Finally... Who is the greatest modern Soprano player

[CaillouSax]

For the moment, I don't have any favorite... and you?

[littlewailer]

Courtney Pine

[hakukani]

Wayne Shorter.

[Souportwenty]

I have really enjoyed Wayne Shorter's work and also am a big fan of Jane Bunnett's work on soprano. Still, if tone is the question, I would have to go with Branford.

[stormott77]

David Liebman. I heard him play and it was haunting how good he sounded.

[Bebopalot]

Of all soprano players that come to mind, Branford and Leibman are the only two modern soprano players that can actually play soprano, not just saxophone.

[jrvinson45]

Of all soprano players that come to mind, Branford and Leibman are the only two modern soprano players that can actually play soprano, not just saxophone.

......+1.

Admittedly though, I like Jay Beckenstein on sop.

[Phil Barone]

You guys haven't heard Brecker play soprano. I was lucky because he came to me for a soprano mouthpiece and I spent some time with him. He played soprano better than he played tenor. It was amazing. Phil Barone

[silverselmer]

I really dig Steve Wilson's soprano playing...same with Dick Oatts, Joshua Redman and Branford is great as well.

[Tryptykon]

Not voting for him as greatest, but I've always loved Jan Garbarek's approach

[modman]

Courtney Pine

I have given Courtney Pine alot of ear time lately and he is stellar both on soprano and tenor.

+1


B8-)

[gary]

Kenny Gorelick - without a doubt.



(I loved Joe Farrell, BTW.)

[warp x]

Lacy.

[hakukani]

Lacy.

Lacy was the greatest ever.

I've always thought that Branford had a similar sound to Wayne's.

[modman]

Gerry Niewood was an excellent soprano player. r.i.p.

B8-)

[jrvinson45]

Lacy.

Lacy was the greatest ever.

I've always thought that Branford had a similar sound to Wayne's.

Yes, on both counts.

[maestroelite]

You guys haven't heard Brecker play soprano. I was lucky because he came to me for a soprano mouthpiece and I spent some time with him. He played soprano better than he played tenor. It was amazing. Phil Barone

He plays sop on the album "The New Standard", not sure about any other albums.

[shotgun]

I'd choose Lacy. For one thing, he actually sounds like he's playing a saxophone and not some oboe-ish Middle Eastern contraption. And he also deserves some credit for picking up the straight horn and using it to play modern jazz during a time when it was pretty much relegated to dixieland a la Bob Wilbur and Bechet.

[jrvinson45]

This thread has me twirling through my iPod listening to various players and I'd like to cast a vote for Steve Marcus... I'm specifically listening to "Country Road," on the Steve Marcus Project CD which was finished by his combo after his passing. Also, he's the big reason that the Buddy Rich video in the Jazz Icons set is my favorite.

[hakukani]

I'd choose Lacy. For one thing, he actually sounds like he's playing a saxophone and not some oboe-ish Middle Eastern contraption. And he also deserves some credit for picking up the straight horn and using it to play modern jazz during a time when it was pretty much relegated to dixieland a la Bob Wilbur and Bechet.

Who plays like that?

[Kritavi]

Lacy.

Lacy was the greatest ever.


Yes he was.

[CraigH]

Timothy McAllister gets my vote for one of the greatest modern soprano players.

[burak]

hey folks don t forget john coltrane...........

[Kubalivre]

hey folks don t forget john coltrane...........

There's no way he was the best on soprano.

Regarding Brecker, that's a bold statement, Phil. I don't question its source, but damn, it's a person who most tenor men wouldn't take too much time to hail as God. I'd love to have heard him.

[Jazz Is All]

Without a doubt, Steve Lacy.

I posted a thread about him on Friday giving the reasons why I believe that. A number of members concurred, giving their own thoughts and experiences of hearing him / knowing him / learning from him and about his importance and influence not just on the soprano as a jazz instrument but on the form of the music itself. Great reading and listening....check it out.

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?p=1127166#post1127166

[littlewailer]

hey folks don t forget john coltrane...........

Then at what point is it modern and at what point is it vintage?

