[2026] Summary of popular saxophonists abroad. Recommended saxophonists.

Representative, Elysion Philharmonic Orchestrasai-kisaragi
Heisei College of Music, Composition Course. Studied composition and conducting under Keizo Ideta, piano under Chinami Kira, and arts management under Takuma Konishi. With a focus on community and music, I work to revitalize my hometown of Saga Prefecture. While performing as a double bassist with wind ensembles and orchestras across Kyushu, I participated on double bass in the “Orchestra Without Borders” orchestra camp of the professional game and anime music ensemble Eminence Orchestra, held in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture in September 2012. During CAPCOM’s Kyushu Tour in 2016, I not only performed as an orchestra member but also served on the production staff. I currently serve as the managing representative for the game and anime performance groups Elysion Philharmonic Orchestra (Saga Prefecture) and Fukuoka Game Music Wind Orchestra (Fukuoka Prefecture), and handle conducting, arranging, and public relations.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

The saxophone is an instrument you’ll hear not only in jazz, but across many genres—pop, rock, classical orchestras with solos, and wind ensembles.

Many people may feel a certain admiration for saxophonists—seeing them as effortlessly cool and stylish—whether they shine center stage or play the perfect supporting role.

This article highlights famous international saxophonists across a range of genres.

While features like this often focus on legendary players of the past, we also spotlight a wide array of contemporary artists worth noting—from the new generation of the jazz scene and the classical world to saxophonists active as YouTubers.

Enjoy the read!

[2026] A roundup of popular saxophonists from overseas: Recommended saxophonists (61–70)

What a Wonderful WorldGeorge Adams

Don Pullen George Adams What a Wonderful World

What a Wonderful WorldGeorge Adams

He is a saxophonist also known for his work with groups led by Charles Mingus, Gil Evans, and Roy Haynes.

His playing style has roots in blues and popular music, and he was heavily influenced by Roland Kirk, John Coltrane, and Albert Ayler.

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Una MasSteve Grossman

STEVE GROSSMAN ／ Una Mas(from new album 『Homecoming』)

Una MasSteve Grossman

I am a saxophonist born in New York.

I have released many recordings both as a leader and as a sideman.

I have also been very active in Japan, visiting three times—in January 1986, January 1987, and October 2014—performing week-long engagements at the Tokyo jazz club SOMEDAY and touring nationwide on each visit.

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Forest FlowerChaeles Lloyd

Forest Flower ’69

Forest FlowerChaeles Lloyd

Miles Davis, the trumpeter and giant of modern jazz, later incorporated rock elