Sonny Rollins wins life-time Award

Normally Mthings is dedicated to up and coming bands, or current bands that are getting a lot of buzz... but sometimes articles are dedicated to honoring timeless great musicians... from any era.  Sonny Rollins, the legendary jazz saxophonist, was awarded Wednesday as a 2011 Kennedy Center Nominee.t.  Rollins, 81, is one of the most influential saxophonists as well as jazz musicians.  He is knows for his great playing and presence on stage.  Having won already several Grammies and the Kennedy award, he still plays saxophone to this day, really remaining the most important thing in his life.  I have always loved his playing for the sweet, round, melodic and slightly airy tone he gets from his Tenor sax... So here's a tribute to one of the greats, Sony Rollins:
-mthings 12/28/11


You can buy Sonny Rollins' music here: The Definitive Sonny Rollins On Prestige, Riverside and Contemporary - Sonny Rollins
05 - Sonny Rollins - The Most Beautiful Girl In The World

Hal's- an LA Local Music Spot

There are not many great live jazz venues left, or so it feels like. But one that comes up is Hal's, in Venice, CA, where I happen to live. The spot is a dark candle lit bistro, that smells of delicious new-age American cuisine and always hosts a cool-mature crowd at any given night of the week. You can sit at the bar, or have a table for dinner and there is live music and a great atmosphere. The address is 1346 Abbott Kinney, a street that has many cool shops, bars and cafes, in the heart of Venice, CA. And live jazz lives here. Playing an old standard, the horns take a break to solo, and the band plays on. People also take a break in their meals and drinks to applaud the musicians. They play what they want, and it sounds great. 3 horns: two saxes and a french horn, take their time and play sweet held out harmonies. The tenor takes another solo. The crowd's applause again. There are not many left, but Hal's Bar and Grill remains a great venue, even on a Monday night.
-mthings 12/05/11

It's not much, but here is a little sample of the music and scene when I was there: