It's All Good, Colossal Conversations with Sonny Rollins

“It’s All Good” is an interesting enjoyable read, not quite what I was expecting, but ultimately delightful just the same. I received an advanced reading copy from Netgalley, and went into it expecting something more along the lines of an extended interview with Sonny Rollins. But in actuality the book is as much about the author as it is about Rollins. And really it could be said that it’s about neither of them as much as it is about a way of looking at things, Largely consisting of a series of delightful, philosophical telephone conversations between the author and longtime friend Rollins, the subject of their talk, more often then not, is about living life, being a better person, finding peace and purpose, helping and inspiring others, and realizing that no matter what life throws at you, “It’s All Good”.

Jazz fans will see another side of Sonny Rollins in "It's Al Good, Colossal Conversations with Sonny Rollins." . This work isn't a music history book that chronicles his concerts or biographical information. Instead, it reads like a philosophical discussion, similar to Socrates and his students. Instead, it is a discussion between himself and Christine M. Theard.

Theard is a California cardiologist who became a certified meditation specialist and Deepak Chopra Perfect Life teacher. Her father traveled to Europe where he met Sonny Rollins during one of his concerts. The two became friends. His twin brother also followed Rollins. Later on, Theard's mother became close friends with Sonny Rollins. She is a talented artist that painted the cover image for the book. Eventually, Christine Theard volunteered to look into Rollins' health history. That is how the two became friends. Rollins asked Theard to write a book chronicling their spiritual conversations together. 

Rollins talks about his travels to India where he learned Aryurveda and meditation. He also learned about the eight limbs of yoga developed by Patanjali. He speaks about playing the saxophone as a form of meditation. You'll learn some of his spiritual beliefs. Rollins doesn't believe in death, and claims to have had several spiritual experiences including seeing his dead wife after she passed from a stroke. He also speaks about gratitude and giving.  

It's a short book, and there were a few parts that were a bit too flowery. Those minor issues aside, I really liked this book and learned a lot from the discussions Theard had with Rollins. Their discussions were authentic, heartfelt, and nice.