TOP 10 ALTO SAXOPHONE Players of all Time (Classic Jazz)

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  • čas přidán 16. 05. 2024
  • #bettersax #saxophone #top10
    Jay Metcalf reviews his list of top 10 of the greatest, most influential and must know alto sax players of all time.
    Players mentioned (not in any order): Charlie Parker, Sonny Stitt, Cannonball Adderley, Johnny Hodges, Benny Carter, Jackie Mclean, Phil Woods, Lee Konitz, Paul Desmond, Ornette Coleman
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Komentáře • 1,8K

  • @artofmusic303
    @artofmusic303 Před 4 lety +77

    Cannonball Adderley is my favorite. Complete command of the instrument, always expressive, always plays with a beautiful tone.

    • @JoMoPho
      @JoMoPho Před rokem

      Mine too so much so that I wish he'd took longer solos than his
      Brother.

    • @michaelfaraday2146
      @michaelfaraday2146 Před 26 dny

      Charlie Parker, hombre!

    • @thomasespositio3139
      @thomasespositio3139 Před 4 hodinami

      Jay its a great list and 10 isn't many but I would put sweet papa Lou Donaldson in instead of ornette Coleman maybe there isn't any room for the great Sonny Criss and perhaps I would throw Art Pepper in there replacing I don't know Paul Desmond maybe

  • @georgebutler3477
    @georgebutler3477 Před rokem +58

    In 20 years time Patrick Bartley will be on these lists.

  • @michaeldegrottole5264
    @michaeldegrottole5264 Před rokem +40

    So many great players here and as always you presented it all so well. I thought you would have mentioned Art Pepper who’s tone and command was just so brilliant.

    • @fransvandaele9465
      @fransvandaele9465 Před rokem

      My personal favorite

    • @YourTripleScorpio
      @YourTripleScorpio Před 5 měsíci

      Art of 'Straight Life'

    • @hsitz
      @hsitz Před 5 měsíci

      @@YourTripleScorpio Yes, his later stuff was quite a bit different from what he was doing it the 1950's. I especially like stuff, I think, from his Living Legend (1975) album and later. Frank Morgan, who Pepper played with whie serving time in San Quentin prison, is another top alto guy.

    • @vncstudio
      @vncstudio Před 4 měsíci

      Yes. Indeed!

    • @georgekosich5563
      @georgekosich5563 Před 3 měsíci

      When it comes to beautiful melodic lines, a great sound, being unique not only in bop, but in every style he plays, with a touch of humor thrown in, PHIL WOODS was second to none!

  • @SweetSpotGuitar
    @SweetSpotGuitar Před 3 lety +26

    Phil Woods' solo on Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are" is absolutely incredible. Love it.

    • @JoMoPho
      @JoMoPho Před rokem +1

      Its a classic forever.

  • @timkoelling4095
    @timkoelling4095 Před 4 lety +192

    Eric Dolphy deserves a mention in there - his virtuosity, melodic and harmonic "out" development is beyond reproach. I remember buying "Out To Lunch" in High School, it giving me a massive headache and putting it away for a year, then playing it non-stop because it was just so good.

    • @chandlertaylor3881
      @chandlertaylor3881 Před 4 lety +6

      Dolphy has a god like alto tone

    • @perrym.perretz505
      @perrym.perretz505 Před 4 lety +7

      Agree, Dolphy deserves a spot.

    • @tylon2999
      @tylon2999 Před 4 lety +12

      The omission of Mr. Dolphy invalidates the list.

    • @DominusOminous
      @DominusOminous Před 4 lety +5

      Dolphy, for me, defines bass clarinet.

    • @chandlertaylor3881
      @chandlertaylor3881 Před 4 lety +6

      DominusOminous and jazz flute. He was really the first to play the bass clarinet and flute in a hard bop setting

  • @pmwizard48
    @pmwizard48 Před 4 lety +39

    First time I heard Paul Desmond play on the radio hooked me to his sound and improvisation abilities. I still listen and marvel at his playing.

    • @gladstone6338
      @gladstone6338 Před 4 lety

      I saw the Dave Brubeck Quartet live at Northern Illinois University in 1965 when I graduated from high school and marveled at their cohesiveness. I ended up studying music there and it has become a great music program, especially for jazz players/singers. Paul Desmond could improvise long passages and always maintained an almost stork like stance :-)

    • @313w47st
      @313w47st Před 3 lety

      I totally agree...Desmond was still an original and had impeccable taste. Tone master.

    • @PaulBernish
      @PaulBernish Před 3 lety +1

      I’ll go with Paul Desmond. The very best.

    • @x.y.8581
      @x.y.8581 Před 3 lety +1

      That short segment of Desmond does not really show his incredible lyrical playing at his best - in fact that whole performance (I believe from a playboy club long ago) was not the best showcase of the entire quartet - much of the songs seemed rushed and the players just don't seem that relaxed.

