Sonny Rollins
replaced
by Herbie
Hancock

Unfortunately we received a message that Sonny Rollins is not able to visit the Curacao North Sea Jazz due to health issues. In a statement Rollins says: “Due to a recent illness, I am unable to perform my upcoming concert in Curacao. I am disappointed but I hope to recover sooner than later and I want to thank my many fans who are so loyal to me.” On behalf of our visitors, we have wished him a speedy recovery.

In his place another great jazz legend Herbie Hancock will take the stage.

Pianist and composer Herbie Hancock is considered one of the most important names in contempory jazz. He was discovered in 1960 by trumpeter Donald Byrd, was a part of Miles Davis’ Second Great Quartet and is known as one of the primary architects of the “postbop” sound.

He continually moves between acoustic and electronic jazz and also incorporates elements of soul and funk. In recent decades, Hancock has been hugely productive. He won no less than fourteen Grammy Awards; in 2008, his album River: The Joni Letters was awarded Album of the Year in the open competition, as the second jazz album ever. Hancock’s latest album The Imagine Project was released in 2010.

He will bring a band of experienced musicians to Curaçao, containing Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, Lionel Loueke on guitar and James Genus on bass. All three have collaborated with many artists from different genres. As a foursome, these musicians also have a rich history, having played together many times.

Sonny Rollins’ office has issued the following statement
“Earlier this year, Sonny began to experience respiratory symptoms that affected his playing. His doctor prescribed rest and a course of treatment that he hoped would eliminate the symptoms quickly and would enable Sonny to resume his performance schedule. Although Sonny has made good progress, his symptoms are unfortunately not completely gone, and he is not yet at the point where he can physically perform a concert at the high level that has always been his standard. Last week, in consultation with his doctor, Sonny decided that he needs to devote the remainder of this year to rest and the prescribed therapy in order to address his current health issues. Therefore all concerts scheduled for the remainder of 2013 have been postponed. Sonny is determined to get stronger and hopefully return to performing in 2014”