We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of saxophonist Sonny Rollins. Known as the “Saxophone Colossus,” Rollins was among the finest improvisers on the tenor saxophone to appear on the instrument since the mid-1950s.
Rollins was a master of intelligent and provocative spontaneity combined with an excellent technique. He displayed an interest in unaccompanied saxophone improvisation and manipulations of tone color long before such techniques became common in modern jazz.
In a seven-decade career, he has recorded over sixty albums as a leader. A number of his compositions, including “St. Thomas”, “Oleo”, “Doxy”, and “Airegin”, have become jazz standards.