The greatest saxophone players ever.

by Mantius Cazaubon

Check out this list of famous saxophone players and share your thoughts.

Who in your mind are the greatest sax players ever? Who is your favorite player ever? Who do you think is the best saxophonist? Please share your list of great saxophone players below.







Comments for
The greatest saxophone players ever.

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Apr 11, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Phil Woods
by: Scott

Phil Woods - Hands down - best of all time - more genres and pure musianship than Parker, Trane or Getz. Sorry to the hipsters, and these comments would probably embarrass him, but unlike the three legendary icons, his amazing technique, flawless intonation and sound, are only exceeded by his passion and melodic depth; and unlike the icons, he had scholarly training (Juilliard) but built from it instead of resting on it. He also outlived bop and mainstream, but never sounded dated or caught in a genre rut, and unlike the icons he has also mentored and educated and shared his talent playing and improvising with countless students for years.
From gorgeous compositions (The Sun Suite) to putting an indelible stamp on a pop ballad (Just the Way You Are) Phil Woods has shown the breadth and depth to be one of if not THE greatest alto sax musician(s)of all time.
Apr 25, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		The Best Saxophone Player Ever
by: Anonymous

The best saxophone player ever is KENNY G!!!!! No Question!!! From Soprano to Alto to Tenor to whatever kind of saxophone he's playing!! The sound of his notes are SMOOTH and WHOLESOME on every sax he plays. I play the Alto Saxophone myself. And let me tell you. It's a great sounding saxophone. But it's hard to make it sound as great as Kenny G plays Alto. The easiest saxophone to play and make sound jazzy is the Soprano Saxophone. But Kenny G makes all the saxes he plays sound like a Soprano Sax. And that takes hella skills. KENNY G IS ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!!!!
Apr 27, 2009
Rating
starstarstar 		what?
by: brmmasax

how on earth could anyone put a sell-out like kenny g in the same leauge as the guys mentioned earlier? Kenny G isnt worthy to like the mud off of phil woods boots. Don sinta is the greatest classical player of all time, but I think the greatest player today would be claude delangle. As far as jazz goes, no one could touch Bird, although Phil Woods has come awfully close.
May 17, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Great Female Saxophonists
by: Anonymous

Tough to believe that there isn't one single female in the whole world worthy of inclusion in this list?

What about inspiration for us girls? It's 2009 after all!!
May 22, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Greatest Saxophone Player
by: Anonymous

In my opinion Kenny G is the absolute best saxophone player of all time. I have listened to scores of saxophone players some of whom have been touted as the best ever. But, let me tell you the super smooth and super sweet sound of the saxophone (esp. the Soprano) that Kenny G plays is head and shoulders above everyone else. I own all his CDs and listen to him every single day driving to work and driving back. I play the Alto and Soprano saxophones and am hopeful someday I can sound half as good as he does.
May 31, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		kenny g = bad
by: Anonymous

In case you're interested, I doubt very highly that Kenny G would even consider himself as good as some of the people listed previously (Sinta,Delangle,Woods) also, There's was an article written by Pat Metheny, one of jazz's most respected artist's that demonstrates why Kenny G is a horrible musician and player. As a technical player Kenny G is mediocre at best, as far as intonation is concerned, he plays consistently sharp, as far as sound of the saxophone goes, Kenny G couldn't ever dream of being at the level of Bird or Phil Woods. Kenny G's improvastional skills are extremely rudimentary as well.
Jun 28, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Don Menza
by: Anonymous

My favorite is Don Menza. I am not comfortable saying anyone is the greatest - there are so many factors and styles.

Many refer to Menza as the first monster player.
Jul 18, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		KENNY G ???? come on!!!
by: Anonymous

I have player sax professionally for the past 35 years and all I can say to Kenny G is the best is MY GOD PLEASE!!!! listen to some more sax players you surely have not heard many!
Jul 27, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		less heard of
by: Anonymous

I still agree with the fact that bird was the best and i really like phil woods and hate kenny g but theres a saxophonist called richie cole that you people should check out and obviously if you havent heard trane then thats a must
Jul 30, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Kenny G?? are you serious?
by: Anonymous

Wow! In the world of musicians this is an classic joke! Kenny G is horrible at best. Wanna talk about sound? Buy a Rollins disc. All together......Coltrane, best all time. Simply. Whole different animal.
Aug 08, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		K
by: Anonymous

KL
Aug 14, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Music Lover
by: Anonymous

Kenny G is a CLOWN

Eric Dolphy, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Trane, Bird, Getz, Pharoah Sanders - these are the greatest jazz saxophone players.
Aug 19, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Kenny G is the furthest thing from the best
by: Anonymous

Kenny G is not a good musician at all. You are out of your mind and very shallow to think he is good or the best. Go listen to Kenny Garrett (different person morons) Arthur Blythe, Phill Woods, Lou Donaldson.
Aug 19, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		greatest players on the sax
by: DeAndre

greatest sax player ever is either john coltrane or kenny garrett.
Aug 26, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Paquito d'rivera
by: lesgo

Paquito d'rivera is like a Charlie parker reincarnation he is form Havana Cuba and lives in new york just listen him i dont say he is the best sax player just listen and judge
Aug 29, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Contemporary
by: Dakota

It's funny how we think we can objectively name the greatest...whatever. The greatest saxophone player to me is David Sanborn. My reasoning is that I was in fact quite shallow when it comes to saxophone players and jazz; and he is the saxophonist that hooked me. My dad was never the greatest football player.....or was he? My mom was never the greatest cook.....or was she? What makes someone great?
Aug 29, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Boots
by: Anonymous

I consider one of the all time greats to be and probably the most immitated sax man around: BOOTS RANDOLPH. He is the Yakin Sax Man!
Aug 30, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Greatest Saxophonists
by: Silk

Definitely Grover Washington Jr. Hands down. Many others come in second,Rahssan Roland Kirk, Coltrane, etc.Parker included.
Sep 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		King Curtis
by: Anonymous

I do believe that King Curtis is the best sax man ever. Just list to some of his music such a Memphis Soul Stew, this does show what he can do with a saxophone, grover washington and junior walker needs to be brought up.
Sep 09, 2009
Rating
star 		Greatest saxophone player
by: Anonymous

I think that Boots Randolph is the best one!... You have just to listen the record "Boots with Strings" and you will understand!... It is between jazz and country with a lot of musical expression!... In this record "Unchained Melody" is particulary well done!...
Sep 10, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Gordon
by: Anonymous

