Guestbook

Tuesday, 30 June 2009 12:24 IP: 174.6.48.112

We thoroughly enjoyed Sonny's phenomenal and inspired playing last night at the Orpheum in Vancouver. I was fortunate to see Sonny two years ago as well.

Would love to see last night's (2009/6/29) set list, if anyone happened to write it down...???

Tuesday, 30 June 2009 09:30 Host: simplymarketinginc.com

WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!
Saw Sonny at the Orpheum in Vancouver last night and was blown away! What a Hurricane of sound! What an inspiration :0)

That is it I am picking up my Saxaphone again and starting in on my lessons.

If anyone wants to tune in, I put some Sonny on my radio station playlist this morning [www.live365.com]

Monday, 29 June 2009 07:02 Host: bas1-toronto07-1176124036.dsl.bell.ca

I too was at the Toronto show last Friday, which really had the aisles rocking; a more raucous show the dignified Four Seasons Centre has probably never seen! The opening "Sonny, Please" was a tour de force, and it was an unexpected delight to hear "Strode Rode" with a haunting line by Clifton, and the same goes for "Sentimental Mood." I was particularly moved by the quick version of "Nice Lady," with Sonny and Clifton huddled close together at center stage for the theme, and then Sonny breaking off to take an ecstatically joyful, earthy solo.

Thanks for coming by, Sonny; we love you, so do come back, real soon!

The complete setlist for the curious:

1. Sonny Please
2. Someday I'll Find You
3. They Say It's Wonderful
4. In a Sentimental Mood
5. Nice Lady
6. Strode Rode

Sunday, 28 June 2009 22:31 Host: cpe-69-204-119-86.buffalo.res.rr.com

My wife and I just returned from a week-end trip to Toronto, Ontario to attend your concert at the Four Seasons Opera House. We truly loved the performance of all, but your's especially (as usual.) We were also especially pleased to see and hear Bobby Broom. The last time we saw you perform in person was many years ago at Art Park in Lewiston, NY. I have been a fan of your music since the late 1950's and have an extensive collection of jazz recordings that includes many of your albums and CD's. Thank you for the joy and pleasure that you generate through your music.

Yours truly,
Wally Whetham - a loyal long time fan

PS - Great web site too

Thursday, 25 June 2009 08:54 Host: user-112008q.dsl.mindspring.com

Dear Sonny,

Back in the late 60's I attended NYCOM and Kenny Dorham who was also a student there and I became good friends, he also acted as my musical mentor for I am also a trumpeter. We remained good friends until his premature demise. Quite recently I was surprised to be contacted by his daughter Evette: bluebossa135@yahoo.com
she somehow learned of our relationship and wanted to talk about her dad. We spent a few hours on the phone and we both learned about a KD we never knew. It was a wonderful chat. She mentioned that at their home in Brooklyn there was a downstairs music room that was off limits to her and the other children and included you in the list of players that might be down there working things out. I thought you might like this bit of nostalgia. As a player it goes without saying that I am a big fan/student of your music. Keep it going Mr. Rollins.
Very Best Regards,
Paul Ayick

Tuesday, 23 June 2009 07:47 Host: adsl-84-226-155-76.adslplus.ch

Dear Sonny,

I never said it to you directly but I'm so happy and honoured to have collaborated with you for your official calendar.

Few days ago,I posted a photo of you
on my blog dedicated to music and live arts photographs. I thought it would be cool to share it with you and your fans

[juancarloshernandezjazzphotographer.blogspot.com]

Keep swingin' and hopin to see you again soon.

All my due respect

Juan-Carlos

Wednesday, 17 June 2009 08:26 Host: c-69-251-84-69.hsd1.md.comcast.net

Dear Sonny,

Your playing has changed my life. No matter to what I am listening, I can pop in one of your recordings and be centered and focused on my sound, my purpose, and my life. Recently, in a discussion about the blues, I turned one of my students onto your music, Tenor Madness in particular. I saw you at the Kennedy Center in 2008 fulfilling a life long dream of seeing you perform in person. Thank you for everything!

