Top Ten Influential Saxophone Players

[@motivation89742]

Dexter Gordon should be on that list !

[@Ayers76]

Pedro Iturralde, Dexter Gordon, Pharoah Sanders, Stan Getz, Ornette Coleman, Art Pepper, Paul Desmond, Michael Brecker....... More👌🎷

[@bernarddaigle2830]

Stan Getz, Michael Brecker

[@gsco82]

I agree with most of your list. I'll admit that Kenny G. was influential in making people aware of saxophone music, even though by jazz standards, he didn't really belong. I would have included Michael Brecker in the list.

[@lafayettegunterjr2967]

Grover Washington jr was my biggest influence in my saxophone playing🎷🎶

[@jg0r]

How is Michael Brecker not on this list??

[@androidboy7]

Great list. David Sanborn is the reason I play sax today. Picked up soprano because of George Howard.

[@SkylersRants]

Refreshing list, I appreciate that you made a cross genre list. When you put the Bird in second, I was left wondering who was left. Desmond? Nah, couldn't be him. I think Adolph Saxe was the perfect choice. I always get a chuckle out of your sense of humor.

[@Njderig]

Earl Bostic is my main influence.

[@robkunkel8833]

Just listened to the whole video. I love the wide scope of you nominations. Jamey Aebersold was so much a part of the old Saxophone Journal. I have a few of old CDs from teaching. I love your respect for classical saxophone. I’m so proud of being from St. Thomas, VI, which got a couple of mentions. This video was super excellent. I love how you can play like the artists you mention. That is so groovy. Thanks. And yes, Sonny Stitt.

[@davidsmusic]

Such a great video! It’s difficult to make a list with only 10 sax players, I really like them and I was thinking maybe next one is Getz, Brecker, Mintzer, Potter, garret , Mingus, etc. Great video sir! Regards from Germany

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@stealthmermaid40]

gotta say the running mule gif cracked me the fuck up 😭! Love how your personality shows in your editing style

[@drewismynick]

glad to see aebersold getting some props!

[@imagine07018]

Prez is God! Without Prez there would be no Bird, Jug, Stitt, Zoot, Cohn, Getz, Trane, Turrentine. . . I would argue that most tenor players are some mix of Prez, Bird, Trane, and Hawk.

[@adamgilbert8602]

This sounded like a world influence list and not a personal influence list, I'd love to see the top 10 list of musicians/saxophonist that have influenced you.

[@marcoskovalczuk5077]

Hello Man! You forgot the best musician and saxophonist in the last decades. Michael Brecker. Supersolos and virtuosity. RIP. Regards.

[@kevindeibert3369]

I learned how to play Jazz Standards with Aebersold sets: Vol 22, 23, 25, etc very important to me !

[@DeMariThompson]

Amazing vid man. Tons of fun with all that green screen action too. You definitely need a bigger audience man

[@Sirvalorsax]

Working on it!

[@rudielias9523]

Excelent video!! I think that David Sanborn it is also a big influence in today players

[@masonthomassax]

Favorite sax channel on KZbin right here

[@raphaelmota2487]

I really appreciated the number one. We usually overlook him. The creator. Thanks and Happy Birthday mr. Adolph Sax! p.s.: this scenarios were dope too

[@saxocoustic]

Kirk Whalum master of the tenor sax 🎷

[@brianpite0893]

Great list ! Long live the memory of St. JOHN.

[@leroyharper4513]

Grover Washington Jr. & Ronnie Laws the Fathers of Smooth Jazz. David Sanborn the most copied alto sound ever. Michael Brecker the reason why some people was scared to even pick a tenor sax up. Last but not least Earl Bostic & James Carter other sax players prefer to act as if they were never born! Jawz your list and you should be on it2😎

[@MrChazzpratt]

Nicely done! I like how you defined influence! Not so much a comment on who should or shouldn't be on the list, but would like your perspective on styles and what makes these Sax Players unique, such as; Johnny Griffin, Dexter Gordon, Stanley Turrentine, Arnet Cobb, Gene Ammons, Booker Ervin, Wayne Shorter, Houston Person, Grover Washington, Jr., George Howard, John Klemmer, Dave Vidala, Kenny Garrett, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Rusty Bryant, Hank Mobley, Joshua Redman, Michael Brecker, Bob Berg, James Carter, Gerald Albright, David Sanborn, - essentially my entire playlist!