How 'bout Dexter Gordon? "Go" is soooo good...
Sep 14, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bird and Trane for my money.
by: Anonymous

Bird and Trane were maybe the grandfather and father of jazz saxophone playing. Anyone else just pays homage to these two. Just listen! And don't forget Lester and Bean. It's a progression really.
Sep 20, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Worthy of consideration...
by: Vman

A technically excellent sax player who operates outside the mainstream is James Chance (Siegfried).
The No Wave genius who is frequently compared to Ornette Coleman. Superb chops and an adrenaline - driven improv style. Kind of an anti KennyG with far superior skills.
Sep 22, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Female Saxophonist
by: Anonymous

I saw a comment on how there is no mention of female saxophonists, and I can think of one great one. Audrey Cupples, she played for the top military band for quite a while, though I don't know if she still does. She has a CD out and you can hear her perfect control and tone. Never heard her play jazz, but her classical playing is amazing. I'd highly recommend any serious player to give her a listen.
Oct 29, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Great Player
by: Tatro

Gene Ammons had a sound quality that cannot
be duplicated. Micheal Breaker was the best.
Nov 03, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Great players
by: Anonymous

Kenny G is a good player, for sure. Great tone, good technically. But I think Gerald Albright and Lenny Picket are superior to Kenny overall. Richard Elliot has better tone than Kenny in my opinion. It's impossible to say whether anyone is better, as it's purely subjective, but everyone mentioned is this post is no doubt an accomplished player. I think Trane, Bird, Pharoah Sanders, Michael Brecker, Stan Getz, Gato Barbieri - and more recently Albright, Picket, and Elliot. But of course there are so many other great players past and present. Sonny Rollins, Stanley Turrentine, King Curtis, and yes, Paquito D'Rivera is a great player.
Nov 04, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Best Sax player
by: Dan

The comments in this post are very interesting. I have to agree that Kenny G is not that great - a bit boring even. I'm surprised no one has mentioned my favourite, Paul Desmond - his lyrical style is always a pleasure to listen to although he is completely different from, say, Charlie Parker or Sonny Rollins. Another favourite is Stan Getz as is Gerry Albright, but what about Lee Konitz, Johnny Hodges, Ben Webster or Wayne Shorter, not to mention Gerry Mulligan? These artists all contributed to sax playing in their own unique ways.
Nov 06, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		greatest sax players
by: rick

Alto Reed of the Silver Bullet Band, hands down the best sax player ever!
Nov 08, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Only two in my opinion....
by: Micheal

John Coltrane and Dexter Gordon.
Nov 17, 2009
Rating
starstarstar 		Bean
by: Dick

I see that many of your readers are rather young. Coleman Hawkins has always been credited with having "invented" the jazz saxophone - with good reason. He was at the forefront of sax playing for nearly 5 decades. Everyone, even Lester Young, learned from "Bean" (also referred to as "Hawk"). A simple, and in only one take, recording he made on October 11,1939 (on Bluebird Records) is copied by nearly all players at one time or another, and they never quite match it. That's "Body and Soul", of course. IT is the classic saxophone showpiece. Time always changes things, of course, and many saxophone players have shown greatness and achieved success since Bean (my fav "post-Bean" is Getz). But, Bean's still the one who started it all, and stayed at the forefront for many, many years. No one who likes sax can ignore his "Body and Soul" when they hear it. It simply captivates all within earshot. Today, his mainly legato style is just out-of-style. So, he's largely ignored by the masses. He's still the best, ever.
Nov 22, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Joshua Redman
by: Anonymous

To be considerably honest...Kenny G is a joke...he is nowhere close to be known as a "legend"...the best sax player in my opinion is Joshua Redman...He has universal techniques...he is capable of playing any style and outdoing any player
Nov 26, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		the best sax player
by: PAt G

Ever heard of Jerry Gotler from Egan, Minnesota? Smooth as glass -and on the harder to play soprano sax! Years of playing sure does show a master!
Nov 30, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		KENNY G POSITION IN THAT LIST
by: zeriocha

yeah, Kenny G could be on that list but behind Bird, Trane,Redman, Hawk", Getz, Gordon,Sony Rollins, Sanders, Chance, Randolph, P Woods,Rivera....AND MAY BE ME!!!
Dec 01, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		One for the girls?
by: Sharon

Most of the greatest and most inspirational sax players mentioned on this comments page usually can be found on youtube.........unless you are looking for a female. They seem to be thin on the ground. Tried searching for the woman someone mentioned in a previous comment but came up blank. Any useful comments or words of wisdom from you lovely sax players out there would be fabulous. Thank you.
Dec 06, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Jeff coffin and Myanna
by: Anonymous

Check em out!!
Dec 06, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Jessy J
by: Anonymous

Jessy J has some good sound and she is HOT!
Dec 12, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Female one's
by: Anonymous

For any female sax players I think Tineke Postma is one the best. If for a more sell out kinda sax player I guess Candy Dulfer pretty succesful.
Dec 13, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Charles Neville
by: Anonymous

Charles Neville is extraordinary. If you have'nt heard him in person-do yourself a favor and go to a concert. He tours with his brother Aaron tour frequently. Charles if the finest sax player ever!!
Dec 28, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Let us Not Forget
by: Doff

Lets Give Candy Dulfer a shot at the title of best female Sax player
Jan 26, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		let he who is without....
by: simurgh

If your playing was filtered and compressed by $xoo,ooo worth of studio gear, you'd sound as smooth as Mr G. He still can't read a note by his own admission. As he is probably the only multi-millionare saxophonist, he is more interested in his golf scorecard now anyway (laughing all the way to the bank).
Calling the "Greatest Player" is like picking the best of anything, purely a matter of taste. My tastes are "out there" so I'm nominating Frank Wright and Arthur Doyle. Like it or lump it - that's my version of Soul Music. Would they have got a mention otherwise?
Sandy Evans is a great female saxophonist from Australia. I was alone in the audience when I saw her play an very inspiring second set with Andrew Cyrille and Mark Helias at The Basement in Sydney one Monday night years ago.
Jan 27, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		SEXOPHONE...lol
by: gang2req1

Charlie parker et john coltrane sont les 2 plus importants au yeux de tt les MUSICIENS du monde...miles davis qui a joueé avec tt les plus grand l'a dit:"Chez charlie parker,la manière dont il jouait était terrifiante,la manière dont il enfilait les notes, c'était démesuré,c'était le plus gd alto de tt les tps"...Qd a Coltrane: "c'est le sax le plus puissant et le plus rapide que G jamais vu...il était comme possédé"...pr moi, à la droite de c 2 dieux,il y a sonny rollins,stan getz,wayne shorter,joe henderson,branford marsalis...c plus par autre d'importance, que par autre de "meilleur"
Feb 12, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bird Lives...
by: ZJ

If you wanna know the greatest, you ask the greatest and most "Great" musicians will name Bird, then whoever else comes to mind. The greatest of composers (Ellington, Mingus...) talk of music in regards to certain eras, like pre-bird and post-bird eras... As mingus said, "...if Charlie were a gunslinger, there would be a lot of dead imitators..."

