David Ragsdale
Everybody has their own opinions and reasons on who the best are. These are mine.
John Coltrane, the eponymous jazz saxophonist. It would be a crime to have him anywhere other than #1.
Dexter Gordon. The tone of glory. Both cool and animated at the same time. Check out Blue Bossa.
Wayne Shorter, member of Miles Davis' second quintet. It's reported that Wayne Shorter was the one composer that Miles Davis never had to change anything for. He wrote Footprints on Miles Smiles, along with a ton of other standards. It doesn't hurt that he co-founded Weather Report and is probably the most prolific living jazz composer.
Cannonball Adderley. Melds jazz with rhythm & blues which sparked the sub-genre of soul jazz.
Sonny Rollins. This man....this man can play. And St. Thomas is a classic.
Gerry Mulligan, the baritone wonder. He played on and composed some of the greatest jazz songs ever, but most importantly contributed to the birth of West Coast jazz.
Paul Desmond. As a member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, he gave the West Coast jazz scene a saxophone ideal.
Stanley Turrentine. By far my favorite saxophonist right now.