[@Sirvalorsax]

LOL!!, I'm planning on doing more stuff like this

[@mikehudsonrocks9585]

Great list! Some names mentioned in addition below. All good. For my "stuff" I borrow from Jr. Walker, King Curtis and Tom Scott, as far as the contemporary pop and/or R&B style. The main guy, though, is Michael Brecker. Did it all!

[@jamestaylor7746]

I'm definitely looking at Grover Washington as an influence. I'm sure it could be argued that his influence derives from other influences.... but for me, he's there, RIP.

[@saxmanager]

Brecker, Lee Allen, Plas Johnson, Paul Desmond

[@PhinAI]

I'm kind of at your mercy. I love the saxophone, but I'm uncultured when it comes to knowing who is who, what's being played, and why something / somebody is revered. If you tell me an individual is important, I'm a believer. I just enjoy hearing your explanations of why. Awesome channel, and still looking forward to your book! Have a great one, out there!

[@bobblues1158]

It´s a great list. Of course there are so many greats but they don´fall under the criteria of your list. About Kenny G.-I always say" Kenny G, Why not me?" I have huge respect for him as a player and for his putting the saxophone out there for the people. One more thing about that phenomenon is What Eddie Harris advises: " Buy 2 recordings by the the players of your instrument and learn all the solos. Be sure to learn the solos of the one´s that you don´t dig, because there is a reason they are selling records". I knew Eddie and had the honor of playing with him. He was a dead serious original and practicer. Thank you for putting your view points out there Adrien!

[@JosephAraza]

1:11 your Kenny G face 😂😂😂 priceless

[@ROY-COLLEY]

I had to pause your vid , I agree with your first 4 so far. I hope you have Stan Gezts in there too. His tone was fabulous. Now back to your Vid to see if you have. Stay cool mate,love your vids 👍

[@jojopt2]

Very solid list. I’d only take out Jamey Aebersold for Brecker or Sanborn since his contribution was mostly in the education space.

[@r.g.saxone]

Kenny Garrett and Maceo Parker!

[@escultordemusicascultas5566]

Grande Sirvalorsax, tus vídeos son muy buenos y de gran interés para la comunidad de saxofonistas del mundo!!👍🎷👏👏👏

[@sgry]

Great video, highly appreciated. I missed on Tenor Stan Getz, very lyrical and I love his bossa nova phase. When it comes to Pop (Bee Gees Woman in you) I loved the sound of Dave Sanborn on Alto, and yes, I went to buy the Bobby Dukoff mouthpiece....

[@Sirvalorsax]

Nice. I like those Dukoffs

[@m.w.]

Kenny G influenced my whole way of playing and offered me the start into the art of jazz. Its more than fair, that he is mentioned here in a positive way. Thank you so much for your work. Greetings from Germany. 👍🙋‍♂️

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@nickglass12]

Interesting list but Michael Brecker didn't even make the honorable mention list?

[@新田たつふみKindle電子書籍]

Fair evaluation, especially top 5.

[@DynamixWarePro]

I am primarily an alto sax player and soprano sax but quite a few of my favourite players are tenor or bari sax players even though I have no desire to play either instruments. If I had to pick some of what I think are influential sax players for alto, soprano, tenor and baritone saxophone it would be (based on who I know the most about and have listened to their music): Soprano Sax: Sidney Bechet, John Coltrane, Amy Dickson, Lucky Thompson, Branford Marsalis Alto Sax: Jackie McClean, Johnny Hodges, Cannonball Adderley, Lee Konitz , Paul Desmond, Eric Dolphy, Charley Parker, Phil Woods, Marcel Mule, Sigurd Raschèr and Eugene Rousseau Tenor Sax: John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Stan Getz, Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Michael Brecker, Ben Webster, James Carter, Branford Maraslis Bari Sax: Harry Carney, Gerry Mulligan, Joe Temperley, Ronnie Cuber, Leo P

[@raphaelmota2487]

Steve Lacy on soprano

[@wyndhleodumegwu253]

I lohv your list. For me, beginning from, let's say the 198O's to present, on ALTO SAXOPHONE, David Sanborn - exclude Organic (Real) Jazz as well as European Classical (Alto) saxophone. Each one has his/her own list, his/her preference ... Lohvissimo!

[@vasylsahan]

Dude its shameful to say but you opened for me Siguard Rascher! Amazing player! Thank you😀

[@Sirvalorsax]

LOL!!

[@thomasdobrzeniecki1154]

How about including Stan Getz?

[@angelo_catalano]

Definitely up there. Even people who don’t know jazz know his stuff

[@Steezologist]

Yea, u don’t even need to know about jazz to know “The Girl From Ipanema”...

