Report from the concert.
Guitarist Russell Malone is now playing with Sonny. Here are his thoughts on the
Discover Jazz gig in Burlington, Vermont where Jim Hall sat in:
"The gig was a lot of fun. Sonny was in a good mood, laughing and talking with some of the band members just before we hit the stage. One of the the things he talked about was the importance of exercise, a sensible diet, and drinking plenty of water. He said that these were some of the things that have helped him to stay around for almost eighty years. And we are very blessed to still have him here with us. When he starts to play, you can see him transform into something else. I don't know what, but it is as if something takes possession of him. It's beautiful and scary, all at once. And last night was no exception. He played beautifully, and he was very encouraging and inspiring to the band. Then, towards the end of the show, he invited Jim Hall to the stage. To see Sonny, Jim, and Bob Cranshaw on the same stage was surreal. That one still hasn't sunk in yet. All in all, it was a great night of music."