Back in the summer of '71, the Kongsberg Jazz Festival in Norway witnessed a momentous event when the legendary Sonny Rollins took center stage. This guy wasn't your run-of-the-mill saxophonist; he had this way of blowing that could knock your socks off.
At the time, Rollins was emerging from a self-imposed hiatus. He'd been laying low for a bit, spending time in Jamaica and chilling in Powai, India. However, by '71, he was back, feeling as fresh as a daisy, with renewed vigor and an undeniable sense of purpose.
Sharing the stage with him were some heavy hitters. Among them was Bobo Stenson, the Swedish piano whiz who had been making waves in the Oslo Jazz scene. Stenson's collaborations with luminaries like Stan Getz, Gary Burton, and other big names passing through, underscored his standing as a pivotal figure in the genre.
Then there was Arild Andersen, a cornerstone of the international Jazz circuit and renowned Norwegian bassist. Having played alongside Jazz legends like Jan Garbarek, Andersen brought his unique flair to the ensemble, further enriching the performance.
Completing the quartet was Jon Christensen, the Norwegian drummer known for laying down grooves like nobody else. His rhythmic finesse added depth and dynamism to the performance. Christensen's collaborations with Andersen in Masqualero further solidified his reputation as a drummer of exceptional caliber.
Together, this formidable crew illuminated the stage at Kongsberg, enchanting the audience with their seamless interplay and boundless creativity. From the intricate melodies of “Sunnymoon for Two” to the emotive strains of “In a Sentimental Mood,” Rollins and his ensemble held the audience spellbound, eating out of their hands.
That gig stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Rollins' music, the timeless allure of Jazz itself, and a reminder of why we all fell in love with Jazz in the first place. While we're only given a glimpse through two songs, those precious 33 minutes serve as a tempting invitation to experience the magic for ourselves.
“It’s a great feeling to be able to make music with other people. That’s why jazz has been such a great music form.”
— Sonny Rollins