Charlie "Yardbird" Parker is in the conversation, having never reached his full potential, with some of his best recordings coming while high as a kite and down in the gutter drunk.
Feb 23, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		DR. VERNARD JOHNSON--GOSPEL MUSIC
by: Lynitra Bostic


Gospel Music saxophonist, Dr. Vernard Johnson, noted by world leaders as the greatest gospel saxophonist in the world, should be included among the greats. The lives of every instrumentalist in gospel music were inspired and touched by him. Even many top jazz artist say he was their inspriration. While Shirley Ceasar, James Cleveland, The Mighty Clouds and others were working on one side of gospel, Dr. Johnson was working on the other side (in the instrumental realm). He is the first solo instrumentalist to be inducted into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Lynitra Bostic
Mar 02, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Anonymous
by: Anonymous

In reply to the above-statement that Phil Woods is the best sax player ever is as ridiculous as saying that Korean engineers build the best mercedes benzes originally innovated and designed by german engineers. The innovators are and will, always be, the best ever ever!! Is there anybody better than Michael Jackson after immitating Michael Jackson or is there anybody out there better than Bob Marley after immitating Bob Marley? great art forms are simply great, they cannot be cast into superlatives.Respect the different styles they represent, and pay due hommage and respect to the originator(s)
Mar 17, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		wonderful female sax player
by: Anonymous

I love kaori kobayashi! listen to her!
Mar 19, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Modern best players
by: Anonymous

Female sax player Saori Yano,
Male Michael Braker.
Mar 19, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Really wouldn't know
by: Wally

i have seen a lot of names being mentioned as probably the best saxophonist ever.
I have a liking for Mel Collins as a sax-player; albeit not as a composer.
Is that strange preference?
Mar 19, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Really wouldn't know
by: Wally

i have seen a lot of names being mentioned as probably the best saxophonist ever.
I have a liking for Mel Collins as a sax-player; albeit not as a composer.
Is that strange preference?
Mar 23, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bird lives
by: Anonymous

Bird (Charlie Parker) does live on today simply because everyone for the past 60 years has practically been copying him, that is how good he was. He could outplay anyone while drunk, high, and smoking and was a true genius.

After him I'd have to say Coltrane than after him Prez, Hawkins, Cannonball Adderly, Phil Woods, Sonny Rollins, And Stan Getz (Not in any paticular order).

As for Kenny G he's horrible and dirtys the very name of jazz. He has horrible tone by playing embarassingly sharp and sounds a second away from a squeak. And reasons like "Making any saxophone sound like soprano" is idiotic.
Mar 23, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Parker
by: --

It's Parker. He's beyond compare. I personally detest his personal style, are would hate to serve in the same band with him. But his dexterity his beyond compare. Bird-Bird-Bird.

You can't take anything away from Kenny G (stop hating). He is awesome!!!He along with other modern pop artist,Wahlum, David Sanborn, Grover Washington,Warren Hill,Don Diego, they are of the same cut.They all do too much (altissimos) whistling with there axes. Too many "crutches" with modern day saxophonist.

I personally loved the tone of Gene Almon! Almon (excuse spelling), I love his "raw bright tone"!Dexter Gordon was equally as awesome, and Sonny Stit. Not a big Prez fan. The Prez's skills, unlike Bird, diminished greatly with too much alcohol.
Mar 29, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My personal favorite
by: Brandon

Now while I don't have much knowledge of all the great players, I'm trying to listen to new things. My father got me interested in Jazz, mainly smooth jazz.

So far from what I've listened to my favorites would have to be:
Boney James and Gerald Albright.

I'm always open to listening to new things and I'm sure my list will change as I age, I am only 22 after all.
Apr 03, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Best Sax Player
by: pandalon

i think the best sax `player is different for everyone, and its always gonna be the one that moves something inside you that you cant explain, for me is john coltran, but there are many others eally close to him.
pd its personal taste.
Apr 05, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Wide Variety.
by: Anonymous

I have always wondered why saxophone players hate Kenny G. Most of them come up with the same answer. He's a sell out. So? Thats not that big of a deal. Most all of you would do a lot for the money he makes. And perhaps he enjoys the music he plays. Kenny G is good enough to have an avid fan base of musically inclined as well as those who are not so much.

Aside from this, i would have to say Pat Metheny, Charlie Parker, and contemporary, I have played with Eric Marienthal and I have to say... wow. He is good.
Apr 10, 2010
Rating
starstarstar 		I loved Sonny Stitt
by: bob

From the time I first heard him in 1975 or so, I was impressed with Sonnys tone on tenor, as well as his melodic take. Having gotten and played transcriptions of solos from his 57 date with Dizzy and Sonny R, I am amazed at the harmonic quality. Many of his phrases are similar to classical lines from Bach to Mozart. I would commend the two solos on Sunny side of the Street and the Eternal Triangle to anyone who wants to hear bop at its best. On the Verve release Sonny Side Up.

As far as the best, I guess we all know that there is no best! Is Rachmaninoff better than Beethoven? Is Led Zepplin better than the Beatles? Dizzy or John Faddis? Really!