[@bluegoose555]

@@Steezologist Getz didn't write that

[@Steezologist]

@@bluegoose555 I know but he globalized bossa nova with participating in that song. Without him, who knows if it would have spread to the US the way it did..

[@smoothvelvetsinger]

He's a very likeable person, the kind of person I'd like to hang out with. In addition to having infinite knowledge. Excellent video.

[@kevintownsend3840]

David Sanborn has been my greatest influence. His early years with Marcus Miller.

[@npwind]

Great Presentation! I had the opportunity to see Warne Marsh numerous times and he had unique approach worth listening to.He absolutely loved Lester Young, Bird, Early Trane. Gene Ammons! Bunky Green!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BringBackMasculinity1987]

My top 2 Boney James and Richard Elliot

[@ronsax4820]

Always difficult and comes down to personal choice. On reflection kind of agree with Top 3 as without the invention of a saxophone discussion the then becomes one without foundation. However for my money Dexter Gordon and Michael Brecker would have to make the list!

[@kevindeibert3369]

I would have gone with Sigurd Rascher for Classical . I put Lester above Coleman Hawkins. Paul Desmond was probably the 1st saxophone player I ever heard! Sonny ! Yeah. St. Thomas was the reason I wanted to play Jazz in the 1st place! Stanley Turrentune & Dexter Gordon are favorites. Booker Irvin, Stan Getz, Mike Brecker . Everyone wanted to play like Mike in the early 80’s . Not gonna happen !

[@Sirvalorsax]

Yep!!

[@shipsahoy1793]

Dexter Gordon, Hank Mobley, Johnny Griffin, Eric Dolphy (alto), Tina Brooks, Joe Henderson, Yusef Lateef, Charlie Rouse, Roland Kirk, Stanley Turrentine, Clifford Jordan, and more; oh, so many great ones, and these were just some post bop or hard bop tenor sax players from my favorite jazz period from the early fifties to the late sixtes you didn’t mention🥳 SeeYa!😉👨🏻

[@Sirvalorsax]

Yep, but way more than ten. I think I'll do another one though, people seem to really like these Top Ten videos

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@Sirvalorsax 👍😎Yep, after I watched the video and made a comment, I realized that I saw this video when you made it last year. I had commented differently back then, but KZbin has this bad habit of telling me about videos that I’ve already seen a while ago, but I do appreciate your response Adrienne, thanks! Have a good one…👨🏻

[@zanderpimenidis2212]

Sirvalor! Great video as always. I'd say this list is pretty spot-on, you mentioned most to all of the influential saxophone players. I also wanted to offer my services as a Bari Player, I know you can double with everything, but I'd be more than happy to record some bari for the intro/outro and such. Hope your day is going well, I'm always enjoying your content.

[@T.H.W.O.T.H]

Great video. 👍 My very first influences were old skool RnB, rockabilly, and boogaloo sax players I found on my dad's 45s. Herb Hardesty featured heavily in my earliest association with God's own instrument - this was before I even knew jazz existed! - along with a whole raft of unsung Texan, Nashville and Memphis saxophone geniuses: guys who'd pop out a perfect 8 bar solo in a guitar players key without even breaking a sweat. Though none of them would meet Sir's criteria I still get a tingle when I hear the sax solo on Connie Francis' V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N or Little Eva's Turkey Trot! Chu Berry was my first proper jazz fixation, someone I still think is unjustly underrated in terms of sound, approach, and influence, and then along came Lester - and I've been stuck there ever since. I keep telling myself that one day I'll be half as good as Pres. Half as good would be good enough for me! 😁

[@Steezologist]

6:33 haha nice touch with Lester’s playing position :)

[@eliotjekowsky8286]

Lennie Pickett

[@khalidsharif]

Mr sirvalor where’s the big influential one Micheal brecker !!

[@RobyEdwardsMusic]

Great list and I can't argue the solid reasoning. However, I would nominate my personal favorite Saxophonist, Gato Barbieri who started Smooth Jazz with "Caliente" and especially "Europa".

[@Sirvalorsax]

I might do a more stylized list in the future. Thanks for watching

[@tonygairomusic911]

Love this list! So well prepared and the criteria is really smart. Yet another of your excellent videos! I love your preparation and your process. Even as a pro player - and I've never had another job but as a pro sax player - you always give me another perspective to consider. Thank you!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks!!