Saturday, 13 June 2009 17:11 Host: pool-71-105-61-47.lsanca.dsl-w.verizon.net

I have a July 1962 issue of Swant mag with a 3 page article about you by Nat Hentoff. Do you have this issue? If not, I will gladly send it to you, no charge. There were so many great men's mags,besides Playboy, who ran jazz articles. Playboy's first interview was with Miles Davis. keep the groove going.
Kent

Friday, 12 June 2009 12:14 IP: 205.222.248.139

Hi Sonny!
My name is Yomon and I have been listening to you for about forty years. I was first inspired by your playing when I was 13yrs old. I am now 51. I started playing saxophone because I heard your music. Now when I listen to you I can only say to myself Genious shear Genious. Thank you for all the inspiration that you have given me.

Thursday, 4 June 2009 11:41 IP: 200.50.92.203

Hi Sonny,

Sorry I don't have any of the first-hand experiences to rave about, but I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your music. "St. Thomas" was a song my father whistled while fishing for a living, and turned out to be the first song I learned in my 2 years of playing bass. A group has picked me up and we now are possibly the only jazz outfit (Sax, trumpet, bass, drums, piano, percussion) here in the Virgin Islands (UK). Our next concert is August 4th at the college's classical auditorium, and we have a myspace page which has a clip of our very first concert last year July. Hope to see you at the concert in August! What would we need to do to get you here to see your long lost cousins?

All the best. Thanks again for your known & unknown blessings.

Saturday, 30 May 2009 02:16 Host: adsl-218-61-106.asm.bellsouth.net

To The Preeminent, Magnificent Dr. Rollins:

Have dug you since the 70's and what a treat to meet you up at SIR back then with my budddy/SIR manager Jeff Toland, who then told me we could come to the show at the Bottom Line... and you played a solo right in front of our table, just for us. Saw you most recently in Atlanta a couple years back and what can I say? May you continue to have vitality, practice your yoga and serenity, and provide us with the Music of the Spheres for years to come. Your journey is our delight and keep on swingin'. Hawk would be proud. Hope you will be back in ATL sometime soon. Peace.

Wednesday, 27 May 2009 18:33 Host: ool-457b234a.dyn.optonline.net

Hi Mr. Rollins,

I was at my grandfather's 80th birthday celebration and he got to talking about his childhood and said that he used to play with you as a kid, and as much as I would love to believe my grandfather I know he can be quite the story teller - did you in fact play with Frank Smoot as a child?

Wednesday, 27 May 2009 11:47 Host: 82-118-115-27.static.dsl.as8607.net

Dear Sonny

Thankyou for being an inspiration to me i am a tenor saxophonist myself and you are my favourite artist.

I am coming to see you for the first time in November at the Barbican in London and cant wait to hear your music.

Thankyou once again for being an inspiration.


Olly

Wednesday, 27 May 2009 04:22 IP: 212.121.214.10

Hi there. I've a gig on the 10th June- night n day Manchester UK- pop down! Mk

Sunday, 24 May 2009 03:36 Host: 208.185.17.7.escalate.com

Dear Mr. Rollins

I Love your music very much! this song is play for you~ [www.youtube.com]

Wish you have a good time~



Best of wishes from zu.mix29

Saturday, 23 May 2009 17:12 Host: d154-20-192-176.bchsia.telus.net

Hello Mr. Rollins
I just wanted to send you a note and say thank you for the lovely music you have been recording lately. I know everyone must compliment you on the beautiful early recordings (my favorite is Freedom Suite) but I wanted to say the new record Sonny,Please is wonderful. I have been listening to it a lot and look forward to when you will be playing here in Vancouver. best wishes to you and your band.

Tuesday, 19 May 2009 14:46 Host: pool-141-158-4-223.phil.east.verizon.net

Just revisited "Sonny Meets Hawk" & recently got Joshua Redman's "Back East,' which I'm sure is a tribute to "Way Out West." Is it possible that Joshua will meet Sonny?

Saturday, 16 May 2009 08:30 Host: chello089079183138.chello.pl

Hi Sonny,

your new photo is just great.
i'm really looking forward to seeing you in autumn in paris.

good luck!

Friday, 8 May 2009 21:22 Host: adsl-70-241-23-99.dsl.hstntx.swbell.net

I wanted to say thank you to Sonny, Clifton and the entire band for a wonderful set on Sunday night at UT. I drove in from Houston and met a friend for the show. We were both impressed by the power and beauty of Sonny's playing and by how well the ensemble worked together. The drumming too was notable. Finally, the pacing of the show was just fantastic. This was a night we will look remember. Come back to Texas soon!