OK, then for me its (currently) Michael B. May he rest in peace.
Apr 15, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Best Sax Players
by: EStLouisAssassin

Bird and Coltrane are my #1 and #2. These guys were doing things that most players could not comprehend. Other greats that come to mind are Sonny Stitt, Cannonball, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, Lou Donaldson, Hank Mobley, Grover Washington and Branford Marsalis from the last era of players. This list could go 50 to 100 deep easy.
Apr 17, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstar 		phil doyle tenor univ of ill
by: Anonymous

maybe to watch for.....creative,serious improv...great stuff in collaberation w/landon knoblock on keys......wicked range in doyle.....great mentors ...whit at u of m...chip mcneil at uoi....worth listening
May 17, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		this is the greatest
by: Anonymous

amazing the number of guys who don't know what they're talking about in this thread! charlie parker. hands down. greatest ever. he CHANGED the way jazz sax players PLAYED. and all of the guys you mentioned will even tell you that. when everyone copies your style and makes it standard, and they STILL today can't get your style quite right? you were the greatest to do it. ever. period. end of story.
May 18, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		wat the
by: Anonymous

y not plas johnson that gut was tight he did pink panther too one of the greatest jazz songs for me
May 25, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Benny Torres
by: Anonymous

Benny Torres from California. He is behind all the scenes in the bay area. Not many people hear about him, but he has one of the most beautiful intonnation. His brain is absolutley there and he plays from his heart. My choice is Benny Torres.
Jun 02, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Dean Fraser
by: Munya

People, you must listen to Dean Fraser.He is among the legends. Its a pity if you don't know him.
Jun 05, 2010
Rating
starstarstar 		muah
by: tenorchick

im a highschool student and i play bari tenor and alto in jazz concert and marching band. i would have to say that coltrane and getz have always been part of my inspiration!
Jun 12, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Your Missing A Well Rounded View...
by: Ian

if you don't listen to Pepper Adams, aka "The Knife" on bari. Yeah, Bird, the Sonny's, Dexter, Getz and Coltrane are certainly the gold standards, but for a unique sound and amazing technique, as well as hip licks, listen to Pepper alone or as sideman for Donald Byrd, Miles, and I believe Coltrane. Mulligan and Chernoff get all the props on bari, but Pepper Adams is a hidden gem...what a great sound.
Jun 22, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		...my take on this whole issue
by: Timbo Jo

i luv tht sum1's mentioned Kaori Kobayashi, she's sumthin else, & cute, too ;Þ

personally, like most others, i like Charlie "Bird" Parker, & think he still holds th throne, but ima little disappointed tht no1's evn so much as mentioned th 1 who bcame th next "Bird" of his time after Bird ODed, "Cannonball" Adderly, or ChuBerry

& as 4 Kenny G, he's 1 of those guys tht u can just listen 2, no matter wut ur mood, along w/ Bird & Kaori, most of th others i hav 2 b in th mood... & i believe Kenny G is original, i mean i've nvr heard th melodies he uses used by ny1 b4 him, & as 4 him playing sharp, u wood go & play in tune, making him , once again, original, so therefore he is great in his own way
Jun 23, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		VERY GOOD SAX PLAYER
by: Anonymous

One excellent saxophonist who seems to get little recognition is King Curtis. Have a listen on youtube: good stuff.
Jun 30, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Young Gun
by: Anonymous

Bird, Trane,Hawkins,Young are probably the best of all time. Exploding on the New York City scene is a 19yr old by the name of Aaron Johnson. He is old school bop. He has the blood of legends running through his veins. Check the cat out !
Jul 09, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sax players I like the most are...
by: Mário

On tenor: John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Joshua Redman, Chris Potter, Donny Mccaslin...

On alto: Charlie Parker, Stefano di Battista...

There are many more great sax players, but these are the ones I remember, and I really like them.
Jul 10, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		The greatest
by: Anonymous

Tenor sax: Lester Young-Coleman Hawkins-Wardell Gray-Richie Kamuca

Alto sax: Charlie Parker-Art Pepper-Lee Konitz

Baritone sax: Gerry Mulligan-Serge Chaloff-
Jul 13, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Classic
by: Soilmapper

With a nod to Parker, Grover Washington jr. (my childhood role model), and others, I have to stick with what falls in my taste range... classic rock. And man, as I scrolled down through all these replies, it was a shame I saw only one mention of MEL COLLINS. Wow... fantastic! From Dire Straits to Rolling Stones and Alan Parsons... unbeatable.
Jul 17, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		The greatest saxophone players ever
by: Anonymous

I personally like Tom Scott he just has a way with the sax that calls my attention. But kenny G being the greatest nope sorry people get your heads out the main stream.
Jul 20, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Six months later.....
by: Simurgh

Hey people, just writing back after looking at these comments for six months. Lots of great players have been mentioned like Sonny Stitt and Pepper Adams. However, no one else who comes here seems to like any avant gard or free jazz saxophonists. Ivo Perelman has released six CDs since his comeback less than a year ago. Does anyone listen to him or any other players in the same vein? Open up your ears if you can and listen to something more adventurous than hard bop or smooth jazz. You may find out more about yourself than you know now if you can hang in and dig it. It's all the same music.
Jul 22, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Classic sax anyone?
by: Anonymous

Are we just talking about Jazz? Because I would give the title of "Best Saxophonist" to some of the grandfathers of classic sax, such as Sigurd Rascher and Marcel Mule. Seriously, what those two did for the saxophone as a solo and symphonic instrument is amazing. I'm not saying that jazz players like Bird and Trane aren't incredibly talented and perhaps the best in their genre, but i would save the title of best saxophonist for an experienced classical player.
Jul 28, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Lestr Leaps In!
by: Shamus Paradice

Lester Young. He taught us how to swing, how to be blue and his later work taught us how to look within ourselves.
Jul 31, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Parker, Getz, Mulligan
by: Nonie de Camilla


Alto sax: Charlie Parker, Paul Desmond, Art Pepper
Tenor sax: Stan Getz, John Coltrane, Lester Young
Baritone sax: Gerry Mulligan.

I enjoyed the joke about including Kenny G.
Aug 19, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Hank Mobley
by: Sonny

I don't think there is such a thing as the best. There are masters of the sax. A personal favorite of mine is Hank Mobley. I don't think you can listen to him and not come away impressed.
Aug 21, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Hank Mobley
by: Nonie de Camilla

I agree: Hank Mobley is brilliant.
Aug 31, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Joey Arminio
by: Anonymous

Joey Arminio is the greatest of all time. The problem is he does what he does. There is to many styles out there and each player is great at what he or her work on. www.reverbnation.com/joeyarminio
Sep 03, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Greatness
by: Anonymous

In my humble opinion, This title goes to Ornette Coleman.
Sep 13, 2010
Rating
starstarstar 		For Musicians Only
by: old timer

For Musicians Only with Dizzy Gillespe, Sonny Stitt,
and Stan Getz was recorded in the 50s and
issued as an LP by EmArCy, then reissued on CD.
This is really hard driving bebop.
Based on this record, I vote for Getz as the best
all-time sax player, but not because of technique,
although he shows plenty.
His notes glue the group together.
He always seems to be playing to the big picture,
while most players are in their own world.
Give a listen if you get a chance.
Sep 14, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAUY5fm2CVM
by: Mário