When Shorter was mentioned I'd assume it's because his career has spanned into the modern era.

Trane is pure vintage

[NyNe143]

I second Kenny Gorelick

[CooolJazzz]

I guess he may not exactly qualify as "modern" since he died in 1985...but my favorite soprano player was Zoot Sims. Sound...style...the whole ball of wax.

[themacintrasher]

How has no one mentioned Branford Marsalis yet?

[CraigH]

How has no one mentioned Branford Marsalis yet?

Read the thread from the beginning. Posts #4,6,7,9

[Bebopalot]

How has no one mentioned Branford Marsalis yet?

You callin' me a nobody? ;)

[CaillouSax]

There is quite a deal of different views... Interesting.

[SaxSkier]

I second Jay Beckenstein .. he has it mastered and uses soprano more than alto or tenor now and it always seems to fit.
... I wish Brecker played it more -- he likely would have expanded it's boundries like he did on tenor -- first time I noticed him playing it was on African Skies on Out of the Loop.

..... ( Gary -- Joe Farrel was an early inspiration for me on soprano too)

[Phil Barone]

It's a shame soprano sucks so bad. Phil Barone

[themacintrasher]

How has no one mentioned Branford Marsalis yet?

Read the thread from the beginning. Posts #4,6,7,9
Wow, I thought my skimming abilities were far greater than they really are. Also add, Chris Potter, James Carter Joshua Redman, Keith Jarret and Bill Evans.

[Phil Barone]

How has no one mentioned Branford Marsalis yet?

Read the thread from the beginning. Posts #4,6,7,9
Wow, I thought my skimming abilities were far greater than they really are. Also add, Chris Potter, James Carter Joshua Redman, Keith Jarret and Bill Evans.

At the expense of sounding like an old fart. What's this worlds coming to?

Phil Barone

[Chilly Zee]

You guys haven't heard Brecker play soprano. I was lucky because he came to me for a soprano mouthpiece and I spent some time with him. He played soprano better than he played tenor. It was amazing. Phil Barone

He plays sop on the album "The New Standard", not sure about any other albums.

He played soprano on "Secret Heart" on the Brecker Brothers "Out of the Loop" album. Beautiful!

Some other players I like on Soprano: Ernie Watts, Bob Mintzer, Ron Blake, Bob Sheppard, Tom Scott.

Charlie

[asaxman]

Yeah, I'll go with Bradford.

[asaxman]

Keith Jarret, Yikes, some of the worst soprano playing in the history of music!

[silvin]

Did I already answer "Jan Garbarek" ? :D

[Jazz House]

it's a shame soprano sucks so bad. Phil barone

????????????????????? :?:?

[Jaaky]

John Surman, especially with 'The Trio' in the seventies.

[LiAm84]

Branford or
Bob Wilber maybe?

[bjornblomberg]

You guys haven't heard Brecker play soprano. I was lucky because he came to me for a soprano mouthpiece and I spent some time with him. He played soprano better than he played tenor. It was amazing. Phil Barone

He plays sop on the album "The New Standard", not sure about any other albums.

I think he plays soprano on an album by Claus Ogerman, as well. I think it is the album entitled Claus Ogerman featuring Michal Brecker, but might be the cityscape album. Very nice playing (needless to say...).

[segaleon]

Wayne Shorter and David Liebman. Nice to hear them both play (so differently) on "Live Under the Sky" (tribute to Trane in Japan).

[michaelbaird]

None have you guys probably have ever heard of Rock Williams in Nashville, but he plays soprano and sopranino very well....I've never cared for soprano that much myself. I liked Art Porter, RIP

[Kelly Bucheger]

Wayne Shorter and David Liebman. Nice to hear them both play (so differently) on "Live Under the Sky" (tribute to Trane in Japan).
For folks who aren't familiar with the above, Mr. P.C. from that release can be found here on YouTube... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEDeROOFGok)

[NissanVintageSax]

Branford Marsalis and Dave Liebman for sure. There's a woman too, that was pointed out on this board too, that puts them both to shame for sheer style! Real sax playing! But I can't remember her name for the life of me!

