05/29/2026
We all have that moment when we encounter a legend, whether it be via a recording, a live performance, a video, a meet and greet, a lesson, playing a gig, a concert, or even a tour.
With the recent passing of Sonny Rollins, I wanted to share a personal moment that was inspiring to me.
I took this picture of our owner, Curt Altarac, and Sonny Rollins at Sigurd Rascher's memorial concert that we played in upstate New York in 2001. (Curt was clever to have Sonny hold his bari in the picture.)
Many saxophonists who were influenced by Sigurd Rascher (direct or indirect students of Mr. Rascher, as well as his family members) were at the memorial and performed, including Sonny Rollins. I hope those who were there will see this post and comment about their experience, as it was a very significant and meaningful event that deserves its own spotlight, which my Sonny story is only a part of.
Sonny Rollins and Mr. Rascher were friends, and both lived in the same region of New York State. Sonny was influenced by Rascher's saxophone performance methods and teaching. From what I remember, these were the reasons why Sonny attended and performed at the memorial concert.
I don't remember what Sonny played; I just remember hearing his sound and being in awe.
Here was the moment where the person whom I had spent countless hours listening to, his music, his interpretation, his creative ideas and energy, all came to life quite literally before me. All of the years of his work were translated for us and gifted to everyone there in that moment.
I had already chosen the saxophone as my musical voice, but this moment was a true confirmation of why I had made the decision to become a student of the saxophone.
This brief moment where everything came together has given meaning as to why I play, and still play (now as a professional) to this day, 25 years later.
We all perform at different levels, and we all have our versions of this small story. We have all been influenced by these great masters of craft and artistry, consciously or unconsciously.
I am so grateful to Sonny Rollins for his contribution to the voice of the saxophone and the larger innovations he created in music.
I hope these words can pay some respect to this great master, as I — as we — humbly pay our debts back through each day of practice, performance, and our pursuit of the inner voice expressed in this world and beyond.
-Rich Zimmerman (Rich Zimmerman)
