Famous British Saxophone Players

Angela Morley was an accomplished English composer and conductor known for her work in music arrangement for television. She gained recognition for providing incidental music for popular shows such as The Goon Show and Hancock's Half Hour. Morley won three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Music Direction and received multiple Emmy nominations for composing music for television series. Additionally, she was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Original Song Score, making her the first openly transgender person to receive such a nomination.

Johnny Dankworth was an accomplished English jazz composer, saxophonist, clarinettist, and film score writer. He was widely recognized for his contributions to the world of music, particularly in the jazz genre. Alongside his wife, jazz singer Dame Cleo Laine, Dankworth was actively involved in music education and served as her music director. His career was marked by a dedication to musical excellence and innovation, leaving a lasting impact on the industry through his compositions and performances.

Tony Kanal is a versatile British-American musician, songwriter, and record producer known for his role as the bassist and co-writer in the bands No Doubt and Dreamcar. Beyond performing, he has made significant contributions to the music industry through production and songwriting collaborations with various artists, including Pink, Weezer, Elan Atias, and Gwen Stefani. His expertise and creativity have left a lasting impact on the music world, showcasing his talent and passion for creating memorable and influential music across genres.

Ronnie Scott was a prominent British jazz tenor saxophonist and jazz club owner. He co-founded the iconic Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London's vibrant Soho district in 1959. The club quickly gained international acclaim as one of the most popular jazz venues in the world. Ronnie Scott's passion for jazz music and his dedication to providing a platform for both established and up-and-coming jazz musicians contributed significantly to the growth and recognition of the jazz scene in London and beyond.

Rupert Holmes is a versatile British-American artist known for his work as a composer, singer-songwriter, dramatist, and author. He achieved widespread recognition for his hit singles "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)" and "Him." Holmes is also celebrated for his contributions to the musical theater world, notably winning two Tony Awards for his musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Additionally, he has created successful television series and authored a novel, showcasing his diverse talents across multiple creative mediums.

Peter King was a highly acclaimed English jazz saxophonist, composer, and clarinetist known for his exceptional talent and innovative style. Throughout his career, he established himself as a leading figure in the jazz world, captivating audiences with his virtuosic performances and unique musical compositions. King's contributions to the jazz genre were significant, earning him widespread recognition and respect among fellow musicians and jazz enthusiasts. His legacy continues to inspire and influence aspiring jazz artists around the globe.

Rosie Smith is an accomplished English rock and metal musician known for her role as the former keyboardist of Cradle of Filth. With a music diploma from Weymouth College and experience in various bands, she later formed her solo project 'Rosa Damascena' and the duo 'Robert John and Rosie Smith'. Her unique genre 'Gazz' (goth jazz) is showcased in her EP '3 Days Before Midnight'. Currently residing in Dorset, Smith teaches piano and serves as the CEO of Shooting Gallery Studios, where she continues to produce music.

Tony Coe was a versatile English jazz musician known for his mastery of various woodwind instruments, including clarinet, bass clarinet, and flute, as well as soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones. Throughout his career, Coe showcased his exceptional talent and versatility by performing with numerous jazz ensembles and collaborating with renowned artists. His expertise in multiple instruments allowed him to explore a wide range of musical styles, making him a highly respected figure in the jazz community for his innovative contributions to the genre.

Julian Smith, also known as Joolz Gianni, is an English saxophonist and music teacher hailing from Birmingham, England. He has collaborated with renowned artists like Tony Hadley, Gwen Dickey, Hamish Stuart, and Steve Ferrone. Smith has showcased his talent on national television alongside Chris Rea, M People, and Dina Carroll. In 2003, he released a successful solo album titled "Chilled 2 the Sax," featuring notable musicians like Acker Bilk and Dina Carroll. Smith gained wider recognition after participating in the third series of Britain's Got Talent in 2009, finishing in third place.

Alan Barnes is a highly acclaimed English jazz saxophonist and clarinet player with a distinguished professional career. Known for his exceptional talent and versatility, he has received multiple awards for his contributions to the jazz music scene. Barnes has established himself as a prominent figure in the industry, collaborating with various renowned musicians and performing at prestigious venues worldwide. His unique style and passion for music have earned him a strong reputation as a leading artist in the jazz genre.

Kathy Stobart was an English jazz saxophonist recognized for her skill on the tenor saxophone. She was a prominent figure in the British jazz scene, leaving a lasting impact on the genre. Stobart was admired for her musical talent and dedication to her craft. She also served as a mentor and teacher, inspiring a new wave of young female musicians. Stobart's contribution to the history of jazz in Britain is significant, and her influence continues to be felt in the music industry.

Don Rendell was an accomplished English jazz musician known for his expertise as a tenor saxophonist, as well as his proficiency on soprano saxophone, flute, and clarinet. Throughout his career, he established himself as a skilled arranger and made significant contributions to the jazz music scene. Rendell's professional life was marked by his versatility as a multi-instrumentalist and his dedication to creating innovative and captivating music. He left a lasting impact on the jazz community through his talent, creativity, and passion for his craft.

Tim Garland is a highly regarded British jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader known for his innovative blend of modern jazz and classical concert music. With a distinguished career spanning decades, he has established himself as a versatile and accomplished musician. Garland's compositions showcase a unique fusion of genres, displaying his exceptional skills as both a performer and a composer. Through his work, he has made significant contributions to the contemporary jazz scene, earning recognition and admiration from audiences and fellow musicians alike.