Best Alto Sound

[racerv123]

edit* I was wondering, in your opinion, who has the best sound on alto. This is overall, not in one particular category of sound. I would probably put Johnny Hodges at the 1 spot.

[BlueNote]

"Best" is subjective.

Aside from that, I've always dug Cannonball's tone.

[Martin Williams]

I know it isnt me, I absolutely hate my alto sound. Maybe thats why I havent played my alto in about half a year...

Martin Williams

[SaxforGod]

I guess I will say it before someone else does...Paul Desmond!

An extremely close sencond would be Bird.

After listening to "Live at Birdland," I would have to say that Gerald Albright tops this list also...I mean WOW...what a power-house!!! If you ask me, his talent goes to waste playing R&B.

[Gandalfe]

Desmond was the first guy I thought of. Many people have taken up alto sax after hearing him. And many of us, including me have chased that Desmond sound.

[bruce bailey]

I was in a store in 1961 and a record was playing that I bought. All alto with guitar and drums playing little ditties and some Rudy W. stuff and it was the clearest simple sound that I have heard to this day. I still have it and I have seen a few on the net for about $100. Verve label and the title was "Johnny Twig and His Happy Music". I have no idea who was playing (probably a L.A. studio guy) and have never seen any other recordings of his.

[Minatar12]

Don't care for Desmond's sound myself. I love Eric Dolphy's sound, but my main man for tone is Jackie McLean. No one sounds like him.

[Toni Linder]

my main man for tone is Jackie McLean. No one sounds like him.

I love McLean's sound and phrasing, too. I would listen more often to it if his intonation was better.

But the alto sound I have been prefering for the last year or so is definitely Jesse Davis'. Justen listen to his From Within CD and you'll know why.

[Bart]

Phil Woods :idea1:

[Saxaholic]

Paul Desmond.

Saxaholic

[SaxyAcoustician]

It would depend on the genre. Having said that, Jim Snidero has a very sweet sound on the alto (jazz). So does Everette Harp (smooth). And so does Francois Daneels (classical).

[SaxyAcoustician]

I forgot David Sanborn (pop).

[bronzZoot]

Bob Mintzer

[saxophrenic]

Benny Carter 8-)

[water baby]

I don't think I have seen or heard Mintzer ever play an alto...

I have had the good fortune to see him in person a few times, and while he does switch to bass clarinet occaisionally, I think he's strictly a tenor man...

I could be wrong though... I never really listened to him play with the Yellowjackets...

I thought that band was better with Marc Russo, IMHO

[bronzZoot]

Sorry guys, I saw best Alot Sound and automatically thought best saxophone sound... and I definitely like Mintzer's tenor playing... I've never heard him play alto either... my bad on that one guys... I saw the Yellowjackets w/ Mintzer a few months ago in Harrisburg, PA. I was blown away... I've never heard the group with Russo though.

[kevvieg]

Depends on the genre. For Straightahead I would go for Cannonball, 70's Phil Woods or Gary Bartz. Let's not forget Dick Oatts and Marc Vinci either

For commercial styles, I like Grover and Sanborn

[ANewBeginning]

I really like Richie Cole's sound

[HeavyWeather77]

Wow, nobody here seems to be a Kenny Garrett fan. He's number 1 with me. To keep with contemporary guys, Chris Potter's alto sound (and playing) is unbelievable, and the same goes for Dave Pietro. As far as the old guys go, Cannonball and Bird for sure, but after that it's all about Lee Konitz for me... I'm more in the Konitz camp than the Desmond camp, I guess. To each his or her own.

[electricninja]

Me.

[Dig Gonsalves]

Jimmy Lyons.

[tinpalaceroach]

well Benny Carter for speaking(playing) elegantly,rythmically,precisely in the language of Jazz,Bird for rewriting the rules of that language,Eric Dolphy for elegantly,rythmically,precisely,bending the rules and inventing new sonic dialects plus a new language. the continuing alto sound permeates our consciousness from past to present.

[MonchMan]

Hands Down ... Art Pepper

[jrvinson45]

I agree with electricninja... It's me... 8-)

[Alex Segal]

No one mention Sonny Stitt yet? Well there we go.

[king koeller]

Charlie Parker had the most original sound on the Alto Saxophone of anybody who ever lived in the 20th cent. or lives now in the 21 st century.
He wrote the book on Alto tone and personal , expressive, from the heart playing!
I'm amazed to be the first to say "Bird", and don't get me wrong , I love everybody elses choices too!
But when it comes to the complete package, Charles "Yard Bird" Parker is the real deal!
He Lived and died for Bebop Jazz Alto Saxophone!

:razz: BIRD LIVES!! :P

[BIGSAX]

Lou Donaldson's sound is also great.

[Minatar12]

Hear hear on Bird! His oft-criticized tone is one of my very favorites.

[king koeller]

ERNIE HENRY DIED SO YOUNG THAT HE NEVER BECAME FAMOUS.
Listen to his recordings, he may have been the next torch holder, of the Alto cup after Bird and Stitt, but he died at such a young age.
Explosive playing!!!
"King"

[Minatar12]

I don't care for his tone, but his playing has been severely neglected and underrated. I first became aware of him when listening to Monk's album "Brilliant Corners." He holds his own with Sonny Rollins. Not QUITE on the same level of course, but he holds his own, and would have gone a lot farther had he remained alive.

Sadly, there have been so many jazz musicians who I could say the same thing for.

[EllSyd]

If you're looking for a big fat sound, vote is for Earl Bostic. Otherwise I'd say Cannonball Adderly.

[SaxyAcoustician]

I don't know why I forgot this person the last time I posted on this thread.

Steve Williams of the Navy Band Commodores. Wow, what a sweet sound! :shock:

[Minatar12]

Of the younger cats, my favorite alto sound would be Greg Osby. Heard him play on friday here with Steve Smith. Blew me away...one of the best live concerts I've ever been to. His sound was exceptional.

[David B]

I can't believe not one vote for Lenny Niehaus. IMHO very underappreciated. Bobby Millitello ( Dave Brubeck) replaced Desmond and comes very close to his pure sound.

But I would have to agree that for consistency of tone combined with immense technical facility there is only one name: Cannonball

[TMadness1013]

Phil Woods, Earl Bostic

[StrtdTooLate]

Johnny Hodges

[namenotfound06]

david newman but i like most of the other tones aswell

[JASaxman]

I still think David Sanborn has the best sound. (but that's just me) Cannnball Adderly also has a great tone.

[BrianL]

Echoing what an earlier poster said, Desmond is the reason I took up saxophone. I remember hearing Take Five in fourth grade, thinking it was one of the coolest songs I've ever heard. Picked up saxophone two years later, and five years later, still digging that Desmond sound.

I'll have to toss in another vote for Phil Woods. All The Things you are is another one of my favorite tunes.

[SaxPower]

Candy Dulfer and Paul Desmond

SaxPower

[Randall]

CBA and surprsingly, Sonny Stitt

[BigDaddyJ]

For me, the alto sound is all about Kenny Garrett.

later

Joel

[JL]

[b] BIRD LIVES!! :P

I'm with king koeller. Bird was the man on alto. But I'm not able to narrow it down to one person having the best tone or sound, because there is an almost infinite spectrum of great sounds. Having said that, I'll mention Sonny Criss, who had a great alto sound, IMO.

[goodsax]

My all-time fav, Paul Desmond. More recently, Lee Konitz and Gary Foster.

[Keith Ridenhour]

Eric Marienthal, Nelson Rangell, Oliver Nelson, Charles McPherson.

[Altoman5]

Charlie Parker and Cannonball (Jazz) & Dave Koz and Eric Marienthal (Smooth).

[Phantom 7]

how can ya'll ever decide? I enjoy Sanborn, Phil Woods, Candy Dulfer, Eric M., Desmond (of course), Cannonball, Ace Cannon (oldie but goodie), Art Pepper......the list goes on.

[Toni Linder]

The one and only Brad Leali, just listen to his "Priority Soul" CD.

Brad plays with a warm, compact sound that goes from velvet to razor sharp. He plays on a Keilwerth alto with a copper neck.

[Stretch]

P. J. Perry and Campbell Ryga are my favourites among the living, among the departed it would be Cannonball.

[sonnymoon]

I concur with most of the entries, but I'd like to pay homage to an unsung hero and great doubler, as well, James Spaulding. Check out Freddie Hubbard's Breaking Point and Hubtones . His thought process and economy add to a pure tone unlike any in jazz.

[littlemanbighorn]

I'm a huge fan of Tim Berne. His sound and lines are great, and his compositions are amazing.
I'm also a big fan of Michael Moore of ICP Orchestra and Clusone trio fame.

[JASaxman]

The more I thought about it, and read some other posts, I think I like my own tone the best. :D

But if you really think about it, its kind of odd that a lot of us spend so much time listening to others, that we don't really sit back and listen to our own tone. After awhile, you may find that you like your own sound the best. ...ok, enough words of wisdom...

[Randall]

Jeff....you sound more like Dave Sanborn than Dave Sanborn! :D

[JASaxman]

Uh-oh... my head is swelling.... I might not be able to get my head through the doorway after that comment. :glasses7: Thanks yee!