Thursday, 7 May 2009 01:58 IP: 145.253.163.210

Dear Sonny, you are a passionate, in Latin: doctus, hard working artist. I congratulate you to your really deserved doctorate! Barbara, always hearing your music even if not hearing it and looking forward to you and your live music this summer and fall …

Wednesday, 6 May 2009 09:47 Host: cpe-66-68-108-180.austin.res.rr.com

Hi Sonny
I am still radiating from your performance Sunday night. I can die now-I met my hero. Life doesn't get much better than this. I was honored to meet you in the green room after the show. Please enjoy the yoga mat and yogi tea. I will think of you when I do yoga and sip tea. I am listening to Saxophone Colossus as I write this. After your interview with KLRU I ran across campus, took my statistics final exam and got an A in the class. I love you. You are a daily part of my life and continue to be an inspiration to me.
Please take care on the road, eat right, get some rest and remember, you are the King of my Heart!
Much love,
Aida

Tuesday, 5 May 2009 09:37 Host: h244.202.17.98.static.ip.windstream.net

Your Austin performance was transcendant!What was the first number -even with the mike problem it was mesmerizing. Thank you for an unforgetable musical experience.

Tuesday, 5 May 2009 07:54 IP: 162.71.100.6

Dr. Rollins,
My wife Erika and I just saw you in Austin, TX the other day and just wanted to let you know how phenomenal you are. "My one and only love" put brought tears to my eyes and your singing of the blues was awesome! You've brought much inspiration and I've admired your music for many years. Thank you for taking the time after the show to meet with us and the rest of your fans outside after the show. It was truly appreciated and I was just honored to shake your hand. I wish you many more years of vitality. Please come back to Texas sooner than later.
-Joel Reyes

Monday, 4 May 2009 23:06 IP: 72.29.213.32

Costa Mesa
4/30/09

We traveled by tour bus down to Costa Mesa and had the rest of the day off. Bret Primack "the Jazz Video Guy" is here to meet us and shoot some video interviews as well as the concert. It's always good to see Bret and not just becasue he has a cool convertable.

We've never been in the Orange County Performing Arts Center. It is only a couple of years old but they have done a great job with the sound. Sometimes you run into problems with the room being to reverberant and the sound just bounces around. This room sounded great a sound check with no people in the room.

We are changing the stage set up once again and we'll see how it works. This time looking at the stage it will be Bob Cranshaw on Bass, Kobie Watkins on drums, Victor Y. See Yuen on percussion and Bobby Broom on the far right side instead of the left side. I hpoe this balances better for them on stage.

Tonight Sonny stared with Strode Rode and ended with Don't Stop the Carnival. We also heard Nishi, from Sonny, Please, which is one if my personal favorites.

Friday Bobby is taking off to Ausitn to participate in a benefit. Sonny is doing a few interview on Friday as well to prepare for the European dates this summer. Then the rest of us are flying out Saturday to Austin.

Good to see Bret again. Hopefully he go some footage that he can use.

Peter Downey
Tour Manager

Monday, 4 May 2009 14:21 Host: ool-44c2c7f0.dyn.optonline.net

Hi Sonny, can you let your fans know when your next studio album is scheduled for release?
Regards.

Monday, 4 May 2009 13:02 Host: cpe-72-177-52-208.austin.res.rr.com

Outstanding performance at the Bass concert hall last night! It was a remarkable experience to say the least.
Thanks for including our town in your tour. Good luck with the rest of your travels.

Monday, 4 May 2009 12:30 IP: 12.181.193.7

I attended the concert last night in Austin, and greatly enjoyed it. If you could post the setlist, it would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,
Kyle

Sunday, 3 May 2009 14:40 Host: wireless-128-62-126-12.public.utexas.edu

Santa Barbara, CA
4-27-09


It's good to be back in Santa Barbara. We've been here a few times so we're familiar with the area. Like where to find a Trader Joe's. Our travel agent is based in Santa Barbara as well so we have friends in town. On our first night here the band went out with the two Janet's from our travel agent to Brophy's, a great seafood restaurant down by the water.