[@paulcroker8459]

David Sanborn, has been very instrumental in shaping the saxophone since 1975..surely worth a mention??..just my opinion

[@lennmendoza5130]

Thank you for sharing this vital info, very much appreciated

[@Sirvalorsax]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaeltaylor-lo4xx]

Big Jay McNeely. Fun music awesome sound bags of energy.

[@erickruse4679]

You are my most influential saxophone player :)

[@kevindeibert3369]

Hey , I never heard you play Bari before! I used to play a lot of Bari ! Lot of Bari gigs over the years

[@Sirvalorsax]

I'm still looking to get one. Hopefully this year

[@jaylozier4083]

Curt Altarac has the saxophone seen on the cover of the Sigurd Rascher Top Tones for Saxophone book at his shop in Wilmington, NC (Music Medic). I have seen it.

[@samuelbrown434]

lol adolph sax would also put himself as #1. Personally I would put either Joel Frahm or Chris Potter on the list. The former for his Parker-like clarity and accessibility, the dude is so down to earth and humble and plays the craziest lines and then tosses some quote from movie score or rock hit in. The latter because i think he's the first person to honestly pick up the mantle of Coltrane's exploration of jazz, through the use of electronics, cross cultural influences/mixing, extreme extended technique, and the constant pursuit of jazz education. Both are true beasts of the instrument in my book.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Well said!

[@attractiveglass]

Your intro reminds me of a shrek game I used to play on game cube

[@Danox94]

you've been teasing us with an Adolph Sax video for a little while. I hope you find the time to make it, good sir

[@Samuel-ge7im]

Great video Adrien, you raised some valid points

[@Sirvalorsax]

Glad you think so! Thanks

[@shipsahoy1793]

I’m more into tenor than alto too, but I agree 100% SirV with you about Cannonball on alto. If it wasn’t for a few great altoists, I’d probably only playing on a tenor from the sax family. speaking of alto, can I get an honorable mention for Lou Donaldson 😉

[@MyMusicEducation]

Good list. Well thought out.

[@curtisvalle5141]

Good Sir.... humbly meeting your criteria and on no one's list......Boots Randolf. Wait...I'm nominating Miles. You gotta believe somewhere sometime he got really trashed and picked up a sax ,,,,

[@warpo007]

As a new sax player, I don't even know half of these names. I might know of some of their tunes though. This list, full of the big names in sax playing. Names i should know and music i will definitely be listening to more. so these lists are great to introduce great sax players to new players like me. However, there is nothing fresh or groundbreaking here. and i for one, have issues with learning music that is 20+ years old. It's important yes. but I want to move forward. I might get blasted here, But the boys from Moon Hooch and Leo Pellegrino from too many zooz, or Johan Riedenlow. These guys are not traditional, maybe that's why the don't get cred. But those boys have done more from my development and inspiration than anyone. but each to their own. Love your channel Mr Sivalorsax.

[@SkylersRants]

I think you missed the point of the list. Twenty years is not that long ago, most of these are quite a bit older than 20 years. Twenty years is a blink of an eye, and "modern" players might be considered great someday, but only time will tell.

[@mediterraneanblues6500]

Wayne Shorter

[@robkunkel8833]

Hi ... I just subscribed. I would like to put an Honorable Mention vote in for Sidney Bechet and Steve Lacey for taking the soprano to two different levels during their time on earth. Speaking of out of this world, love the backdrop of the vintage amusement games. Did any of it come from the Marvelous Marvin Museum near Detroit? It was supposed to be selling off the inventory since his death. Thanks for being so inspiring. 🎷🪕🎪🌴🇺🇸

[@Sirvalorsax]

The decor comes from the Canton Car Museum of Canton Ohio

[@robkunkel8833]

@@Sirvalorsax Thanks🤗

[@wyndhleodumegwu253]

