Sonny Rollins: Saxophone Colossus

Multimedia Concert/Lecture presented by True North Jazz Project Experience Saxophone Colossus, Sonny Rollins’ landmark 1957 album, brought to life in a captivating concert-lecture by the Hudson Valley–based True North Jazz Project! This immersive 75-minute program features a complete live performance of the album, interwoven with historical storytelling and multimedia exploring the musicians, places, and ideas behind its creation. Audiences will gain insight into the making of this enduring masterpiece and a deeper appreciation of its lasting influence on jazz while experiencing the distinctive sound and collective artistry of the True North Jazz Project. Featuring iconic compositions including “St. Thomas,” “Blue 7,” “Strode Road,” “Mack the Knife,” and “You Don’t Know What Love Is,” the album showcases Rollins’ commanding tenor saxophone, extraordinary creativity, and innovative approach to improvisation. A Q&A will follow. The True North Jazz Project is a Hudson Valley–based jazz ensemble dedicated to performing jazz repertoire with musical depth, creativity, and a spirit of discovery. Through live performance and educational programming, the ensemble connects audiences with the music, musicians, and history that have shaped the jazz tradition. The ensemble features musicians/educators Joe North on saxophones, Ryan Cerullo on piano, Buddy Griffith on bass, and Ryan Odell on drums. This is the third concert in this year’s John Cohen Memorial Music Series and is made possible, in part, with public funds from Putnam County.