World's Greatest Tenors

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