7. Von Freeman (1923-2012)
A musician who operated mainly in the Chicago area where he was held in high regard by his fellow jazz artists young and old. His father gave him a sax when he was seven and he gained a musical education at the famous DuSable high school as well as by sitting in at the many jam sessions that were happening in the locality. A good example of his quirky note-bending style is to be found on the Atlantic recording Doin’ It Right Now with John Young, piano Sam Jones bass and Jimmy Cobb on drums. I really like his version of Sweet and Lovely on this LP. I did see him live when he played at Nice Jazz Festival once with his son Chico but what sticks in my mind is his solo rendition of the Sinatra hit My Way. He had that big Chicago tenor sound and he remained active until he expired at 88 years old.
8. Clifford Jordan (1931-1993)
Another fabulous tenor saxman out of Chicago who in s[ite of leaving a large legacy of great records on various labels is still very under- valued in my opinion; Evan on his early albums the thing that stands out is his amazing sound; you can recognise him after just a few bars. An LP that I like to play is a Japanese issue Hello, Hank Jones on East direct disc. With Hank Jones piano, Reggie Workman bass and Freddy Waits on drums. The long version of Love for Sale is outstanding! I saw Jordan in New York in 1973 at Jazz City and again at the Lincoln Center and he did not disappoint;
9. Lucky Thompson (1924-2005)
Played and recorded with Charlie
Parker, Miles Davis, Mingus etc. and was well known for his beautiful tone on
tenor and soprano sax. He spent time in Europe during the 50s and 60s and then
things started going downhill when he returned to the USA and he ended up on
the streets I believe he was spotted in Seattle but information on his latter
days is scarce. We are fortunate that some great video clips have been posted
on the internet showing him at his best - especially on Soprano.
Mike Farmer
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