Sonny Rollins – Saxophone Colossus (1986/Acorn Media DVD)
Picture: C
Sound: C+ Extras: C Film: B-
After many years, we again look at the career of Sonny
Rollins. For bring such a major figure
in Jazz, you’d think more DVDs would be available on him, but this is actually
our first and we first looked at his work over 5 years ago with the Super Audio
CD release of his famous album Plus 4:
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/426/Sonny+Rollins+-+Plus+4+(SACD)
After over 200 Jazz reviews in all formats, here he is
from a 1986 documentary by Robert Mugge as Rollins is about to introduce his
world premiere of his “Concerto For Tenor Saxophone & Orchestra” with is
wife at his side. It is a rare look at
the man and his music running 101 minutes.
Known for his improvisation, it is interesting to see how he approaches
his career, life and a work he’s made with an exact set of ideas. It is filmed in New York City and Japan,
making for some interesting contrasts between the cities then and now and since
events like 9/11 and various economic meltdowns.
It also reminds us of the lack of such Jazz programming while rather
talentless goofs in the Pop, Rap and would-be Rock worlds get all kinds of
press for doing little and saying just about nothing. Saxophone
Colossus appreciates in value quite a bit 23 years and going. If you like Jazz and the world of real music
when the record labels still understood what that was, see this film.
The 1.33
X 1 image is a little softer than it should be, shot in 16mm film that looks
clean and clear for its age. An HD
transfer is needed. The PCM 2.0
16/48 Stereo sound is essentially monophonic, but has some richness and fares
better than if it were Dolby Digital. The
only extra is a new interview with Mugge about the making of this film, music
and their careers.
- Nicholas Sheffo