[hall3]

Donald Hayes

[BlueNote]

I'm actually getting into Kenny Garrett's tone (and style).

[Minatar12]

James Spaulding was a very underrated player, great sound.

We recently had Bud Shank as a guest artist here, and I was quite impressed with his sound...he has this way of making his tone get really coarse and rough...it's not growling, it's something else, and was really cool.

[CSVT7]

I think Paquito D'Rivera has a very clear smooth alto sound, I like him alto!

[primetime]

I'm a bit surprised to be the first to say it, but how's about Sonny Criss? If you hear him play Black Coffee on the album This is Criss! you'll probably hear what I'm talkin' about!....but I'm still a Cannonball man through and through...

[Razzy]

Dick Oatts has a breathtaking sound. Chris Potter gets another vote, too.

[Grey]

I've been listening to Parker quite a bit and I like his sound a lot. However, my vote would probably go to Paul Desmond, with a quick second to Parker.

[1stchair]

Candy Dulfer
Gerald Albright

[RickBusarow]

I'm a bit surprised that there are so many mentions of Desmond, but only one of Lee Konitz.

Well, now there are two "votes" for Lee.

And another for Paul as well.

[sessionsax]

In jazz oriented thread, let me dare to say early Sanborn when he first switched to a Dukoff and throughout the 80s. I still am amazed with his sound on Straight to the heart thru the Close up albums. Its why I play sax today.

[hgiles]

How can you not like Sanborn's tone? I also like Sonny Stitt quite a bit. Phil Woods' Mark VI days were great too. I haven't heard him on the Yamaha though.

[CMelodyMan]

I've always liked Charlie Parker's sound. I regret to say that there will probably never be anyone who will have equal skill to that guy. I also lik Benny Carter's sound.

[Agent27]

While I like both of them, I've never been a big fan of the tones of Bird and KG. For me it's all about Cannonball. That said, James Carter sound fantastic on alto. Listen to "Parker's Mood" on Conversin' With the Elders.

[Bootman]

Art Pepper, Cannonball has always been a favourite. What about Louis Jordan too.

[GHawk]

I'm with Boot and and the rest of y'all about Cannonball. There are two modern players with different sounds that I really dig - Marienthal and Albright. I don't like to think of either of them as smooth jazzers, even though they produce albums in that genre - hey, it pays the bills, I suppose. Get a copy of Eric on Chick Corea's Electric Band stuff or Gerald's "Live at Birdland West". Both of these will knock your socks off! Also, Everett Harp has a fabulous sound (and the technique to go with it!).

[JMac]

On the jazz front - I'm on the Desmond / Cannonball / Pepper train with some Konitz thrown in. One name I'd like to add is Sadao Watanabe (http://www.sadao.com/). Came across his work when I was on a Brazilian music kick. Whew - if I had his tone I'd be a happy camper.

[Alto Giant]

Cannonball!!!!!

[Toot Sweet!]

Being Swiss, I vote for my compatriote (and ex-teacher) George Robert.

Just listen to the CDs of the George Robert / Tom Harrell quintet or to his CD with Phil Woods and you'll hear why!

[JfW]

Bill Aron

[Saxland]

I have to say it's Canada's premier alto saxophonist PJ Perry. Bird and Phil Woods in one!!!! Very few soloist's have put out an album with full orchestra, and a national tour let alone a bebop jazz saxophonist. PJ has been Grammy nominated with Rob McConnell's Grammy and Juno winning Boss Brass "core" and newer ensemble called The Tentet. He has been nominated several times, and won one "Juno", Canada's Grammy. A national treasure he just released a CD with trumpet master Bobby Shew. PJPerry dot com. He's THE MAN.

[Stan]

Lee Konitz 8-) (after Bird of course...) but... once I heard a live performance of Ornette Coleman and its sound was amazing, clear, wonderful...
it's hard to choose...

Stan

[jrvinson45]

So many years, so many great altoists, but... I just got a two album CD by Sonny Stitt named "Goin' Down Slow" about a week or so ago, and I can't stop listening to it. Since this thread is best alto sound, I have to say that Sonny's sound on this set would be the one I'd most like to try to emulate. Full bodied, rich sound, with the speed and agility that has always put him in comparisons to Bird. But wait, listen again, even with the speed, he "speaks" with a distinct elocution that makes you know who's in control. Geez he was fantastic! I have other Sonny Stitt albums, but this one is definitely a grabber that will make anyone a believer. On the first track, there is almost 10 minutes of playing without hearing Sonny, but when he starts playing you've got to smile... that rich lush alto makes you want to go back to the woodshed. I'm awed by Bird, love Desmond, respect Kim Richmond, pay homage to Phil Woods, Cannonball, and Hodges, but the sound I'd like to have for myself (on alto)... Sonny Stitt! I still reserve the right to change my mind next week when I find another great album by... who knows...:sunny:

[rfrank01]

for all time, i'd have to say cannonball.
among the living, miguel zenon and will vinson. vinson (a brit who lives/plays in NY) has the biggest, sweetest sound i've ever heard live on alto...fills up any room.

[BlueNote]

My vote goes to Cannonball Adderley for dead, and Vincent Herring for alive.

[ThomasK]

.....

[Raycd]

Charlie Parker, Cannaball, Sonny Stitt and Paul Desmound.

[jrvinson45]

for all time, i'd have to say cannonball.
among the living, miguel zenon and will vinson. vinson (a brit who lives/plays in NY) has the biggest, sweetest sound i've ever heard live on alto...fills up any room.

Vinson... hmmm. Ok he's got my vote.

[StrtdTooLate]

Johnny Hodges
Lou Donaldson

[altoist]

Tough to pick just one favorite. For me, Paul Desmond, Johnny Hodges, and
Sonny Criss are my favorite sax sounds from the dead guys. Bird, of course,
sounds great. He could play with a tone as pretty as a lark, or as powerful
and strong as a train. Earl Bostic could sound really nice, but the excessive
growl annoys me after a while.

Of the living, I like Dave Glasser's tone a lot. Hank Crawford too, that guy
sounds just great, and he hasn't lost anything over the years. Richie Cole
has a sound I admire a lot, I wish he cut more records. Lou Donaldson still
sounds great. I like Bud Shank's tone on those Braziliance albums with
Laurindo Almeida, his new tone less so, but he is still great.

So, jrvinson45, why isn't Cleanhead on your list? Is that Stitt album that good? I have a ton of Stitt CDs, but not that one, so I wouldn't mind adding more. The one I REALLY want is "Endgame Brilliance", but it's out of print and
selling for $75 at Amazon stores. There is also a Hodges album ("Plays the
Prettiest Gershwin") that is out of print that I need.

I've found that the more I listen, it gets harder to find tones that I really dislike, and even players who's sounds I didn't like at first (Kenny Garrett)
grow on me and I change my mind. I guess it's better that it works that way rather than liking fewer sounds over time!

[CircaRevival]

On alto I have also pursued the Desmond sound...but I always just sound like me...8-)

So, my vote is for D e s m o n d

[jrvinson45]

So, jrvinson45, why isn't Cleanhead on your list? Is that Stitt album that good? I have a ton of Stitt CDs, but not that one, so I wouldn't mind adding more. The one I REALLY want is "Endgame Brilliance", but it's out of print and
selling for $75 at Amazon stores. There is also a Hodges album ("Plays the
Prettiest Gershwin") that is out of print that I need.

I've found that the more I listen, it gets harder to find tones that I really dislike, and even players who's sounds I didn't like at first (Kenny Garrett)
grow on me and I change my mind. I guess it's better that it works that way rather than liking fewer sounds over time!

Hi altoist,
Cleanhead probably isn't on my list for the same reason Will Vinson isn't on my list... I have a hole in my CD library and I shall try to remedy it forthwith, for you are once again right on the money...the more I listen the more I like... and that goes for Sonny Stitt also. The "Goin' Down Slow" album happens to be a snapshot in time over a long career, and I don't know whether I like that snapshot better than others, or whether I've grown into Sonny's sound. I rather think that on this particular album, he plays more alto with the kind of phat sound I'd normally associate with a tenorman, and that remined me of Houston's sound and everything kinda got well for me. Hope all is well back in Silicon Valley... Summer's finally over out here in the desert. By the way, I picked up Desmond's "First Place Again" CD on CD Universe and it's the first time in a long time I've been able to find it at a reasonable price. "Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West" is the PERFECT example of less being more... now if they'd only do Desmond's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" somewhere other than the high ticket copies coming out of Japan.
John

[altoist]

Hi jrvinson45,
Yes, it looks like cduniverse has some good deals, and that there are
reissues coming out of Spain at a good price. Hopefully more old music
will make it back on the shelves. Oh yeah, if you don't have Desmond's "Summertime", you need to get it.

I should have mentioned Bobby Watson among living guys, as well as
dozens of others. His tune Lemoncello on Horizon Reassembled should
be a future standard, and I really like his tone on that CD. He did a
Johnny Hodges tribute, which is classy, but no one sounds like Hodges.

I've paid for the expensive Japanese imports, including Sonny Stitt with the Oscar Peterson Trio. I love Stitt's playing on both horns, when Sonny
was on fire it was like an H-bomb!