    • @pmwizard48
      @pmwizard48 Před 3 lety

      @@x.y.8581 I saw Paul Desmond live on their anniversary tour. He was fantastic. Just a lyrical as always and his tone was great.

  • @flame_half
    @flame_half Před 8 měsíci +5

    Cannonball is my favorite all time. I listened to all of them, but when I heard Cannonball for the first time, I knew he was my guy. The soul he put into every single note made him so much fun to listen to. He had the technical chops to play with all the other big cats, but every tune he played was filled with emotion where the other guys sometimes felt like they were going through the motions. He was underrated for his time, but now it seems like he gets the recognition he deserves among sax players I meet.

    • @D-KAL-KDZ
      @D-KAL-KDZ Před 6 měsíci +1

      His solo on “Green Dolphin St.” is hands down one of the craziest solos I’ve ever heard. Truly unmatched

  • @jacobmiller2202
    @jacobmiller2202 Před 3 lety +8

    Charlie Parker is who inspired me to start playing, I grew up in Camarillo and his song Relaxing in Camarillo has always been a fall back reminds there are people crazier than me

  • @kasperkat454
    @kasperkat454 Před 4 lety +54

    Phil Woods said “i never got Charlies horn. I mean i got his wife, and i stole his licks But not his horn”
    Phil played a Gold plated Mk6, that Marcel Mule handpicked for him at the selmer factory in Paris. Later up until his death he played a custom Yamaha.
    I’m happy Phil got mentioned - he was such a collosus and a humble soul.

    • @scottfarlinger1358
      @scottfarlinger1358 Před 4 lety +3

      Good one! I don't think Bird ever had a horn - at least not one that didn't make it into the pawn shop after a gig. Red Rodney in some interview said that Bird could have played a tomato can and made it sing good. On the Massey Hall record he's playing that plastic thing and it sounds like the best Selmer ever made. And yes, Phil was an awesome player.

    • @glenndgood
      @glenndgood Před 4 lety +3

      Phil talks about playing Bird's Super 20 on a gig when he had hocked his own horn to buy groceries. Mingus walked in, saw it, and gave Phil the side-eye. He talks about it on a JazzWax interview. Presumably after he left Chan the horn stayed with Chan.

    • @jeffreyrainey1015
      @jeffreyrainey1015 Před 4 lety

      Hearing him on Just the way you are made me seek him out, so I'm glad he crossed over. What a sound! To me, there's something oddly Freudian about him switching from a Selmer to a Yamaha horn, as that probably has some purists fuming. This, however, from someone who hasn't yet played a Selmer.

    • @robkunkel8833
      @robkunkel8833 Před 4 lety +4

      I actually got an email from him. Not sure why but that was so cool. He said thanks from something I said.

    • @extravagantnoise8365
      @extravagantnoise8365 Před 3 lety +1

      @@robkunkel8833 I was honored to repair Phil's horns several times including his clarinet. He was super kind, and always gave me a little concert. It was amazing. :-)

  • @KeithDunnFernandez
    @KeithDunnFernandez Před 4 lety +36

    I almost wept when I heard Johnny Hodges. That BEND with utterly no distinct demarcation between the notes is remarkable. It reminds me of that clarinet intro in Rhapsody In Blue. Thank you SO MUCH for this video.

    • @Supremedalex
      @Supremedalex Před 4 lety +3

      Johnny Hodges is such a great player and what is funny about what you said is that Johnny’s inspiration was Sidney Bechet, who was a soprano sax player but also was a clarinet player.

    • @Aramis7
      @Aramis7 Před 4 lety +2

      Johnny's sound is completely unique, absolutely love his music

    • @DeGrate-bb5bo
      @DeGrate-bb5bo Před 3 lety

      Keith Dunn-Fernandez, whew! Glad to see your "almost wept" comment about Johnny Hodges. I thought the effect was just me. Thing is, after that wail(bend) he just gets better.

    • @terrywho22
      @terrywho22 Před 3 lety

      When Pepper and Dolphy were not mentioned, I was very disappointed, but seeing Hodges get credit takes away from that disappointment a little.

    • @thomasespositio3139
      @thomasespositio3139 Před 4 hodinami

      @@Aramis7 Willie Smith sounded a bit liked the Rabbitt but not quite, noone put more emotion in a note than Hodges

  • @charlavenant3857
    @charlavenant3857 Před 2 lety +40

    Nice going Jay. That’s a great compilation of sax masters.
    For me Johnny Hodges stands out and has always been my favourite. His blue blue bends and vibrato makes his sax sound so like the human voice, I get the shivers whenever I listen to him.

    • @bigsnozitaliano9494
      @bigsnozitaliano9494 Před rokem +1

      I’m pretty sure he played on a tenor reed and that’s why he could bend so low

  • @longtalljay
    @longtalljay Před 2 lety +8

    Desmond had the most identifiable tone and sound. In fact, only Acker Bilk and Coltrane have had an equally instantly identifiable timbre. Great educational service here! Cheers!

