But Joe Temperley, one of the most respected jazz saxophonists in the world, thinks differently.

BBC: Practice keeps jazz veteran in tune

Mr. SEGELL: So it has this very spooky, diabolical, seductive quality that seems to hit all saxophonists.

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Steve Wilson is one of the finest saxophonists in the business: He's what musicians label a "first call" player.

NPR: Steve Wilson: A First-Call Saxophonist

Desmond thrived at medium tempos, separating him from the mass of saxophonists ripping through bebop chord changes in the wake of Charlie Parker .

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By saxophonists in the subways, and by singers on the sidewalks.

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In the late '80s and early '90s, he returned to playing hard-bop on several albums for the Landmark label, which also featured saxophonists Kenny Garrett and Joe Henderson.

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With the saxophonists Gigi Gryce and Charlie Rouse, he formed a particularly interesting front line, with the tonal colours of the horns offering a range of pastel hues as well as the expected brilliance.

NPR: 'Blue Note Records, The Biography'

His trademark sound and laid-back swing--he said he wanted to sound like a dry martini--hinted at the influence of tenor saxophone master Lester Young , a tendency shared by many white saxophonists of the time.

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But such concerns were quickly dispelled once the folk-rock trio's trademark intricate vocal harmonies and acoustic and electric guitar parts were enhanced by the JLCO's tight ensemble playing and skilled soloists such as saxophonists Sherman Irby, trumpeter Marcus Printup and trombonist Vincent Gardner.

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