I'm glad things are "cool" in AZ now. Life is good here, another mouth to feed on the way. I hope she likes the saxophone...

[jrvinson45]

Altoist, don't worry, "chicks" dig the saxophone.

[jrvinson45]

Maybe I should change my tag line... for Pete's sake... don't name your daughter Zoot!

[clarnibass]

As someone who is not crazy about the sound of saxophone usually (don't kill me!) I think there are too many players to decide, but if I had to, my favorites would be Eric Dolphy and Charlie Parker.

[frisk]

I like Jackie McLeans sound. It's bright and cuts trought. Benny Carter has also nice fat sound. For younger guys I like Bobby Watson and Steve Wilson. Also finnish Jukka Perko is great. Check out "Kaanaanmaa" by him. Great stuff.

[altosaxguy1]

who has the best sound? me of course no im just kidding all cannonball artist

[catseyeweb]

"Dr." Charles Neville :salute:


Maybe I should change my tag line... for Pete's sake... don't name your daughter Zoot!
[Monty Python and the Holy Grail].Oh, bad, naughty Zoot!.....[/Monty Python]:rofl

[Bikedog]

Frank Morgan

[jrvinson45]

"Dr." Charles Neville :salute:


[Monty Python and the Holy Grail].Oh, bad, naughty Zoot!.....[/Monty Python]:rofl

LOVE IT!;)

[Casa Valdez]

Charles McPherson has the biggest alto sound I've ever heard in person. It's HUGE!

Some of the great sounds no one has mentioned are:
Willie Smith, Bob Mover, Douglas Yates, Charlie Mariano, Jimmy Mosher

[Tim Price]

http://www.traversino.com/joe_maini_website/default.htm

JOE MAINI

Wonder if anyone ever heard ( or was CURIOUS enough ) to listen to the recording with ;Max Roach, Herb Geller, Walter Benton, Joe Maini, Clifford Brown, etc. ( What about WALTER BENTON on tenor?? HUGE sound too )

That BIG alto sound in there < king sup20 w/white brill mth > is Joe!!!
Go listen to the stuff on the site. Next time ya see Phil Woods don't ask him about his meyer or new Yamaha ask him about JOE. You'll get an instant sax history lesson. PLUS~8-)

People got to "get past" the comfy okie doky. Listen to Mariano, early Phil with Donald Byrd, Dolphy with Chico Hamilton or Arnie Lawrence.
Check Mingus " Black Saint and Sinner Lady"...for Mariano. Few ever sounded better on alto. How about James Spaulding on all those BlueNote records with Freddie Hubbard??

Check out Joe.I'd be stunned if ya didn't dig him8-)

[djackson_manchester]

Marshall Allen

[tinpalaceroach]

John Handy, Charles McPherson, Rahsaan Roland Kirk(strich) all on Charles Mingus live at Town Hall. matter of fact dig the tenors and one bari.

[Kritavi]

Arthur Blythe, Jerry Dodgian, Jon Raskin (ROVA), Bunky Green, Albert Ayler(yes he did record and perform on alto), Ornette

[king koeller]

I'm so surprized that nobody said Art Pepper,...Dry and cool...
but for the true number one Alto sax sound of all time...it has to be Charlie Parker.
Without his ground breaking sound and approach, there would be no Jazz as we know it today.
Also let us not forget Sonny Stitt...
"King" Koeller

[altosaxguy1]

cannonball adderly has a great sound

[mhoyoux]

The tone of Greg OSBY new CD is incredible!!! "Three channel"...

He plays a Yanagisawa A 992 (bronze unlacquered)!!!!

John ZORN has a thin but interested sound !

I liked a lot Julius HEMPHILL ans Jemmel MOONDOC "vocal tone" on sax...

[Napoleon]

Really I like Cannonball's sound, but really whay I like is a mellow bright sound

[altoist]

Since we're all mentioning great SOUNDS, howzabout Tab Smith? Is he
yet another forgotten saxman of yore? Pity, because I've been listening
to him lately, and he sounds great. Since the OP is a Hodges fan, I would
(as a huge Hodges fan myself) recommend Tab.

Tab's style is more swing, jump blues, R&B oriented fare; think Bostic without the (excessive IMO) growl and you're close. If you like that kind
of music (I do!) check it out, if that's not your thing skip it. And if you do
like it, how about that SOUND?

For you tenor guys, Tab plays tenor sometimes too.

[bronzZoot]

mhoyoux said:

The tone of Greg OSBY new CD is incredible!!! "Three channel"...

He plays a Yanagisawa A 992 (bronze unlacquered)!!!!

Has his sound significantly changed since he recorded St. Louis Shoes?
That is the only recording i have heard him on. He has an interesting sound... is it really that different now?

Anyone know what the rest of his setup is?

[Jeff Flatt]

My personal developing thoughts are:

Phil Woods for beautiful solidity
Rosario Guiliani for cool aggressive playing
Ornette Coleman for stretching my understanding

[saved2play]

Cannonball and Grover

[Just Say Sax]

Cannonball, and for a modern player, Nelson Rangell. Rangell's song selections have been varied, but I think his sound is incredible, fat and full, with all of those split tones. Nelson Rangell has the alto sound for me.

[sabritas]

hands down paul d.

[almaxx]

Bird is the king.Then the gospel as follow:Phil Woods and his student prodigy Richie Cole.To top off I would like to mention Elaine Zajac on that wonderful series "Master Solos" by Larry Teal that came out in the mid-70's.She really makes the alto sounds like a classical instrument.

[Blackwolf42]

Sonny Stitt

[& Son]

My favorites are Dave Koz and Kenny Garrett.

[Melv]

My Favourites are Lee Konitz and
Richard Tabnik...... http://www.inch.com/~rctabnik/

[super20dan]

nelson rangell

[Lenny]

Johnny Hodges.
His sound defined a whole band.
But I'll second Charlie Mariano when was with Mingus. What a sound.

[kavala]

[QUOTE=HeavyWeather77]Wow, nobody here seems to be a Kenny Garrett fan. He's number 1 with me. QUOTE]
I saw Kenny Garrett (not Kenny G) live at Yoshi's. Unbelievable. Great sound.
Also...
Cannonball A.
Gerald Allbright.
Kirk Whalum.
And I also saw the guy (can't think of his name right now) playing
with Wynton Marsalis, Linclon Centre Big Band, Tribute to Duke.
He played one tune that had me in tears. The sound and control was
just awesome. A humbling experience.

[BlueNote]

And I also saw the guy (can't think of his name right now) playing
with Wynton Marsalis, Linclon Centre Big Band, Tribute to Duke.
He played one tune that had me in tears. The sound and control was
just awesome. A humbling experience.

Probably Wess "Warmdaddy" Anderson.

[kavala]

Probably Wess "Warmdaddy" Anderson.
Yeah, that's him. The name slipped my mind for a while.
Best live alto sound I have ever heard, period.

[king koeller]

Guido Sinclair was an early exponent of free jazz and a contempory of Albert Ayler, and Ornette Coleman.staring out in the late 50's and early 60's.I met him at the dusk of his career.Based in the midwest, he performed many great gigs in Champaine, Illinois at the legendary Nature's Table Jazz Club in the Mid to late 80's.His sound was haunting with pure emotion and dark, dense, land scapes of jagged broken glass. After his stroke, he could no longer play and he asked me to play his compositions on his horn and mouthpiece. I did get a very powerful feeling... like i was intended to be a messenger of his musical direction. He was friends with bird and hung out with him as a teenager. Guido knew every one of bird solo's by heart, He wanted me to get him, burgers, beer, and other things we can't talk about on this forum. I tried to clean him up ,and get him sober. He loved Bird so much that he wanted to be free. The drugs made him free, he thought.
I can't believe he's gone now.

[rhyssaxfan]

I think John Zorn's tone in track 18 of naked city (i think its called china town) is fantastic. Though his tone in some of his other pieces is not even remotely like this and for some people needs some getting use too, I do enjoy his tone in that song. But overall Cannonball adderley probably gets my vote. I just thought id say something different 8-)

[Brian The Hornman]

Overall I like Kenny Garrett's bright, edgy sound. I also like Eric Marienthal (dig the stuff w/Gordon Goodwin), and for older stuff both Cannonball and Jackie Mclean.

[garyinla]

I like them all
Desmond
Sonny criss
Sonny Stitt
Sanborn
Kenny Garrett
Cannonball
Johnny Hodges
Benny Carter
Marshal Royal (heard recordign of him recently, blew me away, he was with Count Basie)

I heard a christmas tune by Desmond on the radio today. After seconds i knew it was Desmond. Nobody sounds like Desmond, its amazing.

David Fathead Newman
Art Pepper

[garyinla]

I like bird too but not so much for his sound.

[garyinla]

Phil Woods

[Brian The Hornman]

Oh yeah, and Lou Donaldson

[altoist]

Overall I like Kenny Garrett's bright, edgy sound. I also like Eric Marienthal (dig the stuff w/Gordon Goodwin), and for older stuff both Cannonball and Jackie Mclean.

While I'm not a big fan, I've listened to quite a bit of Kenny Garrett, and
"bright, edgy" are not the adjectives I'd use to describe his sound. Far
from it in fact. What do others think?