    • @emilianoturazzi
      @emilianoturazzi Před 3 měsíci

      I don't fully agree also Ornette and at least Lee Konitz had such personal and instantly identifiable tone, but, to be honest I'd say the same at least for Bird and Hodges.

  • @barttennekes544
    @barttennekes544 Před 4 lety +139

    Hey Jay I just wanted to say that you are the reason I decided to play saxophone :)

    • @bettersax
      @bettersax  Před 4 lety +18

      🤘

    • @jakobv27
      @jakobv27 Před 4 lety +3

      Me too

    • @robkunkel8833
      @robkunkel8833 Před 3 lety +2

      He must like hearing that. I would. Go get ‘em ... and bring your horn to the Virgin Islands if you visit someday.

    • @a.f.4977
      @a.f.4977 Před 3 lety +2

      That is a terrible reason ... won’t play long

    • @codloadouts4512
      @codloadouts4512 Před 3 lety

      Same

  • @nicholaswise5818
    @nicholaswise5818 Před 4 lety +10

    paul's solo on Black Orpheus is amazing. so many phrases and themes that are fully developed and everything works so seamlessly

    • @ziruini5071
      @ziruini5071 Před 3 lety

      love that solo. first solo I transcribed in full

  • @rudigerwouters1213
    @rudigerwouters1213 Před 2 lety +16

    These guys are all so good, so fantastic...but there is one...my god ...he plays his heart out on the alto, it's pure emotion...when he plays the blues you start crying...it's Art Pepper!

    • @Rawchicken765
      @Rawchicken765 Před 7 měsíci +1

      i agree with everthing you are puttin down Art Pepper is a GOAT

    • @bigswingface5847
      @bigswingface5847 Před 3 měsíci

      Art Pepper. Best of the Best. Or should I say, my favorite. No one played with more emotion. Superb.

    • @paulsmith7424
      @paulsmith7424 Před 2 měsíci

      ditto on Art Pepper "Come Rain or Shine"

    • @bryanhoke5288
      @bryanhoke5288 Před 24 dny

      Art Pepper is one sax player that I can listen to all day.

  • @jpdj2715
    @jpdj2715 Před 4 lety +11

    Cannonball's "Work Song" (live on his "Nippon Soul" album) is a great example of musical storytelling. And it swings.

    • @777morgan3
      @777morgan3 Před 3 lety +1

      listen cannons rumplestilskin by joe zavinul

  • @emiliomunguia578
    @emiliomunguia578 Před 4 lety +29

    I've always loved Charlie Parker and Paul Desmond. But my favorite is Sonny Criss. Especially on Crisscraft

    • @tcause
      @tcause Před 4 lety +1

      Emilio Munguia also a big Sonny Criss fan here.

    • @cryptowalls
      @cryptowalls Před 4 lety

      same!!! all his music is a lesson on articulation and expression!

    • @ricardoayala2023
      @ricardoayala2023 Před 4 lety +1

      I'm also a big fan of Criss...and that album you mention was my intro to him...I love it.

    • @ronparry9903
      @ronparry9903 Před 3 lety

      Fantastic player. Right up there.

  • @marilynacquafredda3802
    @marilynacquafredda3802 Před 4 lety +42

    Personally I would have Art Pepper in there. I always thought he was under appreciated. Can't argue with your top 10. Thanks, J.A.

    • @Xavier_the_Boxing_Nerd
      @Xavier_the_Boxing_Nerd Před 4 lety

      I use to love his playing, but I hardly ever listen to him after reading just a little of his auto biography....he admitted to raping a woman when he was overseas in the UK in the military...

    • @olafsrensen9578
      @olafsrensen9578 Před 4 lety

      Yes Art are mising.

    • @fosbury68
      @fosbury68 Před 4 lety

      @@Xavier_the_Boxing_Nerd What does that have to do with his music?

    • @TheRealDrJoey
      @TheRealDrJoey Před 4 lety

      @@Xavier_the_Boxing_Nerd I read that book many years ago. Still think the guy really sounded good.
      But he was a weirdo, no doubt about it.

  • @brenttrading2363
    @brenttrading2363 Před 4 lety +7

    Everyone plays notes but Hodges sings, he is unmatched.

  • @wildsmiley
    @wildsmiley Před 3 lety +28

    Paul Desmond’s tone is a dry martini on a warm spring day, in the arms of Audrey Hepburn. I’m just in awe whenever I hear a single note from the guy.

  • @robinreidmusic
    @robinreidmusic Před 4 lety +83

    Sonny Stitt went on to be a great tenor player to stop people from saying he copied Charlie Parker. I loved his playing on both for sure.

    • @glennhenrich992
      @glennhenrich992 Před 4 lety +2

      Robin Habermehl, agreed! I even have a recording of Stitt on baritone!

    • @ricardoayala2023
      @ricardoayala2023 Před 3 lety +3

      I read somewhere that both Kenny Clarke and Miles Davis hear Stitt playing like that before they hear Parker.