[BarrySachs]

Branford or
Bob Wilber maybe?

Very different styles here, but both of these cats play the tar out of the soprano.

Sam Newsome is a cat who has decided to specialise in soprano.

Joe Temperley, known mainly for baritone, has an unreal sound on soprano! Must hear it in person to believe.

In years past the soprano has been overlooked, but some fine examples of the soprano's glory came out of Zoot Sims, Jerome Richardson, Lucky Thompson and Eddie Daniels. Try to find an old '70s recording of Hammond organ player, Don Patterson with Eddie Daniels on soprano. Outstanding!

[shotgun]

I'd choose Lacy. For one thing, he actually sounds like he's playing a saxophone and not some oboe-ish Middle Eastern contraption. And he also deserves some credit for picking up the straight horn and using it to play modern jazz during a time when it was pretty much relegated to dixieland a la Bob Wilbur and Bechet.

Who plays like that?
The ones with that nasally sound.

[Chicken 'Lil]

Branford Marsalis and Dave Liebman for sure. There's a woman too, that was pointed out on this board too, that puts them both to shame for sheer style! Real sax playing! But I can't remember her name for the life of me!

Jane Ira Bloom?

For me it's Wayne and Bran. I love playing soprano more than tenor. Like Andy wrote, Sam Newsome is also interesting. I went to Berklee with him when he was a tenor player. Switched to just soprano many years ago. He's excellent. Billy Pierce is a totally underrated soprano player. When I was studying with him he really got me to understand the instrument better.

Brandon Fields is really killing on soprano. I don't always like his musical choices but that guy can flat out play. His time, harmonic concept and technique are unimpeachable. As can Sam Phipps.

[Joe Bananas]

Chris Potter

[CaillouSax]

The list is long...

[porbem]

Steve Lacy has been the best soprano in jazz EVER! (and he was a great person too!)

Since he departed, I think we may now look into:
Evan Parker
David Liebman
Michel Doneda
Paul Dunmall

[bluesaxgirl]

Branford Marsalis all the way. I love his soprano tone much more than his tenor sound.
His tenor sound seems quite common to me (I may be opening a can worms saying that), but his soprano sound is smooth and unique.

[CaillouSax]

The worms will surely come out... :D

[herryowen]

No one has played the instrument as originally as Wayne Shorter. Other soprano players, while many are great, share many similarities as far as tone and technique. No one comes close to even touching Wayne.

[barisaxbeast]

Julian Smith a.k.a Joolz Gianni! (Well he probably thinks he is)

[BigVSax]

Branford Marsalis all the way.

Gotta agree here.

Love Branford's soprano sound and his technique is great as well.

[MM]

Branford has great control of the horn and can play intense without going nasal or harsh. Though I am not crazy about the tunes he's been playing soprano on lately. I love Wayne's uncluttered approach. Another player often overlooked is Paul McCandless. Awesome command of the horn and an interesting improvisor coming from a totally different direction than most pure jazz players (as is Garbarek.) Harvey Wainapel plays excellent soprano.

Since the operating verb was "is" I guess this is limited to living players, so no mention of Trane? (But several have already brought up Lacy...) Coltrane definitely started an entire school of soprano playing in jazz. Yes, I know Lacy played it first but I'd argue Trane influenced more players. In fact, another unmentioned one still with us is the terrific George Garzone. Liebman too of course....

They're all good.

[Chicken 'Lil]

Harvey Weinapel plays excellent soprano.


Agreed on Harvey (though I think it's Wainapel). He's a crazy great player. When I lived in the Bay Area I'd sit in with him from time to time and it was always a humbling experience. Then we'd play some Jobim. Ugh. His knowledge of Brazilian music is deep. If he lived in NYC he'd be a household name.

[KevinSax]

How about Najee?

[falis]

No one has played the instrument as originally as Wayne Shorter. Other soprano players, while many are great, share many similarities as far as tone and technique. No one comes close to even touching Wayne.

Sam Rivers' soprano work is also unique, like everything else he does.