I know, he does split notes a lot (an effect I associate much more with
modern players) but his typical sound is not edgy.

David Sanborn is the standard example of a very bright, very edgy sound.

[Chris]

Richie Cole and Art Pepper

[littlewailer]

MACEO!!!!

[John Scorgie]

Most all of my favorites have been cited several times on this thread.

Tim Price -- thanks for remembering Joe Maini.

May I too add some nearly forgotten names.

for a big alto sound:

Jimmy Ford (lead alto with the Maynard Ferguson big band on those great early 1960s recordings)

Willie Smith (lead alto with the Harry James big band in the 1950s)

Frank Wess (known best for his tenor and flute work, but also played some great alto solos with the 1950s Basie band)

Jimmy Abato (his studio sound was just as solid as his classical sound but much larger)

Cal Hubbard (Freddie Hubbard's brother)

for a light alto sound:

Buddy Collette (also superb on clarinet and flute)

Larry Elgart (not a great jazz artist, but what a unique alto sound)

[Blackwolf42]

Sonny Stitt

[Budget Explosion]

I love the classic pretty stuff:

old Bud Shank (on Pacific Jazz, especially on the Brazilliance album.)
Paul Desmond (esp. on JAzz at Oberlin with Brubeck)
Benny Carter
and Johnny Hodges (esp. with Ellington)

and I love the rock 'n' roll alto of King Curtis on the John Lennon track "It's So Hard"

[hodges1]

I like a variety of sounds. Paul Desmond, Grover Washington, Jr, David Sanborn, Jay Beckenstein, and I cannot forget the great late Cannonball.

[Saxplayer1]

Some of the true greats have been mentioned and we love em. But let's take note of some of todays greats such as Eric Marianthal, Steve Cole & Nelson Rangell.

[Dog Pants]

Can't disagree with much of the above. It is my sworn duty however, :) to add the name Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson to this post. Not a pretty Alto sound, but for the style he played, his sound was just right.

[altoist]

Can't disagree with much of the above. It is my sworn duty however, :) to add the name Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson to this post. Not a pretty Alto sound, but for the style he played, his sound was just right.

I wouldn't want to get in the way of your duty! I've been snapping up a
bunch of CDs for listening/practice lately and Cleanhead has been a
focus. What an amazing all around musician! Not only is he the composer of
"Tune Up" and "Four", he wrote some other great pieces ("Arriving Soon")
in that should be in the jazz canon. I find his vocals engaging and often
witty, and he is a first rate blues man, a feat few other alto players pull off
in that tenor dominated arena.

The topic though is sound. What to say about Vinson? I hear his tone as
ever so slightly nasal, and a bit edgy. For blues on alto I prefer a Johnny
Hodges like approach to sound. But he sounds great, and as you say, his
sound works for the music he plays.

Some great Vinson CDs

Blues, Boogie and Bebop
Live at the Keystone Korner
I Want A Little Girl
Cleanhead and Cannonball

If you're an alto player, you are learning or playing the blues, and you are
into picking things up by ear from recordings, I would advise you to get
some Cleanhead recordings if you haven't already.

If you're a jazz snob, you might want to check him out as well, he plays
great straight ahead jazz too!

[Hiya]

I've always thought that Paul Desmond had the best tone, however, I just discovered another saxophonist named Stan Getz. In my personal opinion, he has the best tone.

For all you guys who like Desmond, I highly reccomend you listening to some Stan Getz.

EDIT: whoops, Stan Getz plays tenor.

[DanKusz]

I love david sanborn's tone!

[Jeff Flatt]

I think John Zorn's tone in track 18 of naked city (i think its called china town) is fantastic. Though his tone in some of his other pieces is not even remotely like this and for some people needs some getting use too, I do enjoy his tone in that song.

Absolutely rhyssaxfan, I'm listening to this track at the moment. Great album overall with stunning composition to my mind. His tone throughout the rest of the album definitely differs, however I think it matches the guitar beautifully. Just goes to show that there is definitely a place for sax in hardcore music. I wish I could hear more of the same from other artists. Have you heard the Lou Reed album The Raven? Good contemporary R'n'R sax on there. Ornette Coleman also plays on that album - track 15. Wow.;)

[dblrbar]

and Walt Levinsky...Sauter Finnegan and lead Tonight Show NY band in the 60's

[amoram]

candy dulfer maybe...

[J.Max]

For a rock/funk/smooth jazz sound, it's tough to beat David Sanborn or Eric Marienthal. I think I unconsciously based my rock sound after Marienthal...I love Tom Scott's alto sound too.

Jazz is tougher for me because I have to seperate what they are playing (lines, licks, etc.) from their actual sound...but I think I'll go with Cannonball Adderly on this one.

[TheChristianSax]

For me:

Sanborn
Gerald Albright
Sonny Stitt
Cannonball
Jay Beckenstein

[mhoyoux]

Hello!!

Have you ever heard of Tim BERNE (paraphrase) ?

And what about John ZORN (On MASADA albums)?

Steve COLEMAN has a very personnal(and playing)sound (PHASE SPACE album) !

Jackie MCLEAN on his blue note album(1959 => 1966)

Anthony BRAXTON (on his sax solo album) : woouawww

And What about the great Eric DOLPHY !!

All of this guys have a recognizable sound (an identity on their own)!!


Bye !!!!!!

Max.

[J.Max]

Hello!!

Have you ever heard of Tim BERNE (paraphrase) ?

And what about John ZORN (On MASADA albums)?

Steve COLEMAN has a very personnal(and playing)sound (PHASE SPACE album) !

Jackie MCLEAN on his blue note album(1959 => 1966)

Anthony BRAXTON (on his sax solo album) : woouawww

And What about the great Eric DOLPHY !!

All of this guys have a recognizable sound (an identity on their own)!!


Bye !!!!!!

Max.

I love John Zorn...but I'm not sure whether it's his sound or the stuff that he plays that I like...

[TheChristianSax]

Oops, I forgot Johnny Hodges!

[DeanoTheSaxman]

Gerald Albright
Dave Koz

Absolutely Awesome Sound (Sorry to the older guy's)

[Swingtone]

Cannonball...for me he's the alto player that transcends the instrument. I'm a tenor guy and mostly listen to the tenor greats, but like Adderley on alto just as much as I do Dexter on tenor. He's the most soulful sax player I ever heard--makes you go Umhmm after some of those lines.

[vito]

Pausto Papetti, and it's not his album covers ;)


Vito

[powers4385]

My favorites are:

Phil Woods
Gerald Albright
Stefano Di Batista (an incredible Italian saxophonist) Check out his CD Parker's Mood. He has a very unique sound.
Johnny Hodges
Cannonball

[SteveS]

Love the Cannonball sound. Sonny Stitt too. Someone mentioned Bobby Militello (spelling?) of Dave Brubeck's combo -- Great sound (on a Selmer SBA), but quite a bit gutsier than the great Desmond.

Not very famous, but the Selmer discussion board moderator, Miles Osland, is worthy of note. He gave a demo at the last Navy Symposium at George Mason that knocked my socks off. I have never heard anyone get that huge a sound out of an alto.

He was discussing solo transcriptions and was demonstrating the sounds and mannerisms of Johnny Hodges, Cannonball, and Sanborn. (For Sanborn, he slapped on a silver neck and a metal Bay mouthpiece!) He played transcriptions of each with great accuracy, and the sound was quite impressive. Did not play as raspy as Sanborn, but that was okay with me! :D

I have to take issue with some of today's "Smooth Jazz" alto players. Some sound like they are playing a comb and wax paper. Feh!

[saintsday]

???????
candy dulfer maybe...?????????:?

[andrewc]

I think Oliver Lake from WSQ has the best tone on alto; raw and edgy. Listen to him on "...Plays Duke Ellington."

[allenlowe]

my vote would be for Dave Schildkraut - gorgeous, piercing sound, yet still warm as toast - and than Julius Hemphill - and than Gene Quill -

[SpeakNoEvil]

Sorry Desmond fans, but right now I got to go with Bobby Militello.

[saintsday]

JOHNNY HODGES!!!! Listen to Isfahan on the Far East Suite.

[devinmac2k08]

for jazz either cannonball or stitt for me, for smooth id go for marienthal (right now my favorite all over), and for classical im really not sure yet. gotta listen to some more classical players...my lessons teacher sounds pretty freaking good though.

[devinmac2k08]

Sorry Desmond fans, but right now I got to go with Bobby Militello.

Here in plano,tx last year we had a week long jazz camp and he was a guest artist there:D . awesome playing, hands down.

[jacobeid]

Paul Desmond.

Saxaholic

That sums my opinion up.

[saxymanzach]

Hmmm... so many good players.
There are some really great alto players here in L.A.: Gary Foster, Lennie Niehaus, Buddy Collette (even though he was primarily a tenor man), Bud Shank, Dan Higgins, just to name a few. It's hard to pick just one...

[saxyguy92]

id have to say Phil Woods on alto.
i know this is an alto forum, but my tenor vote goes to George Young

[jaysne]

I've always thought Phil Woods had the tone I was looking for. Meaty, gutsy, full-bodied, and singing. There have also been times when I've thought Cannonball had the best. Funny, I have never thought much of Richie Cole's tone--I think is too thin and shrill a lot of the time.