My abridged Influence-collage ORGANIC JAZZ/PURE JAZZ TENOR SAXOPHONE 1930's, '40's - 50's . . . Coleman Hawkins Lester Young Ben Webster Don Byas 1950's, 60's, '70's ... Dexter Gordon - John Coltrane to present Sonny Rollins to present Sonny Stitt to present Stan Getz 1960's, '70's, 80's, '90's, 2000... Wayne Shorter Pharaoh Sanders Hank Mobley Clifford Jordon Stanley Turrentune George Coleman Joe Henderson Michael Brecker - to present Bob Berg - to present Ernie Watts - to present James Carter to present ORGANIC JAZZ/ PURE JAZZ ALTO SAXOPHONE 1930's, '40's, 50's, ... Benny Carter Johnny Hodges Charlie Parker to present Sonny Stitt to present Willie Smith Lou Donaldson Earl Bostic ( Organic Swing Jazz) 1960's, '70's, 80's... Sonny Stitt Ornett Coleman Jackey McClean Julian "Cannonball" Adderley Charles McPherson Lee Konitz/Bud Shank Paul Desmond/Art Pepper 1990's, 2000's, ... Kenny Garrett Donald Harrison Vincent Herring Christopher Holiday/Alex Hahn ORGANIC JAZZ/ PURE JAZZ SOPRANO SAXOPHONE 1930''s, '40's, '50's, '60's, '70's, SOPRANO SAXOPHONE Sidney Bechet Steve Lacey - rebirth of sopr.sax John Coltrane - sopr ( jazz) popularization: "My Favorite Things", "Chim Chim Cheree", "Afro Blues"... Wayne Shorter (Sop. Fusion) Zoots Sims David Newman INSTRUMENTAL POP, R'N'B, FUNK, FUSION, ROCK, HYNNALS ... Jerome Richardson - 1960's Pop (Jazz), R'n'B, Soul Soprano saxophone ""To Sir With Love",... King Curtis - 1960's Pop, Soul, R'n'B, Jazz, Rock - - - King Curtis is (my) progenitor/precursor of modern Pop/Soul/Smooth soprano saxophone craving: "A Change Is Gonna Come", "Soul Serenade", "That Loving Feeling" , "A Whiter Shade of Pale", "Honey", "On Broadway", "Something" "Somewhere", ... (1964/1968/71) Junior Walker : 1960's, '70's, 80's, Tenor saxophone - all styles Fausto Papetti, Ace Cannon - Alto and Soprano saxophones: 1950's, '60"s, 70's, 80's, 90'': Pop, Soul, Cool, Smooth, Gospel - "Generic Jazz/Smooth Jazz" or Instrumental Pop, R'n'B... Grover Washington, Jr. all saxes, all genres - great Soprano sax GW,Jr: Main weapon were Tenor, Alto and Soprano saxophones - (Mr. Magic - Tnr.) GW, Jr.: 1971/1972, Classical "Smooth" Jazz Soprano Sax, Organic Jazz, Generic Smooth Jazz, Soul Jazz,.. Jimmy Castor - all saxes, all styles, 1970's, '80's : "Soul Serenade", "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", "Daniel", "You Make Me Feel Brand New", "Didn't I Blow Your Mind", "The Christmas Song"... Ronnie Laws - all saxes; Classical Smooth Jazz Soprano saxophone - 1970's to present: "Stay Still And Let Me Love You", "Friends And Strangers"... David Sandborn, 1970's to present: ALTO SAXOPHONE - Fusion, Blues, Funk (Jazz) - all styles Kenny Bruce Gorelic (Kenny G ), all saxes; soprano saxophone being his main weapon: smooth, cool, simple, relaxing, easy-on-the-ears, beautiful... KBG::Generic Smooth "Jazz" or Commercial and/or Instrumental Pop... Gerald Albright and Nelson Rangel,1980's to present on Alto and Soprano saxes: Fusion, Pop, Funk, RnB, Organic Jazz, (Generic) Smooth Jazz or Commercial and/or Instrumental Pop. Nelson Rangel and Gerald Albright mix Organic (Real) Jazz with rhythmic Funk and Rock ingredients a la the virtuoso Stanley Turrentune. They are masters on the soprano saxophone ('Reasons", Rangel) Too many influences to mention! Lohvissimo!

[@wyndhleodumegwu253]

Organic Real Jazz/Pure Jazz BARITONE SAXOPHONE: Harry Carney Gerry Mulligan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[@juggerdad831]

What are your thoughts on Maceo Parker?

[@alanfloyd3205]

Shake everything you got!

[@Lamo2100]

Rhythm Master, Staccato King 👑

[@jazzcornertv]

I believe the James Brown band hit a lot of Cats in the Middle. Funky Drummer was just another great Jazz solo, then Maceo, blow your horn. When they heard Maceo it was on.

[@Craig2760]

I have Aebersold Vol. 1 and ii V I books on VINYL!

[@Kingofsaxmountain]

inspired me to make a vid on the players who influenced me the most

[@dennis9242]

You wouldn't go wrong with Warne Marsh being on the list, but I like your approach.

[@Superdave131]

How about Ernie Watts and lets not forget Tim Cappello. Also would love to see a video on all the craziness of Adolph Sax.