- Ed

[JonL]

Brecker did a few tunes on soprano on Out of the Loop as well as Return of the Brecker Bros. He played soprano live when they toured, and it was indeed a remarkable thing to behold.

Shorter is, for me, notable in the rare company at the top of the list. But Gerry Mulligan and Jimmy Heath are also both great soprano players.

[BigVSax]

Branford... not crazy about the tunes he's been playing soprano on lately...Another player often overlooked is Paul McCandless.

Agree with Branford, but I have been a little more disappointed with his recent tenor stuff than the soprano.

McCandless has a really melodic feel and is one of my favorites as well.

[CaillouSax]

Wayne Shorter and David Liebman. Nice to hear them both play (so differently) on "Live Under the Sky" (tribute to Trane in Japan).
For folks who aren't familiar with the above, Mr. P.C. from that release can be found here on YouTube... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEDeROOFGok)

It's the first time I see that. Great!

[melvinsax]

Steve Lacy, then Eric Marienthal!

[porbem]

Sam Rivers' soprano work is also unique, like everything else he does.

- Ed

Thanks Ed:
+1 on Sam Rivers (I missed him!)

[MM]

Sorry for mispelling Wainapel. And yes his Brazilian choro work, especially on clarinet, is incredible. Is he no longer spending time in NYC? I thought he was a bicoastal guy.

[vonbraig]

Liebman is a contender

[asaxman]

Michael Brecker played soprano AND flute on an early Hal Galper album, and sounded great on both. It was from the late 70's or early 80's. I can't remember the name of the record - somebody help me here!

[porbem]

Michael Brecker played soprano AND flute on an early Hal Galper album, and sounded great on both. It was from the late 70's or early 80's. I can't remember the name of the record - somebody help me here!

Maybe on this one (Children of the Night):

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:dxfexqljldke

or maybe not:

http://www.stevekhan.com/calla.htm

[Blowhard2]

Klaus Gesing - whom I saw play in the Norfolk & Norwich ( UK) festival last week. Definitely from the Garbrek / classical school, but a fantastic, full, tone & technique - spellbinding live in Norman Cathedral.

We were so lucky this year, as Courtney Pine and Andy Sheppard were playing in
other Festival concerts too.( Some Directors know how to put on a programme! - even in rural UK )

[jpluidl]

A superfluous question in the first place. But just for kicks, don't forget Phil Woods. Listen to him on Live From The Showboat circa 1976.

[TheWane]

I think Urs Leimgruber is a great soprano player.

[unbalancedaction]

Wayne Shorter
Steve Lacy
Dave Liebman
Tim Ries
Joe Lovano

[olhonker]

Bob Wilbur and Kenny Davern (rip)...............The bet duo ever. Bruce Brennan, NY

[bahalvorsen]

Branford Marsalis
Wayne Shorter
Dave Liebman
Chris Potter

[olhonker]

And the greatest pure soprano player ever.............drum roll.....................
FRANK WEIR #1 SONG FOR MONTHS WITH HIS " HAPPY WANDERER". (1955) Google him, it's worth listening to.

[CaillouSax]

And the greatest pure soprano player ever.............drum roll.....................
FRANK WEIR #1 SONG FOR MONTHS WITH HIS " HAPPY WANDERER". (1955) Google him, it's worth listening to.

1955... Hummm... The question asked for "modern". :D

[Joe Bananas]

Chris Potter

Did i said that?!...:drunken:

Ok, no regret about Chris Potter but after a focused listening i have to admit that i much preffer Sam Rivers.

Anthony Braxton is also great in my opinion.

And of course the sadly late Steve Lacy specially in his early recordings.

[The Wakehamator]

+1 to Courtney Pine. I saw him live yesterday and his sound, on soprano, tenor, bass clarinet and flute is amazing!

[falis]

Chris Potter

Did i said that?!...:drunken:

Ok, no regret about Chris Potter but after a focused listening i have to admit that i much preffer Sam Rivers.

Anthony Braxton is also great in my opinion.

And of course the sadly late Steve Lacy specially in his early recordings.