Of course, these subjective judgments rely on the quality of the recordings we listen to, if we haven't had the opportunity to hear the cats in person. Wonder what Bird would sound like with the latest electronics? Jimmy Dorsey? Frankie Trumbauer?

[bari_sax_diva]

Hard to pick a favorite, because there's a lot of players with great, but very different sounds.

One that hasn't been mentioned--and should be--is Marshall Royal. Sounded great, had wonderful expression--the epitome of a big band lead player.

-Leanne

[spoonogram]

soweto kinch sounds proper good. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qw4sCh7kQ8Q&search=soweto

[bluesaxgirl]

Has anyone said Kenny G yet?:shock: Just kidding.

[selmerfan]

Gotta go with Cannonball Adderley, it's the sound in my head...
selmerfan

[Bikedog]

Sonny Fortune

[CaptainWillabo]

soweto kinch!! went to see him live a couple of months ago... not impressed...
another of those all chops no feeling players which i hate!!
Mike Osborne, great sound, great player...

[BarrySachs]

Johnny Hodges
Benny Carter
Jimmy Dorsey
Willie Smith
Otto Hardwick
Earl Warren
Marshall Royal
Stitt
Bird

Today:
Wess Anderson
Brad Leili
Sherman Irby
Dave Glasser
Chuck Wilson
Jay Brandford

[Sang1Lee]

anyone mention Art Pepper? i like his sound along with Lee Konitz and Jackie Mclean

[mistersimon]

I'm a huge fan of Tim Berne. His sound and lines are great, and his compositions are amazing.
I'm also a big fan of Michael Moore of ICP Orchestra and Clusone trio fame.

yes... I am a Tim Berne fan as well.

Anthony Braxton, Lee Konitz, Sonny Fortune, Gary Bartz, Jan Garbarek are some other favorites of mine as well.

[Razzy]

I've always thought Phil Woods had the tone I was looking for. Meaty, gutsy, full-bodied, and singing. There have also been times when I've thought Cannonball had the best. Funny, I have never thought much of Richie Cole's tone--I think is too thin and shrill a lot of the time.

Of course, these subjective judgments rely on the quality of the recordings we listen to, if we haven't had the opportunity to hear the cats in person. Wonder what Bird would sound like with the latest electronics? Jimmy Dorsey? Frankie Trumbauer?

I heard Richie Cole in person (~2 feet from my face), and it really sounded like he hadn't played or practiced in about ten years. Later in the masterclass he admitted to precisely that.

[Michael Ward]

hey Captain.. Mike Osborne..nice one..I used to go and see him all the time when I was a kid..Mark V1 Selmer Soloist short shank with 5 reeds..pure passion wailin' like Ornette and Jackie mixed into one.. Naima, Lover Man..fantastic. I even started smoking cheroots like him..sorely missed.

[heath]

Lee Konitz, Arther Blythe and even if he's been mentioned before Jackie Mclean. Sonny Criss.

[-TH]

Jesse Davis.

[cornific]

all of the above

johnny hodges hands down over the rest of the pack for sound and total control

i just watched ellington on the road last night. i almost jumped out of my chair when i saw johnny and his horn

what is he playing? a vito leblanc system with a siver body, brass bell and neck?
crazy horn

my dvd remote isn't functioning otherwise i would have paused and taken a closer look, i just cought a glimpse of the neck brace, wow what a sweet looking axe

the alto is so versitile when you consider all of the names mentioned in this thread and the huge range of tonal concepts represented. i gravitate towards tenor for myself but the alto can really foster creative approaches

i like all schools of sax

[saintsday]

cornific,
Johnny Hodges for sure! Here are some pics of the Vito model he was playing. They called it a Johnny Hodges model 135 and due to the tone hole placement it has the Leblanc system alternate fingerings. The entire horn, including the neck, is engraved and inlaid with silver. The pictures are of my horn which is in dead mint new condition with all the original accessories including an unwrapped swab and neckstrap, warranty card, fingering chart and the promo flyer for the Johnny Hodges model. I sent some high res pics to Pete for the calendar.

[cornific]

Johnny Hodges for sure! Here are some pics of the Vito model he was playing. They called it a Johnny Hodges model 135 and due to the tone hole placement it has the Leblanc system alternate fingerings.

wowee man that is such a crazy horn

i picked up a vito 35 alto on ebay last year and even though it needs corks and felts it seals quite well and blows fantastically. with the extra layer of kework out of adjustment some notes feel like little accordians. the 35 has great altissimo. i am toying with getting it going for fun although i havn't figured out how to get into the to the LH f# yet

my 9 year old wants to get going on sax and i think i will adjust up my kenosha with the oval logo for him as the keywork is smallish but the horn is a goodie too

that horn of yours is beyond killer but i'm pretty sure this is not the model in the vid i saw last night ... silver body tube and brass bell with the vito neck brace

doesn't really matter ... liquid sax in the hands of hodges ... impeccable tone and control, what kind of piece did he play?

ellington's stable of saxplayers is pretty deep. i had no idea that harry carney was a round breather ... oops off thread

[cornific]

Johnny Hodges for sure! Here are some pics of the Vito model he was playing. They called it a Johnny Hodges model 135 and due to the tone hole placement it has the Leblanc system alternate fingerings.

i picked up a vito 35 alto on ebay last year. aside from the engraving and silver inlay it looks identical to yours. even though it needs corks and felts it seals quite well and blows fantastically. with the extra layer of keywork out of adjustment some notes feel like little accordians. my 35 has great altissimo too just pops out and is full with great character. i am toying with getting it adjusted up. although i havn't figured out how to get into the to the LH f# yet, my hand doesn't want to contort easily.

my 9 year old wants to get going on alto sax and i think i will adjust up my kenosha with the oval logo for him as the keywork is smallish but the horn is a goodie too, considerably smaller bore than the 35

that horn of yours is beyond killer but i'm pretty sure this is not the model in the vid i saw last night ... silver or silver plate body tube and brass bell with the vito neck brace. i could be wrong, heck i have been before

doesn't really matter ... liquid sax in the hands of hodges ... impeccable tone and control, what kind of piece did he play?

ellington's stable of saxplayers is pretty deep. i had no idea that harry carney was a round breather ... oops off thread

[saintsday]

Seems that I read he played a Tonalin. I'll have to look and see what color mpc is on some of the albums and if their are any good enough shots to tell. I have a Tonalin to compare to. And boy are you right about Ellington's section... Carney was great and I didn't know about the breathing either.

[Zvanen]

My favorite sound would be kenny garret, and very close after him, cannonball, bird and maceo parker.

[jrvinson45]

I was just letting my iPod shuffle through some 3000+ tunes and heard this fantastic alto player and couldn't place him. Surprisingly, it was from and album called "That Old Feeling" and the tune was Bohemia After Dark. Oh yeah, the altoist was Zoot Sims! Great alto sound and absolutely blinding speed and yet still Zoot. If Zoot on alto doesn't float your boat he also plays tenor, and bari on this CD, aaannnnddd he plays them as a sax section on an album that calls the group the Zoot Sims Quartet. If you'd like to hear Zoot with rhythm section playing with a sax section consisting of Zoot, Zoot and Zoot, check this out! I didn't realize the overdubbing was that good in the mid-fifties, but maybe I could have taken a clue from Jan and Dean and the Beach Boys.8-)

[Scudetto]

Fausto Papetti is the best alto sax player!!!

[LBAjazz]

Gigi Gryce

[joelsp]

Close call between Phil Woods, and Kenny Garrett for me. I like both of their tones a whole lot.

Phil Woods wins for me though.

[ppamhk]

Paul Desmond always.

[sonnymobleytrane]

I don't know if he is my favorite, but live George Coleman's Alto sound live will remove paint from the walls.

[jacobeid]

Well my opinion on sound has definitely changed in the past year. Last year I said my favorite sound was Paul Desmond. Now everytime I listen to him, I wish it was someone else playing.

My favorite alto sound is Johnny Hodges BY FAR. I've never heard anything else that expressive.

I also really dig Phil Woods, Sonny Stitt, Kenny Garrett, Bird, and others.

[brasscane]

I was just letting my iPod shuffle through some 3000+ tunes and heard this fantastic alto player and couldn't place him. Surprisingly, it was from and album called "That Old Feeling" and the tune was Bohemia After Dark. Oh yeah, the altoist was Zoot Sims! Great alto sound and absolutely blinding speed and yet still Zoot. If Zoot on alto doesn't float your boat he also plays tenor, and bari on this CD, aaannnnddd he plays them as a sax section on an album that calls the group the Zoot Sims Quartet. If you'd like to hear Zoot with rhythm section playing with a sax section consisting of Zoot, Zoot and Zoot, check this out! I didn't realize the overdubbing was that good in the mid-fifties, but maybe I could have taken a clue from Jan and Dean and the Beach Boys.8-)

I have this album and agree 100%. It totally fooled me first time I listened to it - a rather distracting experience as half the time is spent flipping through the liner notes in disbelief. Although I find it unproductive to ask who is best, it is obvious from this album that Zoot Sims could have made his mark on alto, or for that matter baritone, equally well as on the tenor.

