Information/Write-up
Here is an updated original vinyl to digital transfer Mar 30, 2025
One of the best (unheralded) RCI titles. Cosmic spiritual jazz at its finest…
My Music is an extension of my Life. I have found the most important thing in Life to be Love. In seeking the essence of Love and Life I have found that which creates Life and Love. God, the Light of Lights of the Universe I have found to be my pathway and the Stars are my strings the Moon my Plectrum The Sun my Song.
– Solmila
(Sonny Greenwich)
I have tried to express in this album, my way of life to the present time. My thanks to Don, Rick, Terry, Clayton, my companions, and to T.F. for the opportunity...
– Solmila
(Sonny Greenwich)
Sonny Greenwich was born in Hamilton, Ontario, on January 1st, 1936. He was introduced to music through his father who was a jazz pianist. After living and playing in Toronto he went to the United States to join the Tony Handy Group, where he met Don Thompson and Terry Clarke who were also with Handy at the time. After leaving Handy, Sonny settled just outside Montreal. His musical collaborators since that time are, and always were a few — people who are spiritually involved. He also played in New York with Jimmy Garrison, Jack De Johnette and pianist Teddy Saunders. In 1972 he played with Miles Davis.
In jazz circles, Sonny is a legend. His name is known across Canada and the United States by people the public doesn't know of him, and admirers all agree that he is a world-class musician, one of the finest guitarists anywhere. This album, his first, is called "Sun Song." It is his most evolved statement yet on life and love.
Sonny Greenwich est né à Hamilton, Ontario, le 1er janvier 1936. C'est son père, un pianiste de jazz, qui l'initie à la musique. Après avoir séjourné à Toronto, il part vivre aux États-Unis pour faire partie du groupe de Tony Handy. Il y rencontre Don Thompson et Terry Clarke. Ces derniers quittent peu après le groupe. Sonny s'établit alors dans les environs de Montréal. Depuis lors, ses collaborateurs, peu nombreux, ont toujours été choisis en fonction de leur affinité spirituelle. Il joue également à New York avec Jimmy Garrison, Jack De Johnette et le pianiste Teddy Saunders. En 1972, il joue avec Miles Davis.
Dans les milieux du jazz, Sonny est une véritable légende. Son nom est connu au Canada et aux États-Unis par les musiciens, même si le public ne le connaît guère. Tous les admirateurs de Sonny s'accordent pour dire qu'il est un musicien de classe internationale, un des meilleurs guitaristes qui soit. Cet album, son premier, s'intitule "Sun Song"; c'est l'expression la plus aboutie de ses sentiments sur la vie et l'amour.
Sonny Greenwich: electric guitar
Don Thompson: piano, electric piano
Richard Homme: acoustic bass, bass guitar
Terry Clarke: drums
Clayton Johnston: percussion
All music by Sonny Greenwich
Produced by Radio Canada International
Engineered by Phil Sheridan
Recorded Feb 11 & 12, 1974 at Thunder Sound, Toronto, Ontario
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