Arena: Sonny Rollins at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club '74
Arena unveils a long-lost gem, showcasing the master saxophonist’s unforgettable 1974 performance at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
Arena unearths a rare gem with Sonny Rollins '74, a long-lost film capturing the master saxophonist’s 1974 performance at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London. Directed by Charles Chabot, this documentary delivers Rollins in full command of his sound and style, alongside an ensemble that added both funk and innovation to his distinctive tenor saxophone voice.
This performance holds a special resonance in Rollins' career. Following a period of hiatus, his 1972 comeback saw him infusing his bands with a fresh funk influence and a bold use of electric instrumentation. By 1974, this exploration had matured, blending traditional Jazz with an electrified edge. At Ronnie Scott's, Rollins brought together a unique assembly of musicians: Yoshiaki Masuo on electric guitar, the renowned Bob Cranshaw on electric bass, David Lee on drums, and the adventurous Rufus Harley, who contributed soprano saxophone and even bagpipes to the mix—a strikingly unusual instrument for Jazz, yet a fitting choice for Rollins' boundless creativity.
Rollins' song selection is deeply personal and evocative, ranging from classics like A House Is Not a Home and Dearly Beloved to original compositions East Broadway Run Down and Alfie’s Theme. The music balances reflective balladry with an edgy intensity that defined this phase of his career. A high point arrives with Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, in which Harley’s bagpipes add a haunting, spiritual drone, creating a powerful, otherworldly effect that perfectly underscores Rollins’ openness to unconventional sounds. As his contemporary Mtume later commented, “It’s Sonny Rollins and a bagpipe! Who else would do that of his stature?”
The restored footage, enriched with a new introduction by Jamie Cullum, allows today’s viewers to witness this mesmerizing concert as if time had stopped. Sonny Rollins '74 stands as a testament to the fearless spirit of one of Jazz's greatest legends—a night at Ronnie Scott’s when music and experimentation knew no bounds.