The concert was another great performance to a sold out Campbell Hall at UCSB. We tried a new stage setup again and we'll see how it works out. Sonny started off with a powerful Sonny, Please and tied things up with the classic Tenor Madness. He also threw in HS which I haven't heard in a while. I thought the band sounded great with this setup. We'll have to see how they feel.

Fortunately we have a day off in Santa Barbara so most of us will head down to state street to wander around. Then we are off by bus to Costa Mesa.

Peter Downey
Tour Manager

Sunday, 3 May 2009 11:27 Host: 201-255-72-145.mrse.com.ar

vienes a la argentina sonny rollins ???

Sunday, 3 May 2009 09:06 Host: adsl-75-7-227-185.dsl.sndg02.sbcglobal.net

Sonny:

Thank you for an outstanding performance last Thursday, April 30, at the Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. It was probably the nicest place that I have been privileged to see you in; a spectacular new facility with outstanding acoustics. Hopefully you enjoyed performing there as much as I enjoyed listening.
Most of the tunes that you played sounded familiar to me, having been a fan of your music for many years. Unfortunately, I cannot place the names of the songs and would like to request that you post a set list of the performance so that I can dig out the appropriate CDs and reminisce. I thought that it added a nice touch when Peter Downey posted the set lists last year and would appreciate seeing that practice resumed.

Thanks and regards,

Chris

Thursday, 30 April 2009 15:34 Host: cci.edu

Dr Rollins,
I am looking forward to seeing you tonight and here a legend at work doin what he does best in front of a live crowd. Im a begining trumpet player but a long time fan of jazz and what youve meant to the music.I work at the performing arts center in costa mesa where you will be performing this evening and i look forward to possibly meeting you and inevitably here that unique sound.
Sincerely,
Gabriel

Monday, 27 April 2009 21:28 Host: 66-214-230-201.dhcp.lnbh.ca.charter.com

There is no way that you can use the same saxophone for more than one song! When I listen to Sonny Rollins, I imagine a pile of twisted brass behind him as he's handed a fresh sax to hang on his neck strap for the next song. Respect.

Sunday, 26 April 2009 19:24 Host: 9.205.204.68.cfl.res.rr.com

Man we love you just keep doing what you do best!

Saturday, 25 April 2009 04:37 IP: 89.242.87.219

Hello Sonny, I am a big fan of your music and also a musician. I thought I would take this opportunity to thank you for giving us a great composition: St Thomas - I never tire of it and I've heard some really good versions of it by many different bands ... I'm sure it will be around for a long time to come yet

Monday, 20 April 2009 16:35 Host: node253.34.170.193.wcb.bc.ca

I don't ever get to see you or the other greats where I live, but your music goes with me everywhere. We were playing your sound in the high mountains of British Columbia last week. Sonny at 9000' above sea level in an alpine lodge after a long day of skiing. Doesn't get much higher!
DM

Monday, 20 April 2009 04:27 Host: jets01g.es.adp.com

I was at the Miami show the other night, and as always, thanks for a wonderful concert.

Sunday, 19 April 2009 21:11 Host: adsl-70-130-230-50.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net

Dear Sonny! Oh what a treat you have given us in Fayetteville! It was simply divine! You are a magician, a spiritual guru and just so very energetic! I soaked up all of your songs with every fiber of my being, and I could feel the vibrations still the next morning, in every cell of my body, literally! thank you so much for being there for all of us jazz fans!
I love you deeply for what you do! I can hardly wait to see you again in Saint Louis at the Touhill! That will be my belated birthday present! And I won't need another!
I wish you lots of good encounters on your tour around the world this year, and please come back to us in good health!
All the best! M.

Sunday, 19 April 2009 10:46 Host: adsl-10-197-97.mia.bellsouth.net

Mr. Rollins, I saw your concert in Miami last night and was blown away by You and yr fantastic band. Please come back soon and continue to transmit bliss to the planet with your playing! Be well! Love You, ROXANA

Saturday, 18 April 2009 18:10 Host: mail.arshtcenter.org

The Sonny Rollins 2009 tour kicked off on Wednesday, April 15 in Fayetteville, AR for Sonny Rollins first appearance ever in Northwest Arkansas. After delays out of LaGuardia we all finally made it to Fayetteville to find some fantastic weather.