Have you ever heard of Donny McCaslin?
Sep 14, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Its gaotta have that swing
by: Anonymous

Bird was and will always be the greatest. His lyricism was unbelievable. Trane was a true impressionist. Sonny was the man. Bean and Prez were sustainers like Parker. Paul Desmond was cool but second to Bird ( on alto) has to be Cannonball; he two can destroy lyrically. Ornette Coleman and Hank Mobley are bad too. Ive always loved Wayne Shorters style. Hes so different, and his compositions are immaculate. Kenny G, come on. His only note worthy album is Miracles(and its not that great.)
Oct 02, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Brecker of course
by: Anonymous

To me Brecker was the most innovative player for at leat the last 25 years. With consequence he modernized all the staff from the giants in the 60'ies.

Someone mentioned Benny Torres. Yes I agree. I was listning to his playing on "There will never be annother you". Right in the beginning a sharp 11 on a major chord. Intresting! I hear the Brecker sound in an way. But it is true. His development of melodis is very nice and somehow natural.
Oct 07, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Kenny g? Try Michael Brecker
by: Does it matter?

I'm sorry everyone, but it has to be Michael Brecker. He is a freak. Sure, Sonny, Coltrane, Bird, Hawkins and all these other guys came before him and influenced him, but Brecker took what they did and basically put it on steroids. His sound is electrifying. His solos are beyond exciting, his ideas are unique and his licks are complete insanity. There will never be another Michael Brecker.
Oct 08, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Yes to the Birdman...
by: Anonymous

However, Grover Washington Jr. certainly deserves a lot of respect.
Want proof? Listen to "Take Me There" on the Winelight album.
Oct 11, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My favorite Sax players
by: Jackie

Yesterday
1. Gene Ammons*
Today
Kirk Whalum
Euge Groove
Boney James
Richard Elliot
Oct 28, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		the best saxophone player of altime
by: Anonymous

the best sax player was Johnny Hodges his sound and style for delivering a music peace was one or a kind
Dec 04, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Paul Desmond and Mulligan!
by: Anonymous

I can't believe that Paul Desmond is not on the top player list. Smooth and articulate...

Best Sax Album ever is "Two of a Mind", with Desmond and Mulligan!

Dale Ploung
Dec 15, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		James Carter
by: Anonymous

How has no one mentioned James Carter? His technique is unmatched by anyone. Every note he plays is full of joy and soul. Granted, he is accused of not being lyrical or emotional enough and that may be true to some extent- he has a hard time not showing off his amazing abilities. But let's put it this way: I don't care who you are (name anyone you want) if you're at a jam session and JC plays after you, you are gonna be given a serious lesson on how you should be playing. A master Gunslinger.
Dec 16, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Has to be Sadao Watanabe
by: Albert Chew

Right for an ole timer like me it has to be SADAO WATANABE for me....I got all his records....jazz...
blues...he is the best!
Dec 19, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Dick Parry
by: Anonymous

Dick Parry !
Put that in ur pipe and smoke it
Jan 20, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		THE top sax players EVER....
by: Vin316



Lou Marini
Clarence Clemmons
Michael Antunes
Lenny Fickett

not necessarily in that order. I was shocked to find these guys no where in this list!!!





Jan 27, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		How about Alto Reed?
by: Anonymous

How about Alto Reed?
Jan 29, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Have you forgotten about this guy/
by: Anonymous

The late great Mr. George Howard.....has to be included in this list...he's better than most of the guys on here
Feb 05, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Tineke Postma
by: Anonymous

I'd vote or Tineke Postma
Feb 16, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Phil Woods?
by: musician

Does anyone connect the last name Tiger Woods with golf? I saw him on TV when he was 4 hitting a golf ball. And that is a half black man. In fact, he is the greatest Thai golfer who ever lived. The connection is that golf has clubs called woods. Who the hell is Phil Woods? Nice try coming up with an unknown white guy ( I assume) but start with Roland Kirk. If a bear shits on Phil Woods would anybody care? The only white guy in the top 10 of sax players is Chet Baker and he needed massive heroin and to die young to even come close. Stick Julliard up your tuba. Start with Rhassan Roland Kirk and when you can digest him talk to me about anybody in the last 30 years.
Feb 23, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		PAMELA WILLIAMS THE SAXTRESS SAXY AND CAN PLAY!!!!
by: Anonymous

Pamela Williams The sax tress is by far the the best and underrated FEMALE>>> her tone is from her soul and her sound is from the hart! some sax players are just going trough the motions but are they really feeling what they play??? not to many horn player play like that its a pay check for them. Like Kenny G what a joke but you gotta give it to him they sure did market him well!
HANDS DOWN PAMELA WILLIAMS FOR THAT LADIES!!
Mar 07, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Gerald Albright
by: Ham

Listen to Gerald Albright. I though Kenny G until I heard Gerald. He plays in some of Phil Collins songs. Aaaaamazing that is all I can say.
Mar 12, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		THE saxophone
by: Christopher Canales

When yall asked saxophone It does not mean Jazz in general. In my opinion the man who revolutionized the saxophone Is a man by the Name of Marcel Mule. Many Classical saxophone pieces were written FOR this guy and I believe he is one of the saxophone players that introduced vibrato for the saxophone. He premiered a piece written for someone else before that other person could. The man was a genius many method books come from him and talk about technique.
Mar 18, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Greatest sax players
by: gefe

My list starts with some living players.
Joe Lovano
Kenny Garret
Cris Potter
Tommy Smith
Paquito D'Rivera
to name a few.

Now for the ones from no longer with us:
Lester Young
Charlie Parker
Stan Getz
Phil Woods
Cannonball Adderley
Johnny Hodges
Dexter Gordon, Dexter Gordon
Sonny Stitt
Zoot Sims
to name a few.