[Saxphomoric]

Since I am a beginner at this (late bloomer) I thought it might help me to identify the "consensus" of the "best" alto players and then listen to them, etc.

After a quite tedious look thru the 188 posts on this thread I compiled a list with one point for each "mention" [ the list is sorted by "votes" and then alpahbetically].


Cannonball Adderley 33
Desmond Paul 22
Parker Charlie 18
Hodges Johnny 16
Stitt Sonny 13
Woods Phil 12
Sanborn David 11
Pepper Art 10
Konitz Lee 9
Carter Benny 8
Garret Kenny 8
Marianthel Eric 8
Allbright Gerald 5
Criss Sonny 4
Dulfer Candy 4
McLean Jackie 4
Mintzer Bob 4
Vinson Will 4
Anderson Wess 3
Barret Kennie 3
Coleman Ornette 3
Coles Richie 3
Dolphy Eric 3
Donaldson Lou 3
Militello Bobby 3
Royal Marshall 3
Zorn John 3
Berne Tim 2
Bostic Eric 2
Braxton 2
Coleman Steve 2
Fortune Sonny 2
Foster Gary 2
Kinch Soweto 2
Koz Dave 2
Newman David 2
Potter Chris 2
Rangell Nelson 2
Smith Willie 2
Spaulding James 2
Ayler Albert
Bartz Garry
Batz Gary
Blythe Arthur
Brubech Dave
Coleman George
Collette Buddy
Davis Jessie
Dorsey Jimmy
D'Reivera Paquito
Garbarel Jar
Garret David
Guiliani Rosario
Hardwick Otto
Hardy Tonr
Hayes Donald
Henry Ernie
Herring Vince
Higgings Dan
Lake Oliver
Leali Brad
Leili Brad
Lyons Jimmy
Marshall Allen
McPherson Charles
Nerhaus Lenny
Niehaus Lennie
Oatts Dick
Osby Greg
Osland Miles
Richard Kim
Schildkraut Dave
Shark Bud
Sinclair Guido
Walt Levinsky
Warren Earl
Whalen Kirk
Wilo Steve
Wilson Bobby

[coolsax2k7]

Anyone ever heard early Willie Smith on a Conn 6M? I love that sound.

[-TH]

But where are Donald Harrison and Jesse Davis?? Vincent Herring is one of my favorites also. That old Mingus stuff with Charlie Mariano is as good as it gets..

[altobeginner]

Among living players, Frank Morgan.

[Datsaxguy]

Everybody has their favorite. I love Adderly, Kenny Garrett, Paul Desmond, etc. etc. but man its one guy who really sticks out...............

GREG OSBY, if you never heard him you need to, if you don't like his style, you have to appreciate his tone. IT's almost like he is playing the cello. The biggest fattest thing I've ever heard on alto.

[Nopunonsax]

Alan Barnes - http://www.alan-barnes.co.uk/biog.htm

He plays alto a lot, with astounding technique and real musicality.

[Alexk]

Freddy Gardener
Cannonball
and Dutch McMillan:twisted:

[DJ Mix]

Bleeding Gums Murphy

[cmelodysax]

Bleeding Gums Murphy

Who (allegedly) is the sound of Dan Higgins (http://www.saxshed.com/higgins.shtml) ? (or vice versa ;) )

[ThreeSaxes]

Sound I love -- Cannonball
My sound is most similar to -- Jay Beckenstein and Tom Scott
Respect hugely but don't want to sound like -- Eric Dolphy

[FatSound]

for jazz
1 phil woods
2 cannonball
3 art pepper / paul desmond

for contmporary
1 david sanborn
2 gerald albright / dave koz
3 art potter

[HOUSTON NONET]

My list for the BEST AALTO SOUND/TONE

For jazz
Classic Masters of JAZZ ALTO
1. Cannonball (and the greatest to ever play the alto)
2. Bird (even the poor recording quality can’t cover his great sound
3. Phil Woods (a pure natural even sound)

The next generation of JAZZ ALTOS (these cats really have GREAT TONES)
1. Brad Leali—if you have never heard this cat in person you are missing out on a spiritual experience. His tone is absolutely incredible.
2. Vincent Herring- more compact than Brad’s but soaring draw dropping in person.
3. Jesse Davis—never have had the honor to hear him live but his tone on “First Insight is bar-none the best recorded alto tone on cd today.


For contemporary
1. David Sanborn -the most cloned sound of all R & B altos
2. Gerald Albright
3. Maceo Parker—pure D soulful

[BIG BAD JOHN]

Paul Desmond and Bird1!

[daigle65]

Steve Coleman

[old999]

I like Hodges, Desmond, Cannonball in that order.

Al

[selmer]

Rosario Giuliani

[LINUS65]

Phil Woods:!:

[sanborn]

hey guys,

check this piece out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200160288004

[Gigante]

My vote goes to Cannonball Adderley for dead, and Vincent Herring for alive.

YES! Vincent Herring has a huge sound in person. Great player.

My alltime favorite alto player is Cannonball. I would also agree with Phil Woods, Ornette Coleman, Johnny Hodges, Kenny Garrett, Steve Wilson, Marshall Royal.

I'm suprised nobody mentioned Miguel Zenon. One of today's most original new sounds on the alto. He has some records out on Branford Marsalis' label. Great player.

[knightofsteppe]

Eddie Cleanhead Vinson

[Sand3853]

Im still undecided as to who I think has the best alto sound. For jazz, my favorite sounds are most definitely Cannonball, J-Redman, and Kenny Garret.

Since I'm currently studying sax, I also have to digest a great deal of legit playing as well, and I really enjoy the sounds that Claude Delangle, John Harle and Eugene Rousseau produce.

[fungaalafia]

John Coltrane actually sounded great on the alto... but I'm shocked by the dearth of Kenny Garrett fans, as his sound will definitely remain unduplicated.

[SaxyAcoustician]

Though I like and even love the sounds of many of the aforementioned, in my book Eric's is the way an alto should sound.

[JazzItUp]

Nelson Rangell.

Dave Koz.

Eric Darius.

Mike Phillips.

David Sanborn.

Gerald Albright.

[EgilF.]

Though I like and even love the sounds of many of the aforementioned, in my book Eric's is the way an alto should sound.

I agree; Eric Marienthal

[saxyguy92]

Phil Woods :idea1:
I love phil woods too, if i can have that sound, i would be so happy haha, do you know what mpc he uses?

[CountSpatula]

Dan Higgins.

[Bikedog]

GARY BARTZ. Really dig Sonny Fortune, Donald Harrison and Antonio Hart.

[saxplayr2000]

Desmond

[vsepertracyt]

my goodness, eric marienthal's sound is just plain disturbing. With his metal mouthpiece and his growls, it's a pity, i mean, why should he even be in this thread when there's dudes like Cannonball and Lee Konitz?

He's way too much of a "smooth" jazz player for me.

[gege]

For me: Desmond

[GeneraloftheSaxArmy]

Everytime I hear Cannonball, I remember why I fell in love...with jazz.

Cannonball has my #1 alto spot.

[matsuo]

I haven't seen Mike Smith yet, and I'm a big fan of his sound.
For Jazz- Mike Smith
Rock-Marienthal
Smooth jazz- Dave Koz

[Resonating Sound]

Personally i think George Shelby produces a great sound.

[SaxyAcoustician]

If we're talking strictly tone then (in no particular order):

Jim Snidero
Dave Koz
Eric Marienthal
Michael Lington

PhoneSax, a member of this forum--for a high schooler--has an unbelievable alto sound!

[djmartin69]

Kenny Garrett (jazz)
Don Sinta (classical)
Dan Higgins (everything else!)

[CountSpatula]

Dan Higgins (everything else!)

Too good man, he does it all!!

[Blue Hodge]

Classical: Kenneth Tse- beauty floating out of a saxophone
Lead Alto: Marshal Royal
Jazz: Cannonball Adderley but Phil Woods is so good...no it's Cannon
Johnny Hodges: without category
Honorable Mention: Dan Higgins (wonderful on every horn, every style)

[Tin Man]

Loren Stillman all the way

He has such a personal sound and way of going about the horn.

[bryanskrantz]

no no no no no my friends DAVID SANDBORNE lol..... if your really serious about the best sounds you can't go wrong with Charlie Parker or John Coltrain or Kenny G.

[jazzman1]

HANK CRAWFORD!!!!
it is funny no one mentioned him, i don't think,

aslo phil woods, parker, stitt, koz, and the list goes on...dulfer...etc:P

[Raspberry 007]

Jon Gordon has my favorite alto sound.

[DBDONNIE]

Hello -
Nice to have seen Bud Shank mentioned - and good to find out about the others...

'dbd'

[nj2009]

The Alto in itself makes such a beautiful sound and a good player is capable of
bringing it all to life which makes it difficult to be fair and name only a few.
Some of the best alto sounds I've heard I don't even know their names.