[@bluessax5089]

Aw man, ya gotta put Sidney Bechet in there, but all that aside, great list! I like seeing the classical cats on there

[@peterhofman7188]

Michael Brecker, Michael Brecker, Michael. Brecker, MICHAEL Brecker , Mike Brecker , MICHAEL BRECKER, Oh and don't forget Michael Brecker!!!

[@jazzakely]

Dexter and Brecker ;)

[@jamesivylee376]

Sir Valor please also add their names in the description so we can find their material.

[@remidardenne6989]

Rip Wayne 😂 But that's a really really cool video 🎶

[@Sirvalorsax]

I feel you, Thanks for watching

[@KrisVComm]

Hard to make such a list. In modern times I’d think Brecker and Sanborn would’ve had more influence than people such as Branford.

[@meldavis7183]

Hank Mobley James moody hank crawford fathead Newman Stanley Turrentine paul Desmond zoot Simms clean head Vinson Clifford Scott dexter Gordon lockjaw davis gene ammons Annette Cobb Joshua redman Lou Donaldson. I listen to all of them.

[@toaster7884]

Granted that his influence has been relatively recent, I can see Chad LB being on a future list. Lots of people, especially teens, are listening to him and he puts out a lot of educational material.

[@davidwood351]

Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney, Gerry Mulligan

[@jazzcornertv]

Hey, take it easy on him. This is not the heavy weight category. It is just a warm up exercise.(lol)

[@Butterking99]

this guys basically bashes sirvalor for no reason i wanna hear @David Wood play 😂

[@johnbull6909]

Soprano is not easy to play, I have a lot of respect for Kenny G

[@ROY-COLLEY]

I know this guy spent a lot of times in the Duke Ellington Band ,but I think Johnny Hodges should be in there too. I Must be honest I like Kenny G . In fact I've seen him live ,and he was a really good entertainer.

[@wyndhleodumegwu253]

"A really good entertainer" he has been, commercially - a la Elvis Presley. Sales + Popularity = Producer, Label, Marketing, Genre... Then: Ace Cannon Fausto Papetti Boots Randolph King Curtis Junior Walker Kind of saxophone: soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, C-melody? Era and genre! Apple and orange mix! Surprised? Lohvissimo!

[@angelo_catalano]

Hodges is one of the greatest for sure. Kenny G is not bad necessarily just a different concept

[@attractiveglass]

He definitely should’ve made the list!

[@royhurst1004]

Ornette!

[@glen.s9860]

Kenny Garrett is your biggest miss and Boney James. Groover Washington

[@UserUser-pv2wo]

HI! Thank you very much for all the topics, you publish! Can you please put in the pending list this one for beginners: Reasoning behind alternate fingerings... I study alto sax mostly with help of you(tube) and online resources I can locate, always trying to find the most reasonable (not always easy) way of doing thing. I read some sources on the topic and one jazz-backed pro says in his book, it is important to use primary keys for all scales, etc., not sticking to any alternates.... namely bis key for Bb... another pro, I met offline in the pub, where I practice day hours, insists, A# must be played A+side, whenever I'm in # keys (where we meet clean B) and B+bis otherwise... Seems reasonable, but seems to me as well, they graduated from the same "music school", so the topic is pretty controversial and prone to mistakes for newbies like me. Can you disclose how you was taught and/or what is your approach to this stuff? Not only for bis, but F#, C(B+side) and high range (E+...). Any other, I forgot to mention?

[@EllosYoutubification]

never really heard any of the classical guys, including the number one. my influences are and have been mexican band sax players and all the greats black american musicians

[@bengtkyllinge3525]

I think David Sanborn and Michael Brecker should be there.

[@coajrmusic]

I knew where that whole preamble was going..in regards to....I'm sorry but I won't/can't say his names in the same breath as Branford..however, I do understand what you mean, and your criteria.... FYI- Sonny Stitt is my #1. 'Loverman' live baby.....and Cherokee.....

[@Sirvalorsax]

If you have HBO MAX, you have to check out the documentary on him. It covers why he is so hated and beloved by so many people. It's nice to see a documentary take this approach.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Can you recommend a good biography (or two) of Adolph Sax?

[@takisdoukas1829]

Michael Brecker ?

[@williamndaniels8798]

What about Stanley Turrentine, and Ernie Watts ?

[@jonathanclark7623]

What about Dexter Jug and Joe Henderson just to name some others who could be included

[@onesyphorus]

His parents were instrument makers too. Also genius made a new fingering system when he was 15.