Asked to name the greatest living saxophone player, most musicians and jazz fans will agree: Sonny Rollins. It's easy to understand why. His playing combines a distinctive tone, rhythmic inventiveness without parallel, and - not to forget - a healthy dose of humour. His repertoire ranges from Tchaikovksy to the Tennessee Waltz. Several of his own compositions - including Oleo, Airegin, and St. Thomas - have become classics in their own right. Better than anyone he succeeded in moving from bebop through the free jazz and fusion periods while remaining true to himself. Just turned seventy, his career now spans six decades and shows no signs of letting up.

But, despite his acknowledged stature, Rollins has always been a puzzling figure, given to chronic self-doubt, sometimes withdrawing from the music scene for years. In this penetrating study, Peter Niklas Wilson looks at the life, personality, style, and recorded legacy of this "doubting giant" of jazz. Aspects of Rollins' approach to improvising and composing are expertly analyzed. A narrative discography gives helpful information on all of Rollins' recordings from 1949 through to 2000. Wilson also explores the source of Rollins' restlessness, and describes his ongoing search for peace through Zen, Vedic philosophy, and other disciplines.

Sonny Rollins: The Definitive Musical Guide provides for the first time an objective, well-rounded look at this eminent, but enigmatic, musician.

PETER NIKLAS WILSON has previously written a book on Ornette Coleman. He is a professional musician who has recorded with Anthony Braxton and others.

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