the man once called the only jazz recluse has gone largely untolduntil now.Based on more than 200 interviews with Rollins himself, family members, friends, and collaborators, as well as Rollins extensive personal archive, Saxophone Colossus is the comprehensive portrait of this legendary saxophonist and composer, civil rights activist and environmentalist. A child of the Harlem Renaissance, Rollins precocious talent landed him on the bandstand and in the recording studio with Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie, or playing opposite Billie Holiday. An icon in his own right, he recorded Tenor Madness, featuring John Coltrane; Way Out West; Freedom Suite, the first civil rightsthemed album of the hard bop era; A Night at the Village Vanguard; and the 1956 classic Saxophone Colossus.Yet his meteoric rise to fame was not without its challenges. He served two sentences on Rikers Island and won his battle with heroin addiction. In 1959, Rollins took a twoyear sabbatical from recording and performing, practicing up to 16 hours a day on the Williamsburg Bridge. In 1968, he left again to study at an ashram in India. He returned to performing from 1971 until his retirement in 2012.The story of Sonny Rollinsinnovative, unpredictable, larger than lifeis the story of jazz itself, and Sonnys own narrative is as timeless and timely as the art form he represents. Part jazz oral history told in the musicians own words, part chronicle of one mans quest for social justice and spiritual enlightenment, this is the definitive biography of one of the most enduring and influential artists in jazz and American history.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages are in 'Saxophone Colossus'? A: There are eight hundred pages in 'Saxophone Colossus: The Life and Music of Sonny Rollins.' This comprehensive biography provides an in-depth look at the life of the legendary jazz saxophonist.
- Q: What is the size of the book? A: The book measures six point fifteen inches in length, one point ninety-seven inches in width, and nine point zero two inches in height. This size makes it suitable for reading at home or on the go.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is bound in paperback. This makes it lightweight and easy to carry, while still providing durability for frequent reading.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Saxophone Colossus'? A: The author is Aidan Levy. He provides a well-researched and engaging narrative about the life of Sonny Rollins, featuring interviews and archival material.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book is categorized under Jazz. It explores the life and contributions of Sonny Rollins within the jazz genre.
- Q: Is 'Saxophone Colossus' suitable for children? A: Yes, 'Saxophone Colossus' is suitable for older children and teens interested in music history. However, parental discretion is advised due to mature themes related to addiction and personal struggles.
- Q: What themes are explored in this biography? A: The biography explores themes of jazz history, civil rights, and personal growth. It captures Sonny Rollins' journey as an artist and activist.
- Q: How is the book structured? A: The book is structured as a narrative biography, combining oral history with detailed accounts of Sonny Rollins' life and career. It includes insights from over two hundred interviews.
- Q: Can this book be used as a reference for jazz studies? A: Yes, this book serves as an excellent reference for jazz studies. It includes valuable insights into the life of one of jazz's most influential figures.
- Q: What should I do if my copy arrives damaged? A: If your copy arrives damaged, you should contact the seller or publisher for a replacement. Most retailers have return policies in place for such issues.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, books typically do not come with a warranty. However, you can check the return policy of the retailer from which you purchased the book.
- Q: What if I have trouble understanding the content? A: If you have trouble understanding the content, consider reading supplementary materials on jazz history or checking out documentaries about Sonny Rollins for additional context.
- Q: How should I store 'Saxophone Colossus' to keep it in good condition? A: Store the book upright in a cool, dry place to prevent damage. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to keep the pages from yellowing.
- Q: Is it safe to read this book while eating? A: Yes, it is safe to read this book while eating, but be cautious to keep food and drink away from the pages to avoid spills.
- Q: Are there any sensitive topics covered in this biography? A: Yes, the biography covers sensitive topics such as addiction and incarceration. These aspects are presented in the context of Sonny Rollins' life journey.
- Q: Is there an audiobook version available? A: Yes, there is an audiobook version of 'Saxophone Colossus' available. It is narrated for those who prefer listening to reading.