Boo, I like every note Trane ever blew. I like every inversion he ever played. His ballads were STELLAR. What I said is, I wasn't a big fan of his TONE. It's a little thin for my taste.

As you know, tone is something you're born with. One of my best friends is a monster on tenor. But, he has a harsher, leaner tone than Trane. And there's nothing he can do about it. Horn changes...reeds, etc. make little or no difference.
He's fantastic on flute, and that's what he plays when he works with me.

Listen To Gato. His tone is both fat and really dirty. Sandborn is really clean and a little fuller than Trane. But, I'll be the first to admit that, good as they are, neither could hold Trane's sax case when it comes to comparing ability and over-all musicianship. I simply like their tone beterr than Trane's.

You can't get a bigger Trane fan than me. I'm just not really crazy about his Tone. That being said, for inspiration, I listen to him all the way to Louisville and back (1 1/2 hours each way) on my weekly trip.

It's just my opinion, and in no way is intended as a criticism of his brilliant technique, improvisational skills or impact on the art of jazz performance.


Russ