(Doxy Records)

Road Shows 2, is a snapshot of a legend who remains as dedicated to his craft as ever. Recorded in 2010 during a couple of his 80th birthday concerts shows in New York and Tokyo, tenor sax giant Sonny Rollins is the centerpiece turned-Master of Ceremonies for a star-studded production featuring other current and future legends. Among his guest performers is guitarist Russell Malone, bassists Christian McBride and Bob Cranshaw, and drummer Kobie Watkins. Also notable are performances from trumpeter Roy Hargrove, guitar great Jim Hall and alto sax stalwart Ornette Coleman. If that’s not enough, the drum master Roy Haynes, five years senior to the birthday guest, joins the party as well. The musical menu of standards is augmented nicely by a couple signature Rollins compositions and the result of all the above a fantastic recording and wonderful performance. What a wonderful way to celebrate the genius and enduring flame of one of jazz’s great lights.