THE BEST OF SONNY ROLLINS
Robert Anchipolovsky Quartet

On May 25, 2026, the jazz world lost one of the greatest tenor saxophonists in history – Sonny Rollins. His passing marked the end of an era, but the music, ideas, and artistic legacy he left behind continue to inspire musicians and listeners around the world.

Rollins performed during a period when the jazz world already knew Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, when bebop seemed the pinnacle of possibility. But Sonny Rollins took the next step. He transformed the saxophone from a solo instrument into a musical force in its own right. His rhythmic freedom, powerful and unique sound, and ability to create entire musical stories within improvisation made him one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz.

Sonny Rollins brought the tenor saxophone to a new level of independence. He was one of the first musicians to regularly perform as a piano-less trio—saxophone, double bass, and drums. This format demanded exceptional harmonic awareness, a high level of musical responsibility, and impressive physical and creative stamina from the soloist.

His music combined blues, Caribbean rhythms, bebop, and hard bop, along with bold artistic ideas that in many ways anticipated the subsequent development of modern jazz. His albums "Saxophone Colossus," "Way Out West," and "A Night at the Village Vanguard" became not only jazz classics but also artistic statements that redefined the role of the saxophone in an ensemble.

In memory of this great master, the Robert Anchipolovsky Quartet presents a special program, "The Best of Sonny Rollins," a musical dialogue with the legacy of one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century. The program will feature Rollins's most famous compositions, as well as jazz standards that reveal his unique style and musical world.

Robert Anchipolovsky is one of the most prominent figures on the Israeli jazz scene, a musician whose style was shaped by the influence of the greatest masters of bebop and post-bop. His playing combines virtuosity, emotional depth, a profound knowledge of tradition, and his own unique voice. His main sources of inspiration include Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, and John Coltrane.

During his career, he has performed and collaborated with leading international jazz musicians, including Jimmy Cobb, Louis Hayes, Kenny Barron, Phil Woods, Randy Brecker, Gary Smulyan, Vincent Herring, Kevin Mahogany, and Deborah Brown.

Participants

* Robert Anchipolovsky – tenor saxophone
* Gilad Shmaya – piano
* Yonatan Bronstein – double bass
* Stas Zilberman – percussion