Mar 24, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		No Fela?
by: Anonymous

I maybe a bit biased but I think Fela Anikulakpo Kuti was Great.
Apr 06, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Michael Brecker
by: Anonymous

Michael Brecker's technique and mastery of the instrument is unparalleled. He played exactly what he wanted to, and didn't care what other people thought. His talent was absolutely superhuman.
Apr 11, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Marcel Mule & Sigurd Rasher
by: Anonymous

I love jazz, but the best saxophone players are probably the ones that proved the instrument can do other things as well. Marcel Mule and Sigurd Rasher should also be mentioned.
Apr 19, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Nobody mentioned?
by: Anonymous

Jay Beckenstein is the best modern sax player. The guy is so versatile and has the chops as well as the soul. One of the greatest to ever pick up the horn.
Apr 30, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		The best?
by: Brooklyn Vinnie

It' s impossible to name any one player as "the best"! It' a matter of taste and category; there are so many variables. Here goes, for my money Gene Ammons soulful huge sound was the best around! Ammons played with so much feeling and expression you can feel his playing! Hawkins, Rollins, Young, Stitt, Parker, Moody, Gordon, Coltrane, there's more but these cats are the creme de la creme! Kenny G should never come up in any conversation regarding the best ever sax players, ever!
Jun 20, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My Two Cents
by: Hossridr

My favs include, but are not limited to, the following:

Cannonball Adderley
Stan Getz
Clarence Clemmons
John Coltrane
King Curtis
Charlie Parker
Sonny Rollins
Sonny Stitt
Coleman Hawkins
Lester Young
Jun 22, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Greatest sax player
by: Anonymous

The big man
Jun 25, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		sax man
by: the boss

the biggest man you have ever seen big man clarnce clemmons the best ever too play the saxophone
Jun 27, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Kenny G?
by: Anonymous

Kenny G is a good entertainer. He puts on a good show, his tunes are catchy however ANYONE that rates him the "best" either doesn't know better or has not been exposed to the greats. I'm relatively sure that he would even agree
Jul 16, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		COLTRANE
by: Anonymous

John Coltrane, the best there was, the best there is, the best every, every, every. Kenny G?!!!
Jul 18, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		John Coltrane
by: Anonymous

You don't become an icon unless you have done something to deserve it. John Coltrane is the best.

Kenny G. is what I listen to when I have insomnia. It works like a charm. If he sounds the same on every sax he plays, alto, soprano, etc then he doesn't know how to play.


Jul 19, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Raphael Ravenscroft
by: Mick Whieldon

Raphael Ravenscroft is my favorite sax player on account of BAKER STREET by Gerry Rafferty. Awesome. I think THE most iconic sax hook of the 20th century. Well, ever!
That's why I'm honored to have made an album with him, released this year, called NO CURE FOR TURBULENCE. find it here: http://www.last.fm/music/Klescht+and+Whieldon/No+Cure+for+Turbulence
Jul 26, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		John Beaty
by: Anonymous

There is a young guy living in NY I recently heard with Jason Lindner's Breeding Ground! He is the best saxophonist I have ever heard live, and I have heard a lot. He said he studied with Potter and is known on the ny scene, but for some reason no one knows him. I am not saying he is better than Charlie Parker or Trane, but people should at least check him out. www.iheartbeaumont.com
Aug 04, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		A few favorites
by: Anonymous

About female sax performers--I recently had a chance to hear Anat Cohen. Although she also plays clarinet, she's an excellent soprano and tenor sax player.

Jazz performers of the past--I'd have to say Paul Desmond, although others prefer a different sound and a different style.

Classical performers--Don Sinta, Eugene Rousseau, Marcel Mule (of course!), and Joseph Lulloff. Sigurd Rascher was a fine musician, but I personally don't care for the Rascher sound. Still, I give him credit for inspiring some of the great composers of the 20th century to write works for the saxophone.
Aug 29, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		The Great, the marvelous !
by: designer

Stan Getz !
Nov 10, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Little fish in big pond not big fish in little pond!
by: John Bayne

Type in, if you will, on YouTube Horowitz plays Bach/Busoni Toccata, Adagio & Fugue and Horowitz plays Bach-Busoni, for the reason that you will get an idea of what the tenor saxophone is up against if it wants to challenge the supremacy of the concert grand piano. If you listen to the tone of the piano on both of these videos at its best, you will also get some idea of how a tenor saxophone also sounds at its best for, as far as I know, only the grand piano when played by the best and only the tenor saxophone, when played by the right players can get this wonderful room filling clear, well defined and articulated notes, that are particularly even and full of harmonics. The human voice needs to be in a choral setting in order to compete on this level, but the tenor saxohone has the decided advantage of having both the best qualities of the grand piano at its best and the human singing voice at its best, so that it matters not much, if it has not got as much as either in their sphere because they each have only half the story. The tenor saxophone has never had players of the stature of Vladimir Horowitz, but if it does ever, then look, out grand piano, because the tenor saxophone itself offers more, like a human voice adapted to play notes with a human voice in the style and excellence of the piano. It matters not how we compete with others nearly so much as how we compete with ourselves. I have just bought a MXLR77 and MXLR144 to go on my Zoom H4N hand held recorder and hope to post some of my attempts to challenge the supremacy of the concert grand in its own domain in the hope that others more talented and younger will take up the cause.
Nov 25, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Greatest Saxophonist
by: drdogood

It's tough to say who the greatest is but my favorites are Grover Washington Jr and Sadao Watanabe. Check them out on youtube.
Nov 26, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Parker
by: Anonymous

No question about it in jazz circles it is Charlier Parker. In funk it might also be Parker, but his first name is Maceo.

Adolphe had the most influence since he created the instrument. Marcel Mule was amazing. I love a classical sound.

My personal fav continues to be Don Menza.

There are so many great sax players! My kudos go out to anyone who plays. I am amazed when I travel, there will be a band in a little club with a horn player blowing it awesomely. In my personal studio (my bedroom), I am the best sax player.

Kenny G, has made a lot of money, but is not much of a musician.
Nov 30, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Chris Potter
by: Sam

My favorite sax player is Chris Potter, although many would probably say he isn't the best, he's still pretty up there. For alto, it'd be a choice between Phil Woods, Cannonball Adderley and Paul Desmond... Although Parker was innovative, those three guys played his stuff better than he did.
For tenor, I'd have to put Coltrane, Brecker, and Sonny Rollins. Although my favorite musical creator and sax player is Chris Potter, I couldn't truthfully say he's the best.
Dec 29, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Jerry Bergonzi... a true virtuoso and innovator.
by: Tenorsax9

For all of you afficionados out there, there is a well known player in the art of saxophone playing that you may or may not be familiar with... Jerry Bergonzi. He has literally written the book on Jazz saxophone... in fact, he has written at least 7 of them.
If you heard him play, you would feel the immense depth of his expression in a balanced and intriguing way. You see, he not only plays with of over 40 years of experience at his fingertips, but also keeps his style fresh and his technique dexterous. Like no other, he conceives of his improv in terms of the 4 elements: Earth, Air, Fire, & Water... A truly innovative approach towards his art. Not only does he create motion in his playing but also knows how to stretch time as he masterfully controls his placement around the beat.
And to no surprise, he is regarded as "The Teacher". In fact arguably the best teacher of saxophone - and of jazz - who has ever lived. There is no doubt that you can hear in his first 3 notes the strength and subtleties of his style.
Enjoy my friends... Jerry is in a class with Michael Brecker and John Coltrain... and in my humble opinion has surpassed these legends.
Cheers.

