Yesterday we published the all-time top 50 tenor saxophone recordings as chosen by an elite group of artists and critics. Today we turn the floor over to Mr. Sonny Rollins, who knows a thing or two about tenor.



Coleman Hawkins: “The Man I Love”



A very exciting record: high musicality, extraordinary personnel, definitely a tenor saxophone gem.



Lester Young: “Afternoon of a Basie-ite”



It’s a perfect example of his lyricism, his nonpareil sense of swing. The great Lester Young-the man who influenced generations.



John Coltrane: “Giant Steps”



Establishing a new saxophone language.



Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis: “Lockjaw”



One of the most underrated and unique tenor players of any era.



Ben Webster: “Cotton Tail”



Also a trendsetter. His work cannot be



overlooked. Important.



Dexter Gordon (with Dizzy Gillespie): “Blue ‘n’ Boogie”



Dexter Gordon influenced so many of the younger tenor players who followed him.



Stan Getz (with Woody Herman): “Four Brothers”



Stan led in the popularity of the “white” tenor sound. And don’t forget Brew Moore.



Don Byas (with Dizzy Gillespie): “Be-Bop”



The saxophone wizard. He could play anything and everything on the horn with fluidity, authority and style.



Junior Walker: “Shotgun”



Junior exemplified the viability of the tenor in soul, pop and rock.



Grover Washington Jr.: “Mister Magic”



Grover, one of my favorites, spearheaded the soul-jazz movement.

Originally Published