[Kritavi]

That last name, Francisco Mela is a great drummer, not a saxophonist. And I have my doubts about Lester Bowie playing saxophone.

 

[Quackhack]

And I have my doubts about Lester Bowie playing saxophone.

He probably meant his brother, David Bowie 🤣

 

[PigSquealer]

@jaspire now that’s a list !

 

[PigSquealer]

Me: "Make a list in rank order of the 100 least famous saxophone players"

Ms. ChatGPT: "That's a tricky one! If a saxophonist is truly among the least famous, they wouldn't be widely known enough to rank. But if you’re looking for underrated or obscure saxophonists who deserve more recognition, I can help with that. Do you mean lesser-known jazz musicians, session players, or saxophonists from other genres?"

Me: "Yes"

100 Underrated or Obscure Saxophonists (Ranked by Influence & Skill)

1-10: Highly Skilled but Overlooked

1. Mark Turner – Modern jazz master with a unique, cerebral style.
2. JD Allen – Deep, soulful tone with powerful compositions.
3. Tina Brooks – Blue Note-era hard bop player overshadowed by peers.
4. Harold Land – Brilliant West Coast jazz player, often overlooked.
5. John Surman – British avant-garde saxophonist with a distinct voice.
6. Ernie Henry – Hard bop player with a crisp, lyrical tone.
7. Ricky Ford – Tenor player who worked with Charles Mingus.
8. Rolf Kühn – German jazz artist with a deep, rich sound.
9. Azar Lawrence – A Coltrane-inspired player with intense spirituality.
10. Bill Saxton – NYC legend, known for keeping jazz alive at small venues.

11-30: Unsung Heroes of Jazz

1. Gary Bartz – A phenomenal saxophonist blending jazz and R&B.
2. Sonny Fortune – Played with Miles Davis but never got full recognition.
3. Billy Harper – Hard-hitting, spiritual jazz tenor player.
4. Charlie Rouse – Monk’s longtime saxophonist, often overlooked.
5. George Adams – Tenor powerhouse known for his work with Mingus.
6. Kenny Garrett – Famous among jazz lovers, but still underrated.
7. Plas Johnson – The man behind the “Pink Panther” theme.
8. James Carter – Virtuosic, yet not a household name.
9. Archie Shepp – Free jazz innovator who deserves more recognition.
10. Pepper Adams – The definitive baritone saxophonist in hard bop.
11. Hank Mobley – Often called “the most underrated saxophonist ever.”
12. Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis – A raw, bluesy sound with serious swing.
13. Bobby Watson – Post-bop master with incredible compositions.
14. Frank Lowe – Avant-garde player with a sharp, unique tone.
15. John Gilmore – Sun Ra’s main saxophonist, highly influential.
16. Ike Quebec – Deep, breathy tenor tone; deserved more fame.
17. Fats Navarro – Known as a trumpeter, but played a bit of sax too.
18. Zoot Sims – Swing-era player often overshadowed by Stan Getz.
19. Steve Lacy – The leading soprano saxophonist before Branford Marsalis.
20. Roland Kirk – Played three saxophones at once, yet not a mainstream name.

31-50: Killer Players from the Shadows

1. Joe Henderson – A jazz giant, but still underrated compared to peers.
2. Warne Marsh – West Coast jazz saxophonist with a deep bebop feel.
3. Lew Tabackin – An incredible straight-ahead and flute player.
4. Paul Gonsalves – Kept Duke Ellington’s band alive for years.
5. Leo Parker – A pioneering baritone saxophonist in bebop.
6. Bennie Maupin – Played on Bitches Brew, yet remains underrated.
7. Oliver Lake – A creative force in free jazz and fusion.
8. John Klemmer – A smooth jazz innovator overshadowed by Grover Washington Jr.
9. Earl Bostic – R&B sax great, but many don’t know his name.
10. Cannonball Adderley – Famous but still not given Coltrane/Miles-level recognition.
11. Sonny Criss – A fluid and energetic West Coast alto player.
12. Fred Anderson – A Chicago avant-garde jazz legend.
13. Gene Ammons – A tenor saxophonist with deep soul and groove.
14. Arthur Blythe – A bold player blending avant-garde with traditional jazz.
15. Houston Person – A warm-toned tenor saxophonist with a cult following.
16. Red Holloway – A swing and R&B master with a huge personality.
17. Vi Redd – One of the first female jazz saxophonists, often overlooked.
18. Jerome Richardson – A skilled session musician with a bebop touch.
19. Ronnie Cuber – Baritone sax monster with insane chops.
20. Willis “Gator” Jackson – A mix of hard bop and R&B greatness.

