Pick your favorite, and tell me why...


I am searching for artists/recordings to add to my library. I love the sound of the tenor sax. (I played in high-school) Presently, I only have CD as a source, so let's not explore vinyl options because I have no extra $$$ to spend on an analog front end right now. I am leaning towards blues/jazz .

mike7142
Yes, it is a classic. There's a compilation cd called Saxophone Anthology on BMG (RCA Victor) label. It's not an audiophile quality recording, but it gives you a great variation of sax players such as:Sidney Bechet, Benny Carter, Paul Desmond/Gerry Mulligan, Stan Getz, Coleman Hawkins, Johnny Hodges, Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, Zoot Sims, Ben Webster, Lester Young and other great sax players of yesteryear. This cd can give you a good taste of some of the great sax players. You can then decide on which ones you'd like to pursue. As for current sax players, you may want to check out, Austin Backalley Blue by Sweetman with his South Side Groove Kings, on the Wildchild (Mapleshade) label. Stepping away from saxophone players, one of my very favorite jazz cd's is Louis Armstrong & Duke Ellington: The Great Summit on Roulette Jazz (Blue Note) Label. This 1961 remaster is incredible. The music is great and the recording quality is excellent.
Happy listening.
Ross
Dexter Gordon "our man in paris".
As a tenor player myself Dexter is my favorite player for his tone and feeling. This particular record (er CD) is full of great tunes. If you buy this CD and don't like it I'll eat my sax (I'm so confident you'll love it).

Another great player is Sonny Rollins. Try to pick up his first blue note album ... I think it's self titled.
Check out Over The Rainbow XRCD. It's only a floor bass and tenor(?) sax. Very dynamic. There's a spot or two where you'll almost jump out of your seat if your system has good dynamic headroom.

I think you can still find this cd on fimpression.com

How about Antholoygy of/to(?) Grover Washington. For a 20+ year old recording, you should be pretty impressed with it's sound quality.
Check out Eric Alexander, whether it's his CD's or other folks. He plays on many others albums.
QUESTION: What's the difference between a saxophone and a lawn mower?

ANSWER: Vibrato.

QUESTION: What's the definition of a gentleman?

ANSWER: Someone who can play the saxophone....and doesn't!