The Walton Arts Center is a very nice venue with a fantastic staff. Sonny even had the opportunity to attend a reception prior to the concert to meet some of the benefactors.

The energy level of the concert kept rising until the last song of the second set ending with Don't Stop the Carnival and the audience on their feet. We were told prior to the concert that some members of the audience did not know who Sonny Rollins was but came because they heard the music would be amazing. I'm sure there are some new Jazz aficionados in Fayetteville after that concert.

This spring welcomes back Victor Y. See Yuen on percussion. Victor performed with Sonny back in the 90's but hasn't had a chance to perform with the band since 1999 as he worked on his own projects. Victor brings with him a special island feel in his playing drawing on his former home of Trinidad.

We're off to Miami for some heat before we head back to New York for a few days.

See you in Miami.

Peter Downey
Tour Manager

Friday, 17 April 2009 13:24 Host: host89-86-dynamic.33-79-r.retail.telecomitalia.it

Dear Mr Rollins, I'm an italian saxophonist,I would you to hear my last work and give me some advices, please.
Thank you very much

Thursday, 16 April 2009 22:58 Host: wsip-98-174-169-114.ok.ok.cox.net

Dear Sonny,

I just saw you in Arkansas a couple days ago and your where awesome. It was my first time to see in in concert and will definitly see you again. Take care.

Thursday, 16 April 2009 19:36 Host: S01060011d8bbb259.vs.shawcable.net

Dr.Sonny,i would love to be your guide and chauffer when you visit Vancouver.I am mature,multilingual and feel a need to be at your service.
Thanks kindly

Thursday, 16 April 2009 14:26 Host: adsl-99-187-87-236.dsl.hstntx.sbcglobal.net

Hello Sonny
First of all I want to say I LOVE YOU!!!I am counting down the days until your concert at the University of Texas. I love your music and have been a fan for a long time. In fact, we studied about you in my Jazz Appreciation class last semester. You know you've "made it" when you are a question on a final exam.

Will you be available for meet and greet after the show? If you have seen "The Terminal" my version of Tom Hank's can of peanuts is my passport and would live to get your autograph.

I cannot wait to hear you live.
Namaste,
Aida

Thursday, 16 April 2009 13:50 Host: adsl-067-035-076-046.sip.mia.bellsouth.net

Hi Sonny,
Looking forward to seeing you Saturday in Miami.
Marc

Wednesday, 15 April 2009 06:37 Host: p54B06DB3.dip.t-dialin.net

Dear Sonny R., my best wishes for all of your concerts this year; to you and your band! Good health, much energy, and love - all these things that are important ... Barbara, looking & hearing forward to 2 of your concerts this year ...

Tuesday, 14 April 2009 17:21 Host: S01060010dcfcbb7b.vf.shawcable.net

Mr. Rollins,
Looking forward to your visit this summer to Vancouver, BC.
In the meantime, I'm trying to wear out my copy of Road Shows Vol.1
Until we meet this June, "Best Wishes" to you, sir.

Tuesday, 14 April 2009 15:13 Host: pool-98-119-111-58.lsanca.fios.verizon.net

Sonny..Mr. Rollins...I'm home sick today..from bed I felt the pull of Colossus...once again Blues 7 has cured me. Do you walk on water??
Thanks Man
Stu Schauer

Monday, 13 April 2009 08:48 Host: host212.190-31-243.telecom.net.ar

Sonny!!! I'm kinda sad cause you're not comin'... and feel a bit angry of not goin' to Sao Paulo when I had the chance... Anyway, I want you to know that here in Argentina you have this great audience that loves you, and hope to see you whenever you are able!!

Your music has inspired the greatest feelings! Hope you are doin' fine and happy, and playin' and laughin' forever!!

Sunday, 12 April 2009 15:51 Host: bas3-hamilton14-1167925267.dsl.bell.ca

I am a young sax player and I have always been inspired by your genius improvisations and tone. I look forward to seeing you live come june.
Keep shreddin!

Sunday, 12 April 2009 09:56 Host: adsl-ull-170-40.47-151.net24.it

Great Man, the more i hear you play the more i love music, thanks GRAZIE