Top 10 Most Influential Jazz Saxophonists

[bholas]

When Adolphe Sax made the first saxophone in 1841, he could never have imagined how popular it would become. As the guitar is the main instrument of rock and roll, the saxophone is seen by many to be the main instrument of jazz. Its players have frequently been some of the most progressive and experimental musicians in history. While some would argue that the trumpet is the most important instrument in jazz, it is undeniable that whenever a new development occurred in jazz, a saxophonist was never too far away. By examining its most important players, we can actually trace the history of jazz.

This list is comprised of ten of the most influential jazz saxophonists who ever lived. Generally, if a player was involved in more than one genre, or if they inspired new generations of players, they will be have a better place on the list. The rankings could be endlessly debated, but they still represent a good approximation of their influence on jazz.

10. Grover Washington Jr.

To start off this list we have the man who is considered to be one of the founders of smooth jazz, Grover Washington Jr. Even though he inspired smooth jazz, he was actually more of a jazz-funk/soul-jazz saxophonist. A surprisingly versatile musician, he was a s****ed player with the soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones. He reached the height of his popularity in the 70s and 80s with his signature album Winelight. His playing had a smooth and soft feel to it that blended R&B and jazz to create a refreshing sound. He is credited with having influenced Kenny G, Walter Beasley, Steve Cole, and Pamela Williams.

Suggested Listening

Mr. Magic, Black Frost, The Best is Yet to Come, Just the Two of Us

Similar Threads:

• 10 Most Influential CEOs of 2009
• Meet over 60 of the world's most influential business schools
• Bollywood is in mood to 'jazz it up'

[bholas]

9. Julian “Cannonball” Adderley

Nicknamed “cannonball” (actually a childhood corruption of “cannibal” because of his appetite) by his peers, Julian Adderley played with some of the most important jazz musicians of all time and became one of the most widely regarded hard bop players. Armed with his alto saxophone, he became a member of the Miles Davis Quintet in 1957 where he would go on to play with John Coltrane. He would be a featured musician on Davis’ seminal records Milestones and Kind of Blue. A phenomenally gifted player, he was actually called “the new Bird” after Charlie Parker’s death. At times his playing was more diverse than Parker, using complex chromatic and continuous lines; but, he was also known for having a simpler blues and gospel influenced style. He would also go on to record many important pieces with his brother Nat Adderley. While he may not be as well known as Parker and Coltrane, he was one of the most important figures in the 1950s and 1960s jazz scene.

Suggested Listening

This Here, The Jive Samba, Work Song, Walk Tall, Autumn Leaves, Waltz for Debby

[bholas]

8. Stan Getz

Stan “The Sound” Getz was one of the key musicians who popularized cool jazz, bossa nova, and modern jazz. He started at a young age, joining Jack Teagarden’s band at the age of fifteen in the 1940s. In a few years he would play under such masters as Stan Kenton, Jimmy Dorsey, and Benny Goodman. By the 1950s, he would become one of the leading figures of cool jazz, playing with artists like Horace Silver and Johnny Smith. By the 1960s, he had moved on to introducing bossa nova to American audiences. He would continue on in future decades to work in jazz fusion before settling down to work in the San Francisco Bay area as a teacher at Stanford University. Like his hero Lester Young, he had a warm, lyrical tone to his playing that gave him a distinctive voice.

Suggested Listening

Desfinado, The Girl from Ipanema, Early Autumn

[bholas]

7. Sidney Bechet

One of the earliest players on this list, Sidney Bechet was the first jazz artist to become famous playing the soprano saxophone. In fact, it could be argued that he was the first jazz artist to popularize the saxophone. His s**** as a soloist cannot be understated. Only Louis Armstrong rivaled Bechet for solo supremacy in the early days of jazz. Playing with such early luminaries as Joe “King” Oliver, Will Marion Cook’s Syncopated Orchestra, and Duke Ellington, he was one of the first jazz artists to travel to Europe. He had a rich tone and sported a heavy vibrato that gave him a distinctive sound. His playing was like his temper: out of control, emotional, and reckless. A true original, Bechet was one of the most important jazz musicians to ever come from New Orleans.

Suggested Listening

Wild Cat Blues, Kansas City Man Blues

[bholas]

6. Sonny Rollins

Sonny Rollins is quite simply one of the greatest tenor saxophone players who ever lived. He has played with some of jazz’s greatest talents, including Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Art Blakey. Known primarily for his work in the field of post-bop, Rollins has one of the most distinctive voices in the genre. While his soloing may not be as fast and note-heavy as some of his contemporaries, his rhythmic flare (as best displayed in his famous St. Thomas) takes his playing to heights that few others have ever been able to match. His soloing is more focused on thematic improvisation instead of expanding on a chord or a particular melodic line. When he plays, he dissects melodic lines, elaborating and expanding on them until every single direction has been explored, much the way that classical composers like Mozart and Beethoven did. With his unique approach to playing, he inspired an entire school of musicians. The only member of this list who is still alive at the time of its writing, Rollins is still going strong at 79 years old.

Suggested Listening

St. Thomas, Oleo, Doxy, The Freedom Suite