    • @tomscott1741
      @tomscott1741 Před 3 lety

      Sonny Stitt definitely went out of his way to copy Charlie Parker! He sounds his best when he plays his own ideas though.

    • @olebirgerpedersen
      @olebirgerpedersen Před 3 lety +1

      @@glennhenrich992 Could you please put this recording on CZcams. I should really like to hear that.

    • @olebirgerpedersen
      @olebirgerpedersen Před 3 lety +1

      @@tomscott1741 he never copied Parker. He played the same styl together with all the others.

  • @robstevens9590
    @robstevens9590 Před 4 lety +28

    Each of these great musicians made a unique contribution. 2 others I would include are Oliver Nelson and Eric Dolphy ( although they played multiple instruments their alto playing was superb.)

  • @williamgregory1848
    @williamgregory1848 Před rokem +19

    7:54 God, that bend into the high note at the start of the head gets me every time.
    Rest In Peace Johnny Hodges 🙏🏾🎷

  • @wbhrash
    @wbhrash Před 4 lety +8

    Glad you included Jackie McLean too.

  • @badboikyoto3585
    @badboikyoto3585 Před 4 lety +18

    I think one of the most overlooked alto saxophone players is Gigi Gryce, would be nice to see him on your next list, the man deserves some justice

    • @jazzbluesguitarist
      @jazzbluesguitarist Před 3 lety +2

      I agree with you. Gryce is one of my favourites. Great fluent altoist. Bluesy (like Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vincent) with the cool sound and thoughtful line development of Lee Konitz.

    • @lastknowngood0
      @lastknowngood0 Před 3 dny

      Pacquito D'Rivera is an awesome Alto & Clarinet Artist.

    • @lastknowngood0
      @lastknowngood0 Před 3 dny

      Ray Charles blew a mean Alto as well.

  • @sergej100qca4
    @sergej100qca4 Před 4 lety +30

    Here are mine:
    Cannonball Adderley
    Phil Woods
    Charlie Parker
    Sonny Stitt
    Lee Konitz
    Those are the people who influenced me the most

  • @gregoryboyer4846
    @gregoryboyer4846 Před 2 lety +3

    Ever heard a musician whose style of play is so distinctive, so intricate, no one can clone it?
    The rhythm, pulse, nuance, and emotion of Maceo Parker makes him one of the most ORIGINAL altoists of all time.
    Definitely list worthy

  • @philiphowardmiller1637
    @philiphowardmiller1637 Před 3 lety +1

    This is a wonderful piece of work Jay, so informative with so much research. Thank you!

  • @FunkOsax
    @FunkOsax Před 4 lety +17

    Jay, this is fantastic, one of the best yet. I’d love you to do more of this, perhaps a series where you dwell a bit longer on each player. Absolutely loved it. Thanks.

  • @williamdelabrue5157
    @williamdelabrue5157 Před 4 lety +5

    The Charlie Parker Eb palm key for D is everything!! Thanks Jay.

  • @SuperDuperTuberTube
    @SuperDuperTuberTube Před 2 lety +2

    Fantastic video. Thanks so much for putting this together.

  • @kevinculpepper1310
    @kevinculpepper1310 Před 3 lety +1

    Absolutely awesome video.
    Thank you very much for taking the time to put it together.

  • @TomBavarois
    @TomBavarois Před 4 lety +7

    Thank you Jay, in this great introduction to alto sax history. Very interesting and I got a lot of new knowledge from it.

  • @willtisdale9899
    @willtisdale9899 Před 4 lety +8

    This is a beautiful production. Thank you for educating us and for putting in the time to make it so enjoyable. I loved seeing you passion shine through in this.

  • @fvneral666
    @fvneral666 Před 3 lety +8

    Adderley is my number one... The solos he made in "Something else" are something else!

    • @SOUNDJUICE_OFFICIAL
      @SOUNDJUICE_OFFICIAL Před 2 lety

      Absolutely! His sound was so unique and his solos were always so complex and bebop-ish while still embracing such elegant swing and juicy blues like tones. Truly one of a kind!

  • @charlieparker4928
    @charlieparker4928 Před 3 lety +5

    All of the legends along with myself in this list are looking at this saxophone channel with confidence and pride, keep up the great videos Mr Jay

  • @timobesamusca9332
    @timobesamusca9332 Před 4 lety +7

    Thx for this GREAT video, Jay! This one really made my day, just to dip in for 10 minutes and listen to some great alto players. Looking forward to the tenor, bari and soprano editions 😃

  • @richardm1
    @richardm1 Před 3 lety +8

    Jackie McLean. The Dynasty album knocks me out every time I listen. All are so great. Amazing that so much genius is borne from so much adversity and pain.

  • @casr9667
    @casr9667 Před 4 lety +2

    Amazing video! Loving the brief jazz history that’s included here, very insightful

  • @surfingshanet
    @surfingshanet Před 2 lety

    I agree with a lot of these masters. Great list.

