Tune Tuesday: St. Thomas

 

Tune Tuesday: The Story Behind Sonny Rollins' St. Thomas

Good morning, and welcome to another Tune Tuesday! Today, we're diving into one of the most iconic and easily recognizable tunes in jazz—the lively and unforgettable St. Thomas by tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins. It's not only a jazz standard but also a piece that's deeply personal for me, as St. Thomas happens to be the name of my alma mater, the University of St. Thomas. It's always fun to play this one with that connection in mind, but as we’ll see, this tune's history goes far beyond just a catchy melody.

The Origins of St. Thomas

St. Thomas was recorded by Sonny Rollins in 1956 for his legendary album Saxophone Colossus. While Rollins is widely credited as the composer, the story behind this tune is much more intricate than many realize. In fact, St. Thomas is based on a traditional Bahamian folk song called Sponger Monkey, as well as the English folk song The Lincolnshire Poacher.

The path these tunes traveled to get to St. Thomas is a fascinating example of the folk process—where stories and songs evolve as they're passed down through generations. The Lincolnshire Poacher eventually transformed into a nursery song in the Virgin Islands, where Sonny Rollins' mother would sing it to him. It's incredible to think how a melody could travel such a long and winding road, shifting along the way, until it became the iconic jazz tune we know today.

So, while Sonny Rollins might be the one credited with the composition, the roots of St. Thomas are a blend of rich cultural history and a unique folk process that brought this piece to life.

A Personal Connection

As I mentioned, St. Thomas holds a special place for me—aside from being a timeless jazz classic, it’s also a tune I have fun playing because it shares the name of my alma mater. The song itself is a fantastic blend of jazz, island rhythms, and history, making it a joy to perform. And, like so many jazz standards, it’s a tune that gets played over and over again—both by students just starting out and seasoned professionals who love its energy and infectious swing.

Today, I’m sporting my gold plaid tie and my trusty Timex Easy Reader watch, and I’m excited to take you through the performance of this timeless jazz classic. Whether you’re just starting your jazz journey or you’re an experienced musician, St. Thomas is a song that never gets old.

Let’s Dive In

So, without further ado, sit back and enjoy my rendition of St. Thomas, a jazz staple that blends cultural heritage, musical evolution, and an unforgettable melody. CLICK HERE

JS
 jonshields.org
 guitarbook.org


*note - part or all of this article may have been written with AI.

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