World's Greatest Tenors

With the exception of Bach, I don't know who is the greatest anything.
That said, I always found it strange that Illinois Jaquet is
so little mentioned.
I listen to him more than any Jazzman, but then 90% of my listening is classical so what do I know.

If there ever was a cult figure in the post-Coltrane tenor saxophone world,
Steve Grossman was it. He first gained notoriety by being chosen by Miles
in 1969, at the age of 18 (!), to replace Wayne Shorter. Depending on the
setting, he demonstrates the obvious Coltrane influence, but also that of
Sonny Rollins with an incredibly raw intensity in his sound. IMO, he was
destined to be the greatest of the post-Coltrane modern tenor players, but
personal circumstances seemed to derail matters. Things appear to be on
track now.

[URL]http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-RpPr08P5Dg[/URL]

[URL]http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wLZoVnRXxuY[/URL]

Acman3, this one's for you. "Stone Alliance" the band he
formed with Gene Perla and Don Alias after his stint with Miles.

[URL]http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0ztXkXJ7GZM[/URL]

Another very good Stitt, "Salt and Pepper" 5 of the tracks feauture Paul Gonsalves (tenor sax) along with Stitt (alto and tenor sax).
Charles,

Elvin Jones "Live At The Lighthouse" is one of those records
that sit alongside Coltrane's "Giant Steps" as milestones in the
evolution of modern tenor saxophone playing. Elvin Jones led an unusual
quartet consisting of two tenor players and no piano. Alongside the already
mentioned young Steve Grossman, the other tenor was Dave Liebman,
another fantastic player in the post-Coltrane style; a style which would
shape, to varying degrees, the way that just about all tenor players from
that point forward would play the instrument.

[URL]http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BrIfp7F6wR8[/URL]

The "greatest tenors" world lost one of the greatest yesterday at the age of 91. Frank Wess, member of The Count Basie Orchestra, jazz-flute pioneer, and one of the greatest tenors who played in the more traditional swinging, velvet tone style. RIP.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jD1cvia0i1o

Thanks, that was nice and sweet. I always associate frank Wess with Frank Foster. When I first became interested in jazz it seems I often came across recordings that featured both of them. They're wonderful players.
Charles,

Speaking of velvet tone on the tenor, one of my very favorites, and one
who is seldom mentioned is Plas Johnson. He also has an uncanny ability
to play "in the pocket" as jazz players like to say. All the great
tenors mentioned so far clearly swing their behinds off, a few simply have
that "it" factor in their rhythmic concept; plas Johnson is one of
them:

[URL]http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nU5gedgIUfs[/URL]

For those who aren't familiar with his work, but keep asking themselves
"where have I heard that sound before":

[URL]http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jBupII3LH_Q[/URL]

Frank was a great musician! RIP.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpW0NcdXBtE

Another great overlooked tenor player is Bennie Wallace. Always has a great tone, and somewhat quirky ideas. Never heard him play anything uninteresting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHEFmde7zFs

Great! Love his tone and quirky approach. The tune is very reminiscent of something written by Monk; turned inside out (if that's possible). Thanks.