51-100: Deep Cuts for Saxophone Fans

1. James Moody
2. Scott Hamilton
3. Tubby Hayes
4. Dave Liebman
5. Chris Potter
6. Bob Berg
7. Kirk Whalum
8. Boots Randolph
9. Don Byas
10. Sonny Red
11. Lanny Morgan
12. Russell Procope
13. Charlie Mariano
14. Jimmy Heath
15. Frank Wess
16. Buddy Tate
17. Jay Beckenstein
18. Stanley Turrentine
19. Yusef Lateef
20. Sal Nistico
21. David Murray
22. Bob Cooper
23. Harvey Pittel
24. Herb Geller
25. Joe Daley
26. Eli Fountain
27. Andrew White
28. Pete Christlieb
29. Vincent Herring
30. Rudy Wiedoeft
31. Gene Quill
32. Fred Hemke
33. Per Goldschmidt
34. Tomasz Szukalski
35. Dick Oatts
36. Lester Bowie (yes, he played some sax!)
37. Marshall Allen
38. Eddie Harris
39. Gerry Mulligan
40. Richie Cole
41. Charles McPherson
42. Paul Desmond (yes, still underrated beyond “Take Five”)
43. Julius Hemphill
44. Mats Gustafsson
45. Hamiet Bluiett
46. Danny Janklow
47. Tony Lakatos
48. George Coleman
49. Billy Mitchell
50. Francisco Mela

​

Ms. ChatGPT: "This list covers everything from hard bop to avant-garde, fusion, and R&B. Let me know if you want more details on any of these players! 🎷"

 

[jaspire]

That last name, Francisco Mela is a great drummer, not a saxophonist. And I have my doubts about Lester Bowie playing saxophone.

Ms. ChatGPT responds: "You're right to call that out! Francisco Mela is a drummer, but he has collaborated with many great saxophonists. If I mistakenly included him in a list of saxophonists, that was an oversight. Thanks for catching that!"

 

[Kritavi]

Ms. ChatGPT responds: "You're right to call that out! Francisco Mela is a drummer, but he has collaborated with many great saxophonists. If I mistakenly included him in a list of saxophonists, that was an oversight. Thanks for catching that!"

I saw him play last summer with George Garzone who I don't think made the list but certainly could have. And yes, I think the AI meant David and not Lester re: Bowie's.

 

[Bkenes]

Ms. ChatGPT responds: "You're right to call that out! Francisco Mela is a drummer, but he has collaborated with many great saxophonists. If I mistakenly included him in a list of saxophonists, that was an oversight. Thanks for catching that!"

I honestly think ChatGPT makes misstakes on purpose. There is always something wrong.

 

[jaspire]

I saw him play last summer with George Garzone who I don't think made the list but certainly could have. And yes, I think the AI meant David and not Lester re: Bowie's.

Ms. ChatGPT confesses: "If I previously included Lester Bowie as a saxophonist in a list, that was a mistake. While Bowie was known for his experimental approach to music and sometimes incorporated unconventional instruments into performances, he was not known for playing the saxophone in any significant way. Thanks for catching that!"
You've made a friend.

 

[Quackhack]

And to think whole organizations (private/corporate, public/govt) are shifting to AI…just frightening & alarming given the inaccuracies we see here among these simple queries. Our tendency toward laziness will be our undoing, if it hasn’t already.

 

[Kritavi]

I use AI almost daily for a wide variety of things. Saxophone related subjects are not one of its strong point. However this is first year, compare it to first year internet, cars, airplanes etc and its already well on its way.

 

[etc-etc]

Charles G. Conn should be on makers list

As well as Gus Buescher.

 

[victor.morosco]

That’s not a bad list, only a very few names there I don’t recognise. Maybe a bit jazz heavy, somebody like John Helliwell may not be recognised by name by the public but their playing definitely would be.

any list without Phil Woods is obviously by someone who doesn't know much about Saxophone greatness.

 

[rolltrane]

Not sure why you’re quoting my post there? The point of the thread is that the list was compiled by AI and limited in number, leading to obvious omissions, and the resulting debate.

 

[mrpeebee]

Herschel Evans and Johnny Griffin not mentioned yet...

 

[tbes50203]

Me: "Make a list in rank order of the 100 least famous saxophone players"

Ms. ChatGPT: "That's a tricky one! If a saxophonist is truly among the least famous, they wouldn't be widely known enough to rank. But if you’re looking for underrated or obscure saxophonists who deserve more recognition, I can help with that. Do you mean lesser-known jazz musicians, session players, or saxophonists from other genres?"

Me: "Yes"

100 Underrated or Obscure Saxophonists (Ranked by Influence & Skill)

1-10: Highly Skilled but Overlooked

1. Mark Turner – Modern jazz master with a unique, cerebral style.
2. JD Allen – Deep, soulful tone with powerful compositions.
3. Tina Brooks – Blue Note-era hard bop player overshadowed by peers.
4. Harold Land – Brilliant West Coast jazz player, often overlooked.
5. John Surman – British avant-garde saxophonist with a distinct voice.
6. Ernie Henry – Hard bop player with a crisp, lyrical tone.
7. Ricky Ford – Tenor player who worked with Charles Mingus.
8. Rolf Kühn – German jazz artist with a deep, rich sound.
9. Azar Lawrence – A Coltrane-inspired player with intense spirituality.
10. Bill Saxton – NYC legend, known for keeping jazz alive at small venues.