Sam continues to amaze.

[porbem]

Chris Potter

Did i said that?!...:drunken:

Ok, no regret about Chris Potter but after a focused listening i have to admit that i much preffer Sam Rivers.

Anthony Braxton is also great in my opinion.

And of course the sadly late Steve Lacy specially in his early recordings.

Sam continues to amaze.

If we won't be able to agree on Steve Lacy, then I may second you on Sam!

[michaelbaird]

How about Najee?
I like Najee's playing but not always his choice of material.

[Little Sax]

[...]Another player often overlooked is Paul McCandless. Awesome command of the horn and an interesting improvisor coming from a totally different direction than most pure jazz players (as is Garbarek.)[...]


[...]McCandless has a really melodic feel and is one of my favorites as well.

An additional vote for Paul McCandless here.

[hakukani]

[...]Another player often overlooked is Paul McCandless. Awesome command of the horn and an interesting improvisor coming from a totally different direction than most pure jazz players (as is Garbarek.)[...]


[...]McCandless has a really melodic feel and is one of my favorites as well.

An additional vote for Paul McCandless here.

I like his oboe sound better.

[Joe Giardullo]

Consideration has to be given to some Europeans: Evan Parker, Gianni Mimmo, Lol Coxhill to name just three. Give them a listen.

[porbem]

Consideration has to be given to some Europeans: Evan Parker, Gianni Mimmo, Lol Coxhill to name just three. Give them a listen.

I can agree with that; may we also include John Butcher and Joe Giardullo (himself! ;))

[Joe Giardullo]

Hey Porbem

How much do I owe you for those kind words (and how could I forget John Butcher)?

Play on!

JG

[Tenor Gladness]

STEVE LACY



Saw him at a free concert in Jordan Hall Boston. He played solo- Monk tunes and originals.
Spellbinding (Until some nitwit's cell phone went off!)

[eldrad]

Steve Wilson, Wayne Shorter and Ravi Coltrane. Saw the Maria Schneider orchestra in Toronto, and Wilson was amazing (as well as all the rest of the group)

[JS]

Wayne Shorter
Branford Marsalis
Steve Wilson
Rick Margitza
Bob Sheppard

[ParrotTheLegends]

Joshua Redman, Branford, Steve Lacy, Wayne and I have to say Chris Cheek sounds unique and amazing on soprano. Devin Phillips (a Portland area player) is incredible on soprano too, he has probably the darkest soprano sound I've ever heard.

[FredGUnn]

For current cats I gotta go with Branford. Have y'all checked out Lucky Thompson's soprano playing though? His recordings Lucky Strikes and Soul Finger with Art Blakey are both great. Soul Finger also marks the recording debut of Gary Bartz I think.
Fred

[saxflutist_]

For the moment, I don't have any favorite... and you?

I actually don't think it makes sense aiming to define the greatest player, but it is worth discussing the top players who can inspire us and that we may not have crossed in our musical journey.

That said, the name I would like to share with you is Tim Garland. His soprano work with the trio Acoustic Triangle is marvelous. I heard him live in St Cyprian's church, London in 2007 and it was a moving experience.

[ultasax]

LACY..... Rare connection to the music. AN EXTRAORDINARILY NATURAL SOUND. Understated, yet emotionally charged. One of the most rewarding soprano players. In the tradition, ++ minimalism at its best.To hear how timing and intervalic notion and nuance can be used,together with the magical tensions inherent in heartfelt real jazz,,, lacy is one of the foremost examples......

[Sasquatch]

The greatest soprano player is the the one who chooses not to.

But seriously, I rather enjoy Branford Marsalis.

[Steve J.]

Greatest Player - hard to argue against Steve Lacy.

My favorite tone (sound) on soprano is Brandon Fields. My tonal concept goal on all the saxes is my own with the exception of soprano. His is the sound I so gravitate to. To me so alluring. - Just a big personal preference. Check him out if you haven't listened.

[ojmbaz]

you should listen to Michel Portal and Louis Sclavis. very nice clarinet, bass clarinet and soprano playing