"During the years 1956 to 1958 Rollins was widely regarded as the most talented and innovative tenor saxophonist in jazz"
Your quote , even if true, does absolutely nothing to prove Rollins was "better" than Young, who died in 1959, and had suffered from severe alcoholism for years prior. If both men are compared in their respective PRIME, Young was definitely the better and more influential jazz saxophonist. All your quote is saying is that Rollins was the best for two short years in the 50's. It says nothing about him being better than Young and others who came before him (or after).
"No saxophonist in jazz has had as pervasive an influence as Michael Brecker, since the death of John Coltrane in 1967"
Another quote that does nothing to prove Brecker was "better" than Young. Even if true, all it proves is that Brecker is the best saxophonist since 1967. It says NOTHING about BEFORE 1967. Again, if both are compared in their respective PRIME, Young was without doubt the better and more influential saxophonist.
"IMO, just because Young came first doesn't automatically make him the best saxophone player in the world."
I never said he was the best jazz saxophonist of all time, so you're putting words in my mouth.
"Although Lester did play alto in his early days, he gravitated towards the tenor but maintained a higher and lighter, yet meaty, tonality than the big-toned and gruff sounding players of his day. That concept carried through time reaching Charlie parker, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Stan Getz and so many others."
"Charlie Parker was not known as a great player until after the summer he went into the hills armed with all of Lester Young's solos on record and learned, analyzed and absorbed them to come up with his unique style."
Hearing Is Believing
"Many decades after his death, Pres [Lester Young] is still considered (along with Coleman Hawkins and John Coltrane) one of the three most important tenor saxophonists of all time."
allmusic ((( Lester Young > Biography )))
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