11-30: Unsung Heroes of Jazz

1. Gary Bartz – A phenomenal saxophonist blending jazz and R&B.
2. Sonny Fortune – Played with Miles Davis but never got full recognition.
3. Billy Harper – Hard-hitting, spiritual jazz tenor player.
4. Charlie Rouse – Monk’s longtime saxophonist, often overlooked.
5. George Adams – Tenor powerhouse known for his work with Mingus.
6. Kenny Garrett – Famous among jazz lovers, but still underrated.
7. Plas Johnson – The man behind the “Pink Panther” theme.
8. James Carter – Virtuosic, yet not a household name.
9. Archie Shepp – Free jazz innovator who deserves more recognition.
10. Pepper Adams – The definitive baritone saxophonist in hard bop.
11. Hank Mobley – Often called “the most underrated saxophonist ever.”
12. Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis – A raw, bluesy sound with serious swing.
13. Bobby Watson – Post-bop master with incredible compositions.
14. Frank Lowe – Avant-garde player with a sharp, unique tone.
15. John Gilmore – Sun Ra’s main saxophonist, highly influential.
16. Ike Quebec – Deep, breathy tenor tone; deserved more fame.
17. Fats Navarro – Known as a trumpeter, but played a bit of sax too.
18. Zoot Sims – Swing-era player often overshadowed by Stan Getz.
19. Steve Lacy – The leading soprano saxophonist before Branford Marsalis.
20. Roland Kirk – Played three saxophones at once, yet not a mainstream name.

31-50: Killer Players from the Shadows

1. Joe Henderson – A jazz giant, but still underrated compared to peers.
2. Warne Marsh – West Coast jazz saxophonist with a deep bebop feel.
3. Lew Tabackin – An incredible straight-ahead and flute player.
4. Paul Gonsalves – Kept Duke Ellington’s band alive for years.
5. Leo Parker – A pioneering baritone saxophonist in bebop.
6. Bennie Maupin – Played on Bitches Brew, yet remains underrated.
7. Oliver Lake – A creative force in free jazz and fusion.
8. John Klemmer – A smooth jazz innovator overshadowed by Grover Washington Jr.
9. Earl Bostic – R&B sax great, but many don’t know his name.
10. Cannonball Adderley – Famous but still not given Coltrane/Miles-level recognition.
11. Sonny Criss – A fluid and energetic West Coast alto player.
12. Fred Anderson – A Chicago avant-garde jazz legend.
13. Gene Ammons – A tenor saxophonist with deep soul and groove.
14. Arthur Blythe – A bold player blending avant-garde with traditional jazz.
15. Houston Person – A warm-toned tenor saxophonist with a cult following.
16. Red Holloway – A swing and R&B master with a huge personality.
17. Vi Redd – One of the first female jazz saxophonists, often overlooked.
18. Jerome Richardson – A skilled session musician with a bebop touch.
19. Ronnie Cuber – Baritone sax monster with insane chops.
20. Willis “Gator” Jackson – A mix of hard bop and R&B greatness.

51-100: Deep Cuts for Saxophone Fans

1. James Moody
2. Scott Hamilton
3. Tubby Hayes
4. Dave Liebman
5. Chris Potter
6. Bob Berg
7. Kirk Whalum
8. Boots Randolph
9. Don Byas
10. Sonny Red
11. Lanny Morgan
12. Russell Procope
13. Charlie Mariano
14. Jimmy Heath
15. Frank Wess
16. Buddy Tate
17. Jay Beckenstein
18. Stanley Turrentine
19. Yusef Lateef
20. Sal Nistico
21. David Murray
22. Bob Cooper
23. Harvey Pittel
24. Herb Geller
25. Joe Daley
26. Eli Fountain
27. Andrew White
28. Pete Christlieb
29. Vincent Herring
30. Rudy Wiedoeft
31. Gene Quill
32. Fred Hemke
33. Per Goldschmidt
34. Tomasz Szukalski
35. Dick Oatts
36. Lester Bowie (yes, he played some sax!)
37. Marshall Allen
38. Eddie Harris
39. Gerry Mulligan
40. Richie Cole
41. Charles McPherson
42. Paul Desmond (yes, still underrated beyond “Take Five”)
43. Julius Hemphill
44. Mats Gustafsson
45. Hamiet Bluiett
46. Danny Janklow
47. Tony Lakatos
48. George Coleman
49. Billy Mitchell
50. Francisco Mela

​

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I would change some positions, but overall, I agree with this top

 

[PigSquealer]

Alf aleart

 

[jazzbob]

Don Menza or Bert Wilson..

 

[jamiejazz]

Phil woods?!?

 

[jazzbob]

Also missing Sigurd Rascher and John-Edward Kelly, both classical saxophonists of great influence and recognition.

And don't forget animated character Lisa Simpson, of the celebrated animated family of The Simpsons television series. Who is or are the actual saxophone/saxophonists for Lisa?

 

[jazzbob]

How about the bay area's Vince Wallace? Multiple albums of his own a tenor player, also with Bert Wilson on Bert's The Rangemaster and the Changemaster.

Or soprano saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom; or a younger soprano sax spectacular, Seattle's Kate Olson who also performs on the three other major saxes-whose limpid tenor reminds of many soprano styles, as a comic reflection-so unlike most tenors, and perfectly iconic none the less.