Sonny Rollins Heads Up Best NSO Jazz Series Ever

Posted by Jim Ridley on Wed, Feb 9, 2011 at 3:54 PM

Two years ago about this time, we were gently nudging the Nashville Symphony to apply the same curatorial taste and spirit of adventure to their Jazz Series that they show in their classical programming. Recently in the Scene, classical critic John Pitcher alerted readers that the NSO's 2011-12 season looks like a watershed year of world premieres and world- class guests. Today comes word of next season's Adams and Reese Jazz Series — and we take back every lukewarm thing we said about Al Jarreau.

The bombshell is the first local appearance by tenor-sax colossus Sonny Rollins in two decades. One of the century's jazz masters, the protean Rollins (who'll have just turned 81 at the time of his Nashville date Oct. 14) has been performing since the 1940s, as both a solo artist and a collaborator with everyone from Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk to Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. (That's also him you hear on the Rolling Stones' "Waiting on a Friend.")

Rollins hasn't played Nashville at least since a Langford Auditorium date at Vanderbilt; the NSO is billing his appearance without the orchestra as a "special event." And how. So far, tickets are available only to season subscribers.

We're also psyched about the rare Nashville appearance by acclaimed vocalist Cassandra Wilson, as well as concerts by guitarist Larry Carlton and saxophonist Branford Marsalis.

More information (including dates) below

Adams and Reese Jazz Series LARRY CARLTON, September 30, 2011 One of the greatest guitarists working today, Larry Carlton, will perform with his band at the Schermerhorn. An accomplished solo artist and an in-demand session player who has appeared on recordings by Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, John Lennon, Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton and countless others, he’s known the world over for his flawless technique, searing solos and true artist’s heart, with a smooth, singular style that incorporates jazz, blues, pop and rock. This performance will be presented without the Nashville Symphony.

BRANFORD MARSALIS, January 20, 2012 One of the greatest artists of his generation, saxophonist Branford Marsalis has kept jazz music thriving with a string of innovative projects that honor the music’s tradition while ushering it boldly into the future. His last concert at the Schermerhorn was phenomenal; it also happened to be on the night of a raging snowstorm. So we’re bringing his ace quartet back for another evening of tight grooves and electrifying improvisation. This performance will be presented without the orchestra.

CASSANDRA WILSON, March 2, 2012 This enchanting singer, with a smoky, sensuous voice and a bold, irrepressible style, will conclude the Jazz Series. With help from her powerhouse band and the lush sound of the orchestra, conducted by Matt Catingub, Cassandra Wilson will take listeners on an extraordinary journey through classic jazz, funk, pop and the Delta blues of her native Mississippi. She brings a wildly creative flair and consummate artistry to everything she sings, whether it’s an unforgettable standard or one of her own freshly conceived tunes.

Special Event SONNY ROLLINS, October 14, 2011 Jazz aficionados will have the chance to see a living legend in his first Nashville appearance in nearly two decades. Sonny Rollins is known as the “Saxophone Colossus,” and with good reason. His groundbreaking work on the tenor sax helped define the sound of jazz in the 1950s and ’60s, and he remains its most exacting, exhilarating and inspiring practitioner. This concert will be presented without orchestra. Please note, this special concert is only available to season subscribers at this time.

Subscription and Ticketing Information Season subscriptions are available now for the Adams and Reese Jazz Series (3 concerts), with subscriptions starting at $130. Tickets to individual concerts will go on sale in mid- July. For more information or to purchase subscriptions, please call 615.687.6400 or visit NashvilleSymphony.org.

Groups of 10 or more receive discounted rates, priority seating and personalized service. Contact Group Sales Specialist Meredith Benning at [email protected] or 615.687.6537 for more information and to book a group today.