Saxophone Colossus

With the passing of 'Saxophone Colossus' Walter Theodore 'Sonny' Rollins at the tenor age of 95 on Monday, the world has lost one of its key notes in music. But we have his extraordinary music to fall back on - and this luminous portrait told in his own voice with warmth, candour and philosophical depth in this Broken Record podcast episode.

What makes this hour-long exchange with host Justin Richmond so compelling is the way Rollins frames them as lessons in discipline, solitude and resilience. He speaks of the sax not merely as an instrument but as a vessel for truth and self- discovery, a companion in his lifelong search for meaning.

One of the most striking insights is his account of the legendary 'Williamsburg Bridge practice sessions', where he withdrew from the spotlight to spend hours refining his craft in solitude. He describes these sabbaticals as pilgrimages, moments of retreat that allowed him to grow beyond the stage. Equally powerful is his view of 'jazz as conversation' - improvisation as dialogue not only with fellow musicians but with the audience and the universe itself.


In this Jan 2025 podcast, Rollins chats about his encounters with Miles Davis, and the recording of his own iconic 1957 album, Saxophone Colossus. It is precious.