Jan 26, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Kenny G
by: Anonymous

I've seen a few comments regarding Kenny G. He is the Acker Bilk and Richard Clayderman of the saxaphone. I can't really give anybody a bigger insult than that.
Feb 12, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Coleman Hawkins (alias "Bean")
by: Anonymous

Allowing for improvement over time - how could there be anything but - I choose Coleman Hawkins (1904-1969) as the best of all time.
That's, in part, due to the fact that he was the best in the beginning of big band jazz and all the way up to the arrival of his first "equal" nearly 15 years later, Lester Young.
In other words, "Bean" invented the tenor sax (playing style, vertical and chord-based) that stood out, almost entirely alone, until Lester finally showed up with a new style (horizontal improvisation).
Everyone else since has learned from those two and added their own two cents since them.
Sure, Bird was great, and Brecker died far too early, and Sonny Rollins is still amazing after 70+ years of playing. They're all great.
I'll take Bean for numero uno.
Feb 12, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Herb Hardesty and Lee Allen
by: Anonymous

If you like some interesting, concise and fine sax solo's listen to the singles of Fats Domino, solo's by Lee Allen (biggest tenor sound around) and Herb Hardesty (just awesome and jazzy) will grab you probably by their suppreme musicianship. Hardesty played with Duke Ellington, most sax players of any stature have played in or with the Ellington band at some stage. (Ben Webster and even Coltrane).
I am familiar with Fela Kuti and the sound of Clarence Clemmons but not very impressed by their sax playing, Tony Allen, the drummer is the man responsible for the Fela Kuti sound. Nobody has named Kenny Garrett also, who is also an impressive sax player playing with the Miles Davis band in the eighties.
Mar 05, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Dumb Argument
by: King Koeller

I have been playing the sax for 40 years. No-one is the greatest. Everyone is different. What is the greatest blade of grass? What is the best speck of sand? Do you see how the beauty of the saxophone allows so many to have a truly individual voice. This should be called, "Name your favorite sax player". I love Bird, and Getz and Trane. I think Kenny G is successful at making alot of money. Jerry Brogonzy and Chris Potter can really tear it up. Art Pepper was so inventive as was Phil Woods and Richie Cole. Sigurd Rascher brought respect for the saxophone from the classical world. No one is the greatest... that's impossible.
Mar 10, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Michael Brecker
by: Fingers

Listen to other sax players not to record sales or popularity. Other sax players - no matter what genre- bow down to the inspiration and genius of those few notes in Paul Simon´s "Stillcrazy after all these years"
Brecker is not that well known but well respected among other sax players. Listen to his solo albums and you will hear a sax light years apart from the mainstream.
Apr 09, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		sonny stitt jackie mclean lee konitz art pepper
by: Anonymous

sonny stitt beats every one- mclean a close second woods at no. 3 and charlie parker as good as them all-coltrane no one can touch on tenor-
Apr 16, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		CORYS LIST!!!
by: CORY

My top ten

10.Paul Taylor

9. Euge Groove

7. Dave Koz

6. Richard Elliot

5. Jeff Kashiwa

4. Grover Washington Jr.

3. Boney James

2. Hank Mobley

1. Charle "Bird" Parker
Apr 26, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Female Saxophonists
by: Anonymous

Not the greastest ever,
yet,
but watch the 19 year old Grace Kelly smoke David Sanborn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4PVzaqJMZk&list=UUO8wh1hREqUsCwtZP2iwvVg&index=6&feature=plcp


Kelly became the youngest ever musician voted to the Down Beat Magazine's Critics Poll at age 16.

Here she is at age 14 impressing Phil Woods so much he gave her his hat:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkl2kMfbGU0&feature=relmfu
May 04, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		japanese
by: saxy.south.african

when it comes down to artists ..... i have to say that japanese jazz artists are highly unappreciated ... 'SADAO WATANABE'... . great improvising ... i listen to him everyday .... kenny g is over rated
May 28, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		'The Growl'
by: JGE

There was one particular alto player who transformed the gentle lyrical style of the early dance band sax players into the gritty growling aggressive sound that we couldn't be without today - for that reason alone I would have to add a name to this impressive list of talent - that of Earl Bostic.
May 30, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		giant steps
by: ken

i like the april 09/12 ratings-coltrane's transcribed solo of giant steps on utube-sonny stitt's ever lyrical complex and beautiful renditions of standards like star dust and jacky mclean's intensity captured on his dynasty recording-of course my list could easily include many already mentioned but this is what i think based on my limited listening
Jun 11, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		You missed two great ones
by: Anonymous

What about Von Freeman and Chico Freeman
Jun 18, 2012
Rating
starstarstar 		more!!! - and styles
by: Anonymous

The problem with having a discussion for the greatest player is that this discussion will always be subjective and opinion-based. People who favor bebop will say Bird Parker, Sidney Bechet or Johnny Hodges if they prefer swing, or Trane or Cannonball Adderley for cool.
On another note, there should be groups of players that should be considered the best - some individuals have been left out - Coleman Hawkins, Sonny Rollins, and others I've already named above.
Jun 19, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Opinions are subjective
by: Anonymous

Opinions are subjective and I guess this is not a discution of who is the best or who is better than the other... I see it as a pool of great saxophonists who are worth listening to. I don't know all of them and that's the main reason I'm on this forum ;)
Aug 03, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Greatest Saxophone Players
by: Lee

There are so many great ones but I think John Coltrane is the best. Many others are real close like, Wayne Shorter, Kenny Garrett, David Sanborn, John Klemmer, and Khalis Bayyan.
Aug 04, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		woods -mclean-stitts
by: sirken

in my humble opinion stitts is in heaven- mclean is in the astral belt and woods is in the woods-not that woods is not amazing-but i am sorry sonny is the best and as for parker-well a legend is a legend-and he did force stitts to second on tenor-so what do i know and what about cannonball-as good as the best-still sonny is my man-on alto- coltrane is supreme
Aug 05, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		The street is the classroom
by: Anonymous

