As one of the most prolific improvisors in Jazz history, Sonny Rollins explored creative expression within the Trio, Quartet and Quintet formats on a regular basis at his recording sessions. Whether it was the strolling melodic explorations of his Drum, Bass and Saxophone Trios, the classic sounds of his Quartet, or the incredibly swinging Quintet sessions, he always achieved a level of humanity, humility and humor in his music that connected to the listener on a level that many musicians struggled with. Cycling through material many were familiar with, Sonny reimagined Country Western music, Caribbean nursery rhymes, and the Great American Song Book, which cemented his reputation as a Jazz Powerhouse and one to emulate. But within his recordings were a myriad of original compositions, for which he did not receive nearly enough acclaim and credit. He wrote one of the first instrumental protest pieces about black suffering in America, Freedom Suite, explored creative and odd forms within the idiom, and penned classics such as Pent-Up House, Oleo, Doxy, and Airegin that are still performed regularly to this day.
Sonny’s musical explorations have inspired saxophonist, Simon Harding, to create a unique show that includes not only a Trio, but a Quartet and Quintet to explore the Music of Sonny Rollins on a deeper level. Utilizing Sonny’s original compositions, deep discography, and aforementioned use of familiar material, you will get a snapshot of how diverse and creative Sonny Rollins truly was, as well as why he is still one of the most influential Jazz musicians in History. The show will begin with a Saxophone Trio including Simon Harding (sax), Josh Hakanson (drums) and Danny Oline (bass) and expand to a Quartet adding Mike Conrad (piano) and finally culminate in a set of Quintet performances adding Dave Rezek (trumpet). Please join us at Noce on Friday June 9th @ 8pm for Sonny Side Up, an Exploration of Sonny Rollins’ Music. This is sure to be a fun and unique set of music!
Noce is a modern jazz club and cabaret established to present Des Moines with some of the greatest jazz music & theater from around the Midwest. With locally & nationally renowned live entertainment several nights each week in our cabaret lounge & rental space available to the community at large, Noce provides music lovers with an experience unparalleled in the state of Iowa. To complement our top-class performers, Noce features a jazz age cocktail bar, serving vintage and contemporary libations. In addition to our 100 seat cabaret lounge, we also feature a 2,500 sq. ft. rental space in the building that is available for events of every kind, from private dinners to full wedding receptions.
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