  • @gerardoortizmedrano6373
    @gerardoortizmedrano6373 Před 3 lety +9

    Willie Smith was an extraordinary alto player unjust forgotten, great recordings with Jimmie Luncenford and Harry James bands and with JATP troupe

    • @ABrandsma
      @ABrandsma Před 3 lety

      Indeed. He also joined Ellington's band for a short while. The veterans there were in shock, bacause he called rehearsals all the time.

    • @gerardoortizmedrano6373
      @gerardoortizmedrano6373 Před 3 lety

      @@ABrandsma yeah good point!!
      in the 50's Willie Smith was member of Duke' band replacing Johnny Hodges for a short time.

    • @ABrandsma
      @ABrandsma Před 3 lety

      @@gerardoortizmedrano6373 It didn't last long however there is footage. Snader telescriptions 13003 has him soloing on Sophisticated Lady. After Willie left, Hilton Jefferson took over and then Hodges returned.

    • @gerardoortizmedrano6373
      @gerardoortizmedrano6373 Před 3 lety

      @@ABrandsma wow!! I did'n know that there was a vídeo clip of Willie Smith with Duke's band !! What a good point !! Thanks for sharing !!

  • @tonyalcock2187
    @tonyalcock2187 Před 4 lety +13

    Thank you Jay. A great, if not simple, idea to introduce a sort of 'Best of Sax players' into your series. The musicians themselves are more significant than the machines they are playing through, and of course a choice of all things is, or should be, personal. What I also appreciated was your astute observations of the players in doing what they did so naturally.
    On the only occasion when I witnessed Sonny Stitt live (in the late 1970s), I was mesmerised how little his fingers seemed to move; I thought I too should places my fingers nearer the keys. Lesson learnt!

  • @jnoir87
    @jnoir87 Před 2 lety +2

    I started playing the Sax when I was 11 years old. I fell in love with the Sax at 12 years of age when my uncle gave me a Johnny Hodges compilation. His playing was and still is, extraordinarily good.

  • @Leising
    @Leising Před 4 lety +1

    I just found your videos and channel today and this is already probably the sixth video I've watched so far. I played alto in high school and sold my horn a few years after graduating since a friend borrowed my alto while I was playing baritone for marching season... and he dropped it. I've been thinking about getting a new one and playing again for a while now. After seeing your videos with the Jean Paul, I think I know what I'm getting. And watching this video, listening to these legends helped rekindle my desire to play more than ever. I have a feeling I'll be watching your videos a lot more often now. Thanks for the great content. I look forward to seeing more.

  • @owenthomas6337
    @owenthomas6337 Před 4 lety +4

    Benny Carter's "Live at Montreux 1977" was the first jazz album I genuinely, immediately loved - despite several failed attempts to *get* jazz while I was a beginner student. His solo on "In a Mellow Tone" is less solo, and more "extemporaneous composition". The fact that, a couple choruses later, he played a beautifully developed, melodic solo on trumpet is ... an insight into how a great musical mind can flow through different instruments, without the need for technical virtuosity. (Which, no doubt, he had on sax; but that was never the main thing, with him.)

  • @extravagantnoise8365
    @extravagantnoise8365 Před 3 lety +4

    I'd like to add Bud Shank, Kim Richmond and Med Flory. I wish I could see more of that King horn Jay - it looks familiar. I once lacquered just the brass and left the silver neck without lacquer at a customer's request. Thank you for the memories. I was so fortunate to repair for some greats. The great players were the ones who were also humble. You need to be humble to learn and they never stopped learning. I miss so many of them now.

  • @ziruini5071
    @ziruini5071 Před 4 lety

    Amazing video! love how you give us insights into both the history and musical side of things. Would be awesome to see one of these videos for tenor players

  • @joerxworx7299
    @joerxworx7299 Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks a lot for this wonderful video !

  • @TheSaxophony
    @TheSaxophony Před 3 lety +5

    Absolutely fabulous video, thank you Jay! So informative and your passion shines through. Wish I saw this video 30 years ago I may then have decided to dedicate my life to playing the saxophone professionally. Great work please keep it up.

  • @taftchatham7456
    @taftchatham7456 Před 3 lety +6

    Very enjoyable and articulate presentation. I was a jazz DJ on public radio (KLCC) for quite a few years, and appreciate anyone who communicates their love of jazz. Gary Giddins comes to mind as another jazz ambassador whose enthusiasm is infectious. Keep up the great work.

  • @frankrice5227
    @frankrice5227 Před 3 lety

    thanks for the education, good presentation

  • @PeterPiedPiper
    @PeterPiedPiper Před 2 měsíci +2

    Paul Desmond was the guy who introduced me to jazz in 1959. Plain song on Jazz Impressions of the USA blew my mind and there was no turning back.

  • @rickaolk
    @rickaolk Před 4 lety +15

    Jay, I don't even play the Saxophone (love music though) but I love your videos man. The quality of editing, content and general enjoyment in music and in putting out good education on youtube and not some copy paste stuff that we see around is enough to make me binge watched a lot of your videos. Thank you.