Phil Woods is great player no doubt, but his education at Julliard actually DISCREDITS him in this argument; others who have collegiate education are trumpeters Allen Vizzutti and Wynton Marsalis - and they aren't considered the best all time at their instrument. As my comment title suggests, the best have come from the street: Trane, Bird, Hawk, Lester, Bechet, and Ben Webster proved themselves night in and night out at clubs. No disrespect to Phil Woods - I am more disturbed by the argument for Kenny G.- there is a difference between being a commercial artist (Kenny G.) and starting a new style of jazz (Bird Parker)
Aug 11, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		BIRD
by: Anonymous

Bird Bird Bird !!!
and second Coltrane
Sep 04, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Brecker or Kenny g
by: Anonymous

Kenny g = horrible
Michael Brecker = best saxophone/EWI player ever
Sep 17, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Junior Walker
by: David

I don't think I found Junior Walker on any of the lists.
Sep 30, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Let there be rock... NEW
by: Anonymous

Musical taste is such a personal thing, and my own changes day to day. Perhaps there should be a division made between what type genre of music the artist plays also. This is kind of like seeing Jimi Hendrix at the top of a list of guitarists, and no Andres Segovia.
I have to put Bird, Coltrane, and Getz as my favourite of the old school jazz players....but I have a lot more rock sax players I love. Start with the Brits....Mel Collins (who hasn't he played for?), Howie Casey (McCartney, listen to that sax on Bluebird), Dick Parry (Pink Floyd, Money), Dick Morrisey (Jon and Vangelis, the sax in Bladerunner), Pee Wee Ellis (Van Morrison, Into the Music stands out)and John Helliwell from Supertramp. And from this side of the pond, David Sanborn, Alto Reed (Silver Bullet Band), Clarence Clemmons (E Street Band)and Liberty DeVito (Billy Joel) are all excellent players.
Sep 30, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Correction NEW
by: Anonymous

Ugh...Liberty, geesh, I meant Richie Cannata. And the guy who later replaced him was pretty good....Mark Rivera....from Foreigner. He played on Innocent Man. He also played with Peter Gabriel on Sledgehammer.
Liberty can't play sax worth a dime...lol...Good drummer though.
Nov 05, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		What about Bostick? NEW
by: Jeff

How could anyone leave Earl Bostick off the list? By some accounts, he emparrassed Parker in a jam. This is one of the truely great saxaphone players of all time and he barely gets mentioned. Try listening to some of his music - you will be surprised.
Nov 05, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Earl Bostick NEW
by: JGE

I agree, Jeff. Added him on May 28th!
Dec 02, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Kenny G ? NEW
by: michel

Most of Kenny g listeners don't listen to many others. Kenny g Made a name for himself obviously, But here's his magic trick. He sold so many records to people who never listen to jazz and needed a cd for a dinner party or some event and heard of Kenny g. And from that moment on never gave anyone else a listen. Im not knocking him for this, however over the years his fan base although large are not advent jazz people. kenny G is best described as a pop star who cant sing so he plays the sax. I've have played alto and soprano for the last 35 years and made a decent living as a studio musician. Id say there are two groups of successful sax players. those who play simply because they can (not much heart!)
and those who play because they have to, it's in there soul they would play for no money if they did not play they'd die
I truly believe Kenny G is in the first group And the 2nd group contains the likes of Sanborn , Lenny Pickett, Grover Washington Jr (RIP) to name a few.
Dec 02, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		i more thing NEW
by: michel

One more thing if your into the smooth jazz Genre and what to here improv from that genre take a listen to "Cruise Control" from Najee
Feb 06, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		never a doubt NEW
by: Anonymous

the bird,the trane,dexter,lester and sonny and in thaat order......i think
Feb 07, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Even the highest standard in the history of saxophone players does not come up to par when compared to what the tenor saxophone has the potential to sound like. NEW
by: Anonymous

It saddens me to think of the high regard some famous jazz saxophone players are held in when I consider how far short their sound always is of the basic minium of what the saxophone potentially can sound like.
Rephrased I know of no saxophone player, especially tenor saxophone players, where the tenor is the only really outstanding choice of the family of saxophones with the alto missing completely the rich lower register, and the baritone, with one or two exceptions, such as Ronnie Cuber, is as lacking in brilliance as the altos are lacking in the rich deep notes of the lower register of the tenor saxophone.
Even the sweet alto of Johnny Hodges is going to be hard pressed to compete with the fidelity of the top violinists, cellists, singers, grand piano players and such at the top of the classical concert circle of players.
I hear what a great player Stan gets was and yet his tone is most often depressingly fluffy and inefficient like he has not mastered the art of finding the sweet spot on the reed. This is partly because I believe he played too hard a reed for his strength and had an inferior concept of tone, like Marylin Monroes 'poop poop de do' singing style. More emotional than analytically and undeniably the best way to do something.
Feb 26, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sax Players...my faves: NEW
by: Anonymous one

David Sanborn
Candy Dulfer
Kenny G.
Dave Koz
Feb 26, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sax Players...my faves: NEW
by: Anonymous one

David Sanborn
Candy Dulfer
Kenny G.
Dave Koz
Mar 31, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		COLTRANE NEW
by: Alex

John Coltrane or Coleman Hawkins by a long shot. Kenny G is a joke, play with any grit or soul. Coltrane is a God. He is musical genius that will never be matched
Apr 02, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		The ones you forgot. NEW
by: Wiseman

Charlie Cariola could beat them all, wonderful tone AND a sense of humor!
And for females, it has to be Lisa Simpson
Apr 28, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Everyones a Critic NEW
by: Anonymous

I have read everyone of these comments and I find it hilarious that people that have never even played the saxophone can even commment on here. Please remember that if your a musician, even the least talented person MAYBE Kenny G. is so talented that if he was standing right next to you he would blow your doors off. There are a couple of other guys that maybe are more talented BUT Kenny G is worth $50 Million dollars so I guess that puts him on top easily and he has never been labeled JAZZ. Hes contemporary. This is like comparing Electrical engineers and Software engineers and asking "Well who the best engineer out the" Of coarse there are better Jazz players like cotrane but can they also play the Flute, Clarinet, and all saxophones profressionally??? NO...But Kenny Can

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Saxophone Discussions