Saxophone Colossus-A Film By Robert Mugge [Regio free (0)] Rollins, Sonny
12,49 EUR
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DVD Bhm Release date: 30/Oct/2009
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Sales Rank:
0
Style:
Mainstream Jazz
Product No.:
687959209
Details / Tracklist:
01. "G-Man" 02. "The Bridge" 03. "Unaccompanied Soloing" 04. "Concerto For Tenor Sax And Orchestra" 05. "Don T Stop The Carnival"
Description:
DVD Run Time: 100 minutes.
Language: German, English, French.
Region: Region 2.
Aspect Ratio: 16:9.
Immerse yourself in the world of modern jazz with "Saxophone Colossus - A Film by Robert Mugge", a compelling music documentary on DVD that pays tribute to the legendary tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins. Shot in the 1980s, this film blends electrifying performance footage with intimate interviews and atmospheric location shots, capturing Rollins at a mature creative peak. The title alludes to his seminal 1956 album "Saxophone Colossus", a milestone of jazz history, and the documentary picks up that spirit by showing him as a towering, still-evolving artist whose sound shaped generations of musicians.
Director Robert Mugge is renowned for his nuanced, musician-centered music films, and here he focuses closely on the artistry, philosophy, and work ethic of Sonny Rollins. Mugge's style is observational and respectful: he lets the music and the musicians speak for themselves through extended live takes, rehearsals, and thoughtful commentary rather than heavy narration. This approach offers a rare glimpse into Rollins' creative process, his discipline as an improviser, and his deep connection to the jazz tradition while remaining fully contemporary. The carefully crafted sound and image make this DVD an excellent choice both for dedicated jazz fans and for viewers discovering Rollins for the first time.
The cast and participants of "Saxophone Colossus" revolve around Sonny Rollins, one of the most celebrated tenor saxophonists in jazz history. Known for his powerful tone, thematic improvisations and remarkable longevity on the scene, Rollins has been central to albums that shaped modern jazz and has performed with many of the greatest names in the genre. His presence dominates the film, not only musically but also as a reflective, sometimes humorous narrator of his own artistic journey. Around him, the documentary introduces key collaborators and musicians from his environment, placing their contributions in the live performance context rather than through lengthy biography, so that the focus remains on the music as it unfolds on stage and in rehearsal.
At the helm is director Robert Mugge, an acclaimed filmmaker whose body of work is deeply rooted in the documentation of American music. Over several decades, Mugge has developed a distinctive documentary language dedicated to blues, jazz, gospel, and other musical traditions, working closely with artists to present their stories with authenticity and care. His reputation rests on an ability to capture performances as living events rather than mere recordings, which is clearly felt in this film about Sonny Rollins. The DVD edition by Bhm offers this important music film in a convenient and durable format, making it suitable for private collections, libraries, and educational use.
Bhm, the company behind this DVD release, specializes in bringing culturally and musically significant films to the home-video market. Known for focusing on concert films, music documentaries and artist portraits, Bhm places particular value on preserving essential recordings and performances that might otherwise remain hard to access. By issuing titles like "Saxophone Colossus - A Film by Robert Mugge", Bhm supports the documentation of music history and offers enthusiasts carefully curated releases. For collectors and jazz aficionados, this DVD is more than just a concert document: it is an in-depth portrait of one of the great voices of the saxophone, rendered by a filmmaker who has dedicated his career to capturing music on film.
