Sonny Rollins - Saxophone Colossus: A Film By Robert Mugge

Synopsis

"Robert Mugge has already done fine cinematic profiles of Al Green, Ruben Blades and Sun Ra, and though this is primarily a performance documentary, it brilliantly captures one of the great saxophonists of jazz - and probably its most revered living improviser - during one of his most intensely creative periods. There are some interview segments with the modest musician, his wife and three prominent jazz critics who shed some light on Rollins' development and career. It also includes a few historical clips, but the film focuses on two startling performances. The first is by Rollins' quintet in concert at a rock quarry concert site near his home in Upstate New York (which inspires an expansive and thrilling 'G-Man,' as well as one of Rollins' classic unaccompanied solo flights, during which he broke his heel), and the world premiere of his 'Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra' in Japan. His music is always revealing; so is this loving portrait." - Richard Harrington, The Washington Post. 101 minutes.