The field is probably bigger than 2.

I disagree however that the instrument, "trumpet" or "saxophone", means you can make comparisons. That's like saying if you play guitar you can be compared to everyone else who plays guitar.

You can compare, you just might find more differences than similarities. When I listen to Rick Braun or Chris Botti (Cindy Bradley) I hear music that is different than the others mentioned.


I know this analogy isn't exactly correct - but, it's like one group playing straight ahead jazz and another playing smooth or contemporary jazz.

I just thought - maybe some of the issue is that many of the saxophone players sound a little too similar... it's easy to compare when things are already homogenized for you.

Yeah I thought about that after posting. Went back and looked at my own collection only to see many of the names you mentioned. I guess my thought at the time was on the smooth jazz scene rather then including the more mainstream players. But your point is well taken.

Although I have heard Christian Scott play straight-ahead jazz, his own CD's are not straight-ahead, and they are certainly not smooth jazz. Contemporary? You bet! Peace and goodwill.

I think Botti is very talented, but I liked him better before he started playing all the standards. Right now, he just bores me. I saw him at Berks last year and was more excited to see his drummer, Billy Kilson, then I was to see Botti. I've always liked Rick Braun. I've seen Rick play Berks for many years. (He's a regular there since he's from neiboring Allentown and still has family in the area.) It's nice to see Rick stretch outside of the smooth areas and jump into the contemporary and straight ahead styles, which he does during the All Star Jams and the late night jam sessions.