If I had to choose from the ones I know I would say:

Paul Desmond - most beautiful sound
Sonny Stitt - most enjoyable alto player

[jrvinson45]

I've been playing and listening to alto saxophone players seriously since about 1953. I like a lot of them and have had different favorites through the years. Currently I'm having a really hard time convincing myself that there is a better alto sax solo than Eric Marienthal's on "The Way You Look Tonight" from his Walk Tall album. Tim Price is correct... Marienthal's one industrial strength player.

[robertreg]

lately I bought kenny garret's CD "songbook" and noticed (i think..) he's like sonny, but on alto... love his tone.

[KevinSax]

really? I thought he was more like trane...on alto

[Kubalivre]

I simply love Paquito's tone.

[BASS SAXMAN]

Charlie Parker, Paul Desmond, Anthony Braxton.

[KevinSax]

you know, paul taylor has one killing sound

[frisk]

Jukka Perko have very nice sound:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kcu-l7TgBZI

[MoodyBlues]

GWJ's Smooooooooth like Buttah!! & Gerald Albright's Big/Power!! & sweeeeetest altiiiiiiiiiiiisimo!!

[porbem]

...
johnny hodges hands down over the rest of the pack for sound and total control


+1 on Johnny Hodges (with the Duke Ellington Orchestra)!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqA83c6GuLk

[Coolie]

Desmond, Art Pepper, Paquito D'Rivera

[MoodyBlues]

The One...The Only...Lisa Simpson8-)

[saxphil]

hands down ... Art pepper

... +11

[saxdan]

Definitely Saxdan on his YAS82ZSM. An exhilarating combination of Bird, Cannonball, Desmond, Sanborn and..... add your favorite. It's a shame he gets no recognition!:D:D:D:D:D:D:D8-)

[silvin]

It's true that Tim Berne has a wonderful alto sound, but there is something magic in Johnny Hodges sound that we don't find anymore.
Buescher? Acoustic of the hall? Ribbon microphone? Lost Heaven?

[edgetone]

Mr Albright

[jmoen3]

I have been reading through all of these comments and since i'm not very experienced with knowledge of great jazz players, i mainly have just listened to bird/cannonball...

But i just listened to Johnny Hodges for the first time... What a glorious sound! Hands down one of the greatest sounds I've ever heard.

[Anthropology]

Desmond for his moving soft tone
Bird for his originality and the power in some of his sounds

[JohnnyL]

My favorite alto player is anyone with talent playing his heart out in a live performance. To me, no recording can totally capture the sound of an alto in full song and the energy of a musician in the groove.

[Flâneur]

We are lucky to enjoy so many awesome sounding alto players. I've recently been listening to David Binney. He is another with an awesome sound. Check him out. Chris Potter plays with him on Binney's album "South" for an added bonus.

[mindseye]

I got a 1988 10 disc verve compilation the other day from a local used record shop going out of business of all of Parkers tunes. It was remastered so you could very clearly hear his old 40's stuff.......absolutely amazing, this cat could play like nothing I have heard (and there are alot of incredible muscians out there)....he was also an original in a time when horn players were actually inventing music.:fish:

[KennyD]

"Dr." Charles Neville :salute:
[Monty Python and the Holy Grail].Oh, bad, naughty Zoot!.....[/Monty Python]:rofl

On second thoughts, let's not go to Camelot - 'tis a silly place! :shock:

Almost as silly as this place. There are times I really hate living in the most isolated capital city in the world (that's Perth, Australia - if you were unsure). :( Hate it 'cause the one (yes, one) music store that does anything but the top 10's has, for example, one DVD of David Sanborn (Live at Montreaux 1984) and precisely ZERO of his CDs. Nudda, zip, bubkis! :( The range of available sax music is - well, I was about to say pathetic but that would be a dramatic understatement! I can get two CDs of Cannonball Adderley, one of John Coltrane and one DVD of David Sanborn - and that's in the store with the extensive range! :evil:

Would it surprise you if I said I liked David Sanborn's tone? :twisted:

[john rosario]

have to go with candy dulfer, mindi abair, crazydaiseydoo & KOZ & warren hill

[The Wakehamator]

Maceo Parker has an amazing sound ;)
But so does Cannonball...but whos is better, there's only one way to find out, FIGHT!

[CaillouSax]

I know it isnt me, I absolutely hate my alto sound. Maybe thats why I havent played my alto in about half a year...

Martin Williams

Me neither, since I am just a beginner who has a great pleasure to play sax even if it is a long long way to achieve the goal to be a good player. :D

I would add that I particularly appreciate Maceo Parker.

[FranzKafka]

Elic Dorphy!!

[CraigH]

Wow! Too many to list. I've always dug Cannonball's sound, but lately, I've really been into Jackie McLean.

[CONN-hunter]

Paul Desmond

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwNrmYRiX_o

[Canary Islands]

Admiting that I prefer tenor sound more than alto, probably that's the reason (among others) why I like Eric Marienthal; when he plays alto sounds like tenor (IMO).

[DONQUIXOTE]

Paquito De Rivera

[falis]

Henry Threadgill.

[Landalin]

Cannonball Adderley, and Kenny Garrett are tied for me. Cannonball has got a great, broad, full sound with a bit of edge but not too much. Kenny Garrett has a great sound, just something about it I like about it that makes it stand out, can't quite put my finger on it.

[thejazzyfly]

SAORI YANO sounds here INCREDIBLE :


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1bwUAlg8oE&feature=related

[thejazzyfly]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1bwUAlg8oE&feature=related

it is the same link, sorry for double post

[thejazzyfly]

the one...the only...lisa simpson8-)

I agree!!!!!!!!!!!! :D:D:D

[CaillouSax]

So do I... :)

[thejazzyfly]

my goodness, eric marienthal's sound is just plain disturbing. With his metal mouthpiece and his growls, it's a pity, i mean, why should he even be in this thread when there's dudes like Cannonball and Lee Konitz?

He's way too much of a "smooth" jazz player for me.


ABSOLUTELY RIGHT Marienthal's sound is BORING just after 3 minutes of listening :a-run::occasion:

[sounds7]

Its really up to the listener and what his/her ears are tuned into. Now with that little piece of political correctness out of the way. My favorite living Alto player is Kenny Garrett, Dead Alto goes to Cannonball Adderley.

[hakukani]

SAORI YANO sounds here INCREDIBLE :


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1bwUAlg8oE&feature=related

She sounds like Bird---without the genius for phrasing.

[saxophonedude34]

i would say bird would have to be my favorite sound with cannonball taking spot number 2.

[JeanNox]

Kenny Garrett, Cannonball Adderley, and... Maceo Parker.

[j3rry85]

My oldtimes heroes in terms of soundproduction:

Johnny Hodges - THE ALTO SAX TONE
Charlie Barnett
Benny Carter

And contemporary:

Candy Dulfer & Maceo Parker (seen & heard live - maybe that's the best way to "get biased" :D)
+ Paquito D'Rivera

[Semiquaver]

Yep...Paul Desmond for me.

[Rufusax]

For my ears it's Cannonball, Phil Woods and Dave Sanborn

[ManEast]

Yep...Sonny Stitt.


And Kenny Garrett for putting the fat n dark into Funk

[SaxTon]

Cole has a good sound. So does Eric Marienthal
for a nice classical sound check out Keith Young

[BarrySachs]

This thread is obviously gonna be opinion driven, so here is mine.

Benny Carter
Johnny Hodges
Willie Smith
Marshal Royal
Bird
Stitt
Gigi Grice (very underrated)
Charlie Mariano (also underrated)
Paul Desmond
Tad Nash (LA studio guy not to be confused with his immensely talented nephew.)

legit: Jimmy Abato

today's jazz cats:
Wess Anderson
Sherman Irby
Brad Leali
Dave Glasser
Jesse Davis
Jay Brandford (very underrated)

[MUSIKSAX]

I think the best Alto saxophone Tone i like on the Jazz side is Phil Wood on the classical side is Nobuya Sugawa

[aldio]

hmm... Paul Desmond eh?..
i preffer Sanborn or Dave Koz sound..

hmm... the second is desmond and Charlie Parker

[jlima]

Greg Osby

[eugene]

Paul Desmond and Cannonball

[SelmerParis]

This is tough, because we like to hear a different "sound" for different styles of music, even within, for example, the genre of jazz, my favorite. And like others, my favorites have changed some over the years. But I clearly remember being KNOCKED out the first time I listened to Johnny Hodges. And STILL am. Just heard his "Daydream" again the other night on the radio. Powerful, but beautiful. Never tire of it. First time I heard Marshall Royal I went nuts. And Sonny Criss. You could hardly go wrong listing nearly any of the Sonny's who have played alto over the years. I would pay a lot to hear Sonny Stitt again, even tho he was primarily a be-bop player (not my favorite category within jazz). Cannonball is right up there with me. Among the younger players, only Kenny Garrett catches my ear. So many alto players, so little time...

[jaz9090]

Bird

[tomsch]

Phil Wigfall

[saxomophone3]

Hmmm. . .
Cannonball
Bird
Phil Woods
Sonny Stitt

[Joe Giardullo]

I checked out this thread because I think that alto is the "most dangerous" saxophone there is. I say this as a non-alto playing saxophonist now, having passed along my SML Gold Medal to a great player (although I have an Acme Artist alto being overhauled as I write this- I can't stay away! ).