  • @serzok1
    @serzok1 Před 4 lety +9

    Great clip with great clips. I would add of course, Mr. Art Pepper.

  • @exoditegrayc
    @exoditegrayc Před 4 lety +1

    Sweet stuff! Outstanding! Thanks for sharing.

  • @ChefChrisDay
    @ChefChrisDay Před 2 měsíci +2

    Played with Jackie and Phil while I was in my high school jazz band!

  • @frankzona9867
    @frankzona9867 Před 4 lety +16

    This video is so good, it will be required viewing for my students. Thanks so much for the analysis on each one. My thoughts on a Part 2: Art Pepper, Frank Morgan, (maybe considered a Bird clone but oh those ideas and the tone I'd like to emulate), Earl Bostic, and the "elephant in the room" David Sanborn. To me, Sanborn changed Alto style and tone and kept the saxophone in popular music for decades. He told me in a chat after a show that "I tried to sound like Phil Woods but ended up sounding like me". Again, great, great video. You know that after part 2 your viewers are going to be clamoring for a series on Tenor players. Thanks Jay.

    • @seanswinton6242
      @seanswinton6242 Před 4 lety +3

      Frank Zona I agree. My oldest sister introduced me to jazz with Grover Washington Jr. when I was about 7. Through the pop and rock records I began listening to heard this bright emotional tone of a saxophone on a bunch of records. James Taylor, Carly Simon, Eagles and learned it was David Sanborn. What drew me to him was the fact that was the way his sound could be adapted to fit in a variety of music styles and his instantly recognizable sound.

    • @esl.mooresongs7993
      @esl.mooresongs7993 Před 3 lety

      Thanks for mentioning Earl Bostic, who, though his rhythm never quite seemed to escape from certain strictures (not unlike Coleman Hawkins), could play the hell out of the horn and always had lots of infectious fun. Very unique player.

  • @stevenbundick6591
    @stevenbundick6591 Před 4 lety +8

    As always Jay, kudos on your very positive and conscientious work(s) of integrity, on-point thought and information. Moveover, your honesty and "make-it-plan" approach to your video teachings are to be applauded and deserves props!!! As to my two cents, if I may, I would like to add to your list the one and only Frank Morgan, my friend and mentor. Thank you! -sb

  • @jayfogelman
    @jayfogelman Před 3 lety +1

    CZcams is so full of "Top 10" lists of every kind, they get old quick, but this is the best I've ever seen: not trying to foster competition, full of real insight, really educational in the best sense, and driven by an articulate passion. Thanks, Jay.

  • @mycitypictures
    @mycitypictures Před 2 lety +1

    Love the compilation. Very inspiring.

  • @yehudalichtenstein574
    @yehudalichtenstein574 Před 4 lety +10

    What an amazing video!!
    This is not any more "internet saxophone content", this is actual education right here.
    Appreciate you so much for this video!!
    As a saxophone teacher, I find myself using your videos more and more to enrich my students. This is a video that I will surely share with them.

    • @bettersax
      @bettersax  Před 4 lety +1

      Thanks. That’s what I was aiming for.

  • @xenadon
    @xenadon Před 4 lety +12

    Really enjoyed this. I liked how you paused the recording and drew our attention to different things and compared/contrasted the different musicians. I would love more breakdowns like that. I struggle sometimes when I'm listening because I don't always know what I'm listening for.

    • @vernonely9969
      @vernonely9969 Před 4 lety

      For your part 2 please add the following sax bbn players Lou donaldson. Art pepper. Ace Cannon .I give you a big shout out cause I return to M playing Alto n your Helping me alot

  • @Felicitysaxophonist
    @Felicitysaxophonist Před 3 lety

    I love your channel ! It´s definitely the best one when it goes to saxophone tutorials! My best wishes!

  • @marklomas6588
    @marklomas6588 Před 4 lety +2

    Yeh good list and i can tell you truly love the music..
    Well done loved it.

  • @chrisirwin9334
    @chrisirwin9334 Před 4 lety +31

    Art Pepper! Wonderful phrasing.

  • @danielperkins4610
    @danielperkins4610 Před 3 lety +5

    Great list! Yes, Art Pepper! Meets the Rhythm Section!

  • @madyjules06
    @madyjules06 Před 2 lety +1

    what a brilliant & beautiful video, thank you 😊

  • @chrrymshrms
    @chrrymshrms Před 5 měsíci +1

    I really needed this thanks a lot

  • @scoobydoo5141
    @scoobydoo5141 Před 4 lety +6

    Started playing when i was 11, lost the drive to get better because of my director in high school, now i’m back it. You’re an amazing player, and your tone is so good. i love your channel, keep it up💛

    • @robkunkel8833
      @robkunkel8833 Před 3 lety +2

      Me too. No person drove me away, just high school, women, boats and adventure. Now, I’m back to the horn with a new passion ...well, all the passion I can muster aided by cool videos. I never had teacher that inspired me like CZcams videos do ... especially this guy with the black hat on this video.

