Ralph “Razz” Rasmusson, a music educator, band leader, and jazz aficionado turns 90 today. Submitted photos

A music educator, band leader, and jazz aficionado celebrates a milestone today.

Ralph Rassmusson, better known as “Razz” turns 90.

Ask him about jazz music and he will give you insight, history, and advice about playing the genre.

Simply stated.

He loves playing jazz.

“I think probably it’s part of our human mind that desires creative freedom,” Razz said about playing. “I guess it’s just the fun of taking a melody and bending it a little bit here and there, and adding to it. It’s just uplifting.”

You could say that being able to play jazz keeps him young.

When talking with him, you will learn about music — not because he is trying to educate you about music, but rather he can connect music in some way to your life. In educator language, it allows listeners to draw on their own experiences to make new experiences.

Razz has had the privilege of working with hundreds of talented students — many of whom have developed great careers — all of whom did all the work themselves.

Razz is a wealth of information when it comes to jazz history. And listening to him speak, you see the smile on his face, and you can tell he enjoys listening as well as researching current and older trends in music. Whether it’s big band swing, smooth, dixieland, be-bop, or fusion, after talking with him, you will take away a whole new understanding of all that jazz.

“I’m quite grateful and surprised and blessed. I’m still playing with Pearl City Jazz,” Razz said.

Bassist Todd Singleton has been playing in Razz’s Pearl City Jazz band for about 5 years.

“I absolutely love it,” Singleton said.

Razz added that musicians should not rest on their laurels and put in the practice time to hone their performance skills.

Razz noted that his band is planning something, but he has not been let in on what it is the members plan to do.

Singleton wouldn’t spill the beans either on what the band will do.

“I’m so blessed with people to play with and people to play for. I’m having a nice ride,” Razz noted.