June 12, 2008
musician sonny rollins
Sonny Rollins in Sydney, interviewed by theABC TV's 7.30 report - worth watching - he's one cool cat!
Daniel and Michelle waiting with coffees in handfor the Clinton St Baking Company to open.
What do the Clinton St Baking Company in New York and Sonny Rollins have in common? Well, it is where I first heard his music. In 2006 I travelled to New York with my husband D and good friend MT and had an amazing holiday. I can't tell you how much stuff we did on that trip. All up we had about 10 days in New York and every day was jam-packed. I did loads of research before we went. I'm a bit crazy like that. Even had an Excel spreadsheet with an itinerary as didn't want to miss a thing. Anyway, one of my must-visit places was the Clinton St Baking Company as I'd read the brunches there were great. Sure enough, we queued first thing Sunday morning before the place even opened, got a table straight off, ate blueberry pancakes and listened to Sonny Rollins. Well, life came full circle the weekend before last when I got to hear the great jazz saxophonist play his first (and probably last) gig at the Sydney Opera House. This is a man who has played for Miles Davis and Johnnie Coltrane. It was electric. He has so much energy with his playing - none of this stilted, self-conscious jazz that passes as much modern stuff. And perhaps the most amazing fact is that he's 77. What an inspiration!