Watch Sonny Rollins - Saxophone Colossus

Sonny Rollins - Saxophone Colossus is a 1986 documentary film that captures the life and music of jazz tenor saxophonist, Sonny Rollins. Directed by Robert Mugge, the film primarily features Rollins' performance in a concert at the Opus 40 sculpture park in Saugerties, New York, along with interviews from Rollins, music critics, and other jazz enthusiasts.

The film opens with a montage of footage from Rollins' concerts and studio sessions, showcasing his mastery over the tenor saxophone. We see Rollins playing with some of the most renowned jazz musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and Miles Davis, which highlights the unmatched skills he possesses in the world of jazz.

As the concert at Opus 40 begins, we see Rollins taking the stage amidst loud cheers from the audience. He promptly starts playing his first number and we see the magic of his music transcending through the musical instrument. His music carries the audience on an unbeatable journey of emotions, escapades, and love. The film captures the beauty of the surroundings immaculately and harmoniously melds the saxophone music to create an unforgettable experience.

The excerpts from the interview with Rollins interspersed throughout the film, help us understand the man behind the music better. He discusses his early years and how the sounds around him shaped his music. He talks about his struggles with addiction, his time away from the limelight, and how his return to the stage changed his life. Rollins' humility is evident throughout the film, and as he plays on, it is clear that for him, the music is more important than anything else.

The film also provides insightful commentary from music critics like Gary Giddins and Ira Gitler who unravel the significance of Rollins' style of music, its impact on the jazz scene, and its evolution over the years. They help the audience understand why Rollins' music is often compared to that of the greats like Charlie Parker and John Coltrane.

Throughout the movie, Rollins presents himself as a man who is entirely devoted to his music. He talks about his practice routines, his artistic journeys, and his performances. We see him passionately playing the tenor saxophone and putting his soul into every note. From the smooth, lyric melodies to the free-flowing improvisation and avant-garde sounds, Rollins' music transcends boundaries, and the documentary captures the essence of it all brilliantly.

Overall, Sonny Rollins - Saxophone Colossus is a beautifully shot, engrossing, and informative documentary on the life and music of one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. The film provides deep insights into Rollins' music, his struggles with addiction, and his love for his art. It is a must-watch for any music lover - not just jazz enthusiasts - who wants to understand the magic and beauty of music.

Sonny Rollins - Saxophone Colossus is a 2017 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.