Sonny was a phenomenon at the latest (5oth) Monterey Jazz Festival. He had been there at the first festival too! So here he was, 50 years later, looking cool in his shades and white hair (he is 77). But that horn! From his first note I knew this night was going to be something special. As he moved across the stage, filling the arena with an enormous and musical sound, I could only think "the old lion can still roar." And what a sound it was.
As he was giving a musical lesson to his young players, encouraging them to give their all (they were all impressive) he was also telling a musical story. The story wasn't about age but about wisdom, full of life and optimism. At the end of the hour he thanked everyone and said he would be back for the 100th. I believe him.
I'd love to hear about performances others have seen that have left a lasting impression.