But I'll mention Arthur Blythe as my favorite alto sound ( and Lee Konitz and Anthony Braxton and Eric Dolphy and Anthony Ortega and Bruce Williams and Julius Hemphill and Dave Sanborn and Paul Desmond and ....)

There are a lot of great alto sounds, to be sure, but what a dangerous horn ....

[saxomophone3]

Why do you say dangerous?

[Joe Giardullo]

I say dangerous because I think there's a fine line dividing a listenable alto sound from an unlistenable one. And there are a lot of unlistenable ones.

I think that it's harder to sound "true" on the alto than on any of the other horns and I don't know why.

I've mentioned this to a lot of players and they all nod their heads in agreement. I'm not sure I can explain it, but it's something I just feel about the nature of the alto sound, regardless of player.

I apologize for being so vague about it. I love the alto a lot.

If I could sound like Arthur Blythe, I would think I was in heaven.

[lydiot]

Bunky Green
Tim Berne
Ornette Coleman
Frank Gratkowski
Gary Bartz
Craig Handy
Johnny Hodges


The list could go on but we all no this is so subjective. I find it impossible to say one or another is best.

[saxplayr2000]

I say dangerous because I think there's a fine line dividing a listenable alto sound from an unlistenable one. And there are a lot of unlistenable ones.

I think that it's harder to sound "true" on the alto than on any of the other horns and I don't know why.

I've mentioned this to a lot of players and they all nod their heads in agreement. I'm not sure I can explain it, but it's something I just feel about the nature of the alto sound, regardless of player.

I apologize for being so vague about it. I love the alto a lot.

If I could sound like Arthur Blythe, I would think I was in heaven.


I understand what you are saying..., but would apply it even more to soprano. In contrast, I think it's much easier to produce a good sound on tenor.

[Joe Giardullo]

It's funny that a lot of folks think that it is hard to get a good sound on soprano. I find that I like almost all the soprano sounds I hear, with a few very big exceptions ;-) .

But I agree that it is easier to produce a reasonable tenor sound.

The older I get the more different horn sounds I appreciate. I was much more narrow when I was young.

Oh, yeah- Ornette !

Buon Natale a tutti !
Bonne Annee !

[lukasali]

Hmm...it seems most people have answered based on what alto sound they like the most, as opposed to who has the best sound. I guess I'm interpreting the question to be "Which alto player was the best at sound production (from an objective standpoint)."

Obviously, objectivity is out of reach, still, trying to objectively answer the question seems more in keeping with the spirit of the post.

Anyway, I have to second the Johnny Hodges sentiment that started the whole thing off. It's hard to think of any other player who could do the things with an alto that he did, from crystalline purity, to breathy whispering, to screaming lead playing to a fat, tenor-like lower register, all with huge dynamic range, impeccable vibrato and precise intonation.

Kenny Garrett? Seriously? I love the guy - he's obviously on another level as far as improv goes, and his sound is cool, but man...Hodges' sound pallet is just so much wider, whether it's your cup of tea or not.

[evan1]

Maceo Parker

[allenlowe]

lurker here, haven't posted in a long time - but my number one in terms of sound is (was) Dave Schildkraut. Art Pepper once said "he had so much soul" and I agree.

[saxomophone3]

I say dangerous because I think there's a fine line dividing a listenable alto sound from an unlistenable one. And there are a lot of unlistenable ones.

I think that it's harder to sound "true" on the alto than on any of the other horns and I don't know why.

I've mentioned this to a lot of players and they all nod their heads in agreement. I'm not sure I can explain it, but it's something I just feel about the nature of the alto sound, regardless of player.

I apologize for being so vague about it. I love the alto a lot.

If I could sound like Arthur Blythe, I would think I was in heaven.

Aha.

[Flâneur]

She sounds like Bird---without the genius for phrasing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1bwUAlg8oE&feature=related

WOw. Interesting that she is playing a lig with one screw closest to the tip removed. I keep that screw completely untightened...maybe I should remove it too. Maybe I'll sound as good as her...

[Flâneur]

David Binney

[saxomophone3]

Why not some variation? I'll go classical. Fredrico Mondelci and Jean-Marie Londeix.

[Coolie]

I like Greg Vail's alto sound: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7VsBys5ooc
But my alto heroes are still Paul Desmond and Cannonball!

[saxomophone3]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUivD2TO_LQ More classical! This guy has a great sound.

[guesswork]

Currently grooving on Sanborn, Albright, Everette Harpe (is there an E in his last name?)

[Edward Turner]

Demond again from me,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,if I really had to push a critique of Paul, it would be that he is nearly always played in the High to Mid register on Alto. I think that comes to the fact he was a clarinet player at university for years. His use of desending Chromatics is pure bliss.

[jpluidl]

There is no best sound. There is only sound.

[Jazz cat]

I'm glad to finally find a fanatic of Johnny "Rabbit" Hodges!

[Rufusax]

Vincent Herring has one of my favorite alto sounds

[chayjazz]

Cannonball Adderley and 80's era Phil Woods

[Matt Otto]

Bird

[warp x]

I would probably put Johnny Hodges at the 1 spot.

+1.

[saintsday]

+1.

+2.

[jay douglas]

i think it's very difficult to pick one player but david "fathead" newman's willow weep me is close or wes mongomery's children but that's what i am listening to now, what do people think of these's great players?

[The Saxophone Lament]

Kenny Garrett has the best sound in my opinion , Cannonball #2 and Desmond #3 ;)

[CaillouSax]

Kenny G again???? :a-run:

[toughtenor]

Bob Mintzer

are you putting us on or do you actually have a Mintzer album where he plays alto ?
Or are you implying he sounds like an alto player on tenor ?

[The Saxophone Lament]

Kenny G again???? :a-run:

Kenny G is not Kenny Garrett, Kenny G is a soprano player ;)

[dstack79]

Charles McPherson, Charlie Parker,Cannonball....for more contemporary tone, Eric Marienthal.

[Saxophrass1968]

My choice is obviously Paul Desmond. (see my avatar). You could put different alto players together in one room and just listen to them. You can pick out Desmond every time. He did not just play a saxophone, he played music that came out of a saxophone.

[jaleelshaw]

I really dig Hodges, Charlie Parker, Cannonball, Konitz for alto sound. Of the today's musicians. I dig what Vincent Herring, Kenny Garrett, Steve Wilson, Myron Walden, Miguel Zenon, and Tim Green have done with it...

[CaillouSax]

Kenny G is not Kenny Garrett, Kenny G is a soprano player ;)

Oh! So, they are just neighbours... Excuse my ignorance. It's so confusing... :twisted: :tongue1: :smilebox:

[JackLi]

I really dig Hodges, Charlie Parker, Cannonball, Konitz for alto sound. Of the today's musicians. I dig what Vincent Herring, Kenny Garrett, Steve Wilson, Myron Walden, Miguel Zenon, and Tim Green have done with it...

Wow I had no idea Jaleel posts on this forum thats so cool. For me I love the Tone that Steve Wilson has, Miguel Zenon, Jaleel Shaw, Cannonball, and Konitz

[dave2sax]

1. Charlie Mariano
2. David Sanborn
3. Kenny Garrett
4. David Binney

[simon196]

David Sanborn, Cannonball Adderley, Kenny Garret.

[rodelliot]

Earl Bostic, Cannonball Adderly, Gerald Albright, Phil Woods, Eric Marienthal, Maceo Parker, ...in no particular order.

And wow...what about a thread that is has sustained for 5 years?!?! I can't remember if I ever posted on this topic or not.

[Ricgus3]

Paul desmond! Mellow and smooth!

[drwhippet]

I think these kinds of threads would be much more interesting and worthwhile if done as polls, considering that the same 4 or 5 guys get mentioned by everyone over and over again (Desmond, Hodges, Cannonball, etc.). At least that way you could make the case that there was a point to it in that you could look at the cumulative votes for each. Otherwise, it's not really exposing me to anything new and is so (yawn) predictable.

But I agree about what an earlier poster said. It's not that it's hard to get a "good" sound on the alto; it's that it's hard to get a distinctive sound on one that doesn't sound like all the others. I think it's much easier to get a signature sound on the tenor, because it's closer to the human voice. And it's why you can pick out the most distinctive tenor players after just a few notes.

But despite this, there were some alto players who were able to rise above that and create their own sounds, including Desmond, Cannonball and Pepper, whom I haven't heard mentioned that much--at least not in the last few pages. I think Pepper is the best for that reason; not just for his sound, but for the emotional depth that came through in it--but for that matter, that is what makes all musicians great on any instrument, even when it's their voice. The man definitely had a story to tell that was worth listening to.

BTW to address something that someone wrote earlier--it is impossible to rate musicians (or any art for that matter) objectively. No matter what criteria you came up with, it would always be subjective to some extent.

[Mirokado]

My favorites are:
1. Benny Carter
2. Charlie Parker
3. Art Pepper
4. Phil Woods
5. Donald Harrison
6. Jackie McLean

[memphissax]

For me, I'm currently studying with my favorite alto player. He is not "famous", except in the Memphis area, and his name is Carl Wolfe.