The Mitchell Prentice Quartet Plays Sonny Rollins 'The Bridge'

“It was a beautiful, perfect place. I had the view of the river, and I was on part of the walkway where I wasn’t visible to the subway, trains and traffic. I felt like it was god sent”- Sonny Rollins on discovering the Williamsburg Bridge

In the winter of 1962, after a long sabbatical spent practicing on the Williamsburg Bridge to develop his technique, Sonny Rollins emerged from his intensive studies and recorded an album regarded as the “Bridge” between his past and his future. An album that stands out in Rollins' Distography, as it represents a period of deep philosophical and spiritual growth through self-reflection and isolation, leading to rebirth and renewal.

The Mitchell Prentice quartet will explore Sonny's compositions and repertoire as the finale of the three-part series of the ‘Rollins Revue’. A tribute to the legacy and life of Sonny Rollins.

Featuring Nicholas Bettcher, one of Calgary's most active guitarists, known for his work with Tina Hartt, The Bow Djangos, Ben Tizzard and Ollee Owens. Nick co-leads his organ-based quartet SBMT performing across Calgary, and hosts an ongoing weekly residency at Prohibition Lounge with Shane Statz.

Featuring one of Western Canada’s leading jazz drummers, Jon May grew up in New Hampshire, USA, as an avid music lover whose passion for drums eventually landed him in the great white north. He has toured extensively throughout the USA, Canada, and Europe. He has played various genres with groups such as JUNO award-winning Laila Biali, Blake Reid, The Mocking Shadows, John Wort Hannam, The Polyjesters, Terra Hazleton, Ian Thomas, The Way out Trio and is a founding member of Sinistrio.

As well as in-demand bassist Adam Pettigrew, a prominent Calgary-based musician active in the local jazz scene, known for performing with the Broadview Trio and the David Lavoie Quartet, and for recently recording with the Way Out Trio and the Angela Wrigley Trio.

Stepping into the role of the Icon, saxophonist Mitchell Prentice pays homage to his hero, Rollins. Mitchell brings his knowledge of bebop and swing to lead the Trio. Mitchell has been active in the Calgary jazz scene and has recently collaborated on the 9th volume of the Calgary Jazz Composers collective and the Timothonius Quartet, alongside leading his own projects across the city.

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