  • @paulobianchi2577
    @paulobianchi2577 Před 2 lety +3

    Great vídeo, Mr Jay 👏👏👏👏👏

  • @acjazzewi5378
    @acjazzewi5378 Před 2 lety

    Top 1 des vidéos de passionnés de saxophone. Merci Jay !!!

  • @sitalimwiingahamatuli2024

    Thanks for sharing Jay! I've now connected the master/protégé links that have exisited among some jazz greats, wow!

  • @glyphics1943
    @glyphics1943 Před 4 lety +7

    I’m sure you’ll be inundated but I can’t help adding my two cents. Charles McPherson (an overlooked master), Gary Bartz, Eric Dolphy are additional favorites of mine. Of these three, Dolphy was the most original but no player seemed heavily influenced by him. Players who seemed on the verge; Sonny Red (Sylvester Kyner) and Bunkie Green (who quit the scene early for academia) and the instantly recognizable, Arthur Blythe.

  • @shanteixeira4830
    @shanteixeira4830 Před 4 lety +11

    Nice job !! I would add Maceo Parker to that list. Such a great player with amazing funk/groove influence. Seems like sometimes the traditional Jazz /bebob greats get all the attention and accolades

  • @DeGrate-bb5bo
    @DeGrate-bb5bo Před 3 lety

    Thanks for this list with visual examples; very inspirational. Good way of teaching. Patiently waiting to see (or find) your list of tenors.

  • @bassofone1
    @bassofone1 Před 3 lety +1

    I share your enthusiasm and admiration. thank you!

  • @chrisparker5372
    @chrisparker5372 Před 4 lety +8

    Thanks for this! I thought "Whoa, 19 minutes. Well, I can click through." Every minute was packed with info and yumminess.. Thanks for bringing so much knowledge to this!
    James Moody seems to be sneaking into my consciousness recently.

    • @jerih.1976
      @jerih.1976 Před 3 lety

      Ooh James Moody is a expectational Alto & flute player. I first 👀 him with Dizzy quintet on the BBC jazz 625. His performance was phenomenal & that's what's up!!!

  • @jazzbluesguitarist
    @jazzbluesguitarist Před 3 lety +4

    Gigi Gryce is another outstanding altoist to add to the greatest list. I recommend the album 'When Farmer Met Gryce' with Art Farmer for fluent soloing. His style combined the bluesness of Charlie Parker ( or Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vinson) with the cool sound and thoughtful line development of Lee Konitz.

  • @DV-mq5fv
    @DV-mq5fv Před měsícem

    Great presentation. Thank you!

  • @davidcalabotta2651
    @davidcalabotta2651 Před 2 lety

    By far, the absolute BEST list of the greatest alto players; and, I loved your technical assessment and justification of each…very insightful and spot on the mark. Bravo!!!

  • @terryhorlick679
    @terryhorlick679 Před 2 lety +3

    I love Earl Bostic’s melodic work and incredible altissimo work. Also Brent Jensen carrying on from Paul Desmonds style.

  • @purveyoroffinefoodslaszlo9955

    Paul Desmond. Totally original style. One of the few alto players not influenced by sound or hard bop style of Bird. Phrasing, sound, use of time signatures. And he came into his own as a player even more after his time with Brubeck. His early 60's albums with Jim Hall are required listening. Or just pour a scotch or martini and enjoy.

  • @nealmorrison9269
    @nealmorrison9269 Před 3 lety

    Wow.. your insight.... informative and educational! Thanks for the great Music History lesson!!

  • @frankgreco4292
    @frankgreco4292 Před 3 lety

    This one and your top TENor video are so enjoyable. Thanks Jay!

  • @DrLogical987
    @DrLogical987 Před 4 lety +11

    Whatever the list, I really like these CZcamss where you tell us what you're hearing or seeing - details of style, technique etc. Really useful without lining up yet another lick to be learned in "all 12 keys" which noone has the time to do!

  • @stevekeller4814
    @stevekeller4814 Před 4 lety +52

    Two candidates for the "Part 2" - I'm sure you thought of these guys, but I can't fault any of your choices :) These guys belong in the top 10 too... I guess that means we go to 12.
    * Eric Dolphy (I see from other comments that he has been mentioned a lot)
    * Kenny Garrett - didn't see his name on ANY comments, which is sad. One of the best alto saxophonists of all time in my opinion, he has an instantly identifiable and distinctive sound and style.
    Honorable mention, in case you are looking for names for the "top ten part 2..."
    * Art Pepper - very influential, an interesting meld of hard bop and West Coast styles.
    * Sonny Fortune - a unique voice, with unique tone and unique melodic thought
    * Marshal Royal - one of the best lead alto players ever.

    • @jsweenie13
      @jsweenie13 Před 4 lety +7

      I immediately thought of Kenny Garrett, though I can see how he gets pushed out of a top ten by all the legends on this list.
      Eric Dolby as an omission seems criminal, but I didn’t remember him until I saw it commented.

