TTP #14- Sonny Rollins- Ruminations with the Jazz Legend on his Career, Spiritual Explorations, Yoga practice and a Life in Music

It is such an honor to kick off the 2nd season of the Tourganic Podcast with the legendary Sonny Rollins. Sonny is one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, whose career spanned nearly 70 years. The saxophone master has released over 60 albums as a leader as well as collaborating/recording with the preeminient lumineers of jazz such as Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey just to name a few. His daily Williamsburg bridge practice sessions during his 1959 sabbatical have become iconic piece of New York history. Sonny has been on a lifetime spiritual quest to expand his consciousness and a path of discovery that he has worked to achieve through a committed Yoga practice since the late 50’s. His journey continued when he moved to India to live in an ashram and commit fully to his spiritual practice. Sonny's words are inspiring, thought provoking and deeply meaningful. This episode covers a lot of ground.

Intro music: 'Do you?' from DB3 album 'Firebrand'

Episode interludes are taken from: Sonny Rollins 'Road Shows, Vol.3' 

In this conversation:

What led him on the path of spiritual and enlightening quest 

Losing the ability to play Sax because of illness and acceptance

Role Yoga plays in his life

Connection between spiritual pursuit and musical output

Traveling to the Ashram and living in India

Autobiography of a Yogi

Self Realization fellowship

When you play your horn, that is meditation

Being truly present and in the now when playing+Creating is next level

Connection between practice and achieving flow state mentality

Performance vs practice mindstate

Performance – Make your mind blank and let the music play you- passive  Never feeling like he can get to ‘that’ place every night Consciousness of health and spirituality in the 50’s leading to the 60’s Daily Yoga practice on the road Different types of yoga to develop Using practice to achieve Self realization- self betterment

The importance of long tones- Slowing down- positivity