    • @alocyn
      @alocyn Před 4 lety

      Yeah man I agree!

    • @kadenn8811
      @kadenn8811 Před 4 lety

      Oats and Kenny

    • @robertguttman5396
      @robertguttman5396 Před 3 lety +1

      See my comment above, omitting Dolphy and Garrett is puzzling - and Sonny Fortune another "sleeper." Royal was a great lead alto player - but with Johnny Hodges on the list I think Royal's absence is not as glaring.

    • @grigorianmusic
      @grigorianmusic Před 3 lety +2

      Eric Dolphy and Kenny Garrett. 100% agree with you man

  • @Ivanbaldet
    @Ivanbaldet Před 2 měsíci +1

    Whouuuu !!! Merci pour cette vidéo ! Géniale !!!

  • @stacys447
    @stacys447 Před 4 lety

    Can't wait for the tenor sax version! Thanks. This was great.

  • @maliqued.wilkerson8327
    @maliqued.wilkerson8327 Před 4 lety +10

    Hey Jay!! Big fan of your channel!! And this is definitely my favorite video you’ve posted so far!! Would’ve loved to see your spend some time with Art Pepper and Marshall Royal. Hope to see more videos with you discussing saxophone legends.👍🏽

    • @accouswk
      @accouswk Před 2 lety +1

      Agree! Was looking for Art Pepper - Blues In. My goodness that’s too good - hard to have ‘em all of course. Awesome video! Watch this with my 9 year old who just started playing. He was locked in - this has inspired him (and me too).

  • @johnrogers7411
    @johnrogers7411 Před 4 lety +17

    I think others not listed to consider Eric Dolphy, David Sanborn, Kenny Garrett, Art Pepper, & Maceo Parker

  • @MrCheke92
    @MrCheke92 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Love the channel , good stuff thanks man!!

  • @stompogsalsa8703
    @stompogsalsa8703 Před 3 měsíci

    Love you entusiasm about these great altosaxplayers!

  • @gipstetz6720
    @gipstetz6720 Před 4 lety +141

    Jay... No Art Pepper?? Come on man. Should be in there. Got to give the west coast some love.

    • @Rickriquinho
      @Rickriquinho Před 4 lety +7

      This list is a joke...

    • @mattgsax9690
      @mattgsax9690 Před 4 lety +4

      @@Rickriquinho how

    • @TonyHolmes69
      @TonyHolmes69 Před 4 lety +2

      @gipstetz surely Paul Desmond is a great example of the West Coast movement?

    • @owendallsotomayor1741
      @owendallsotomayor1741 Před 4 lety +10

      Yeh, Art Peper one of my all time favorites!

    • @kingzephyr9897
      @kingzephyr9897 Před 4 lety +9

      @@owendallsotomayor1741 Art Pepper is the guy I thought of after watching the video

  • @upjumpedspring
    @upjumpedspring Před 3 lety +18

    I forgot to suggest that during the Phil Woods, "Night in Tunisia" solo, his creative improvisation that you mentioned included a few bars of "If You Should Leave Me."

    • @robkunkel8833
      @robkunkel8833 Před 3 lety

      upjumpedspring ... was this the version with Louie Bellson on drums? What a solo he did on that piece.

    • @markteague8889
      @markteague8889 Před 3 lety +1

      Not to mention his work on Billy Joel's recordings.

  • @leobn2010
    @leobn2010 Před 2 lety +1

    Thanks ever so much for this very informative and extremely well done video. It is a joy to watch and learn from it. Thanks for decomposing what the player is doing, great way to absorb the info. I’ll keep it as one my all-times favourites! Cheers!

  • @shipsahoy1793
    @shipsahoy1793 Před 3 lety

    Excellent, thank you !!

  • @rmcellig
    @rmcellig Před 3 lety +3

    Love this video!! Art pepper is one player that should definitely be in this video!! 😀

  • @mairenared
    @mairenared Před 4 lety +8

    Great video Jay, it's always difficult to narrow the list down to 10. I'd have included Art Pepper but then it's difficult to know who to leave out in order to fit him in. Johnny Hodges is probably my favourite alto player as he had the most beautiful tone, but I hear what you say about Ornette Coleman. I saw him live a couple of times and he had a totally unique style and sound. He'd start off playing a recognisable tune and then go off at a tangent into a dimension all of his own, only to slip imperceptibly back into the real world to finish the song. Absolutely amazing!

    • @hans-ulrichbuehler8769
      @hans-ulrichbuehler8769 Před 9 měsíci

      Yes, Art Pepper is missing in the top ten of the altoists. He was a great tenor and clarinet player too.

  • @SaxophoneFactory
    @SaxophoneFactory Před rokem +1

    You included all of my favs in this list!

  • @lisetteelbers365
    @lisetteelbers365 Před 3 lety

    Thanks a lot Jay, for this list with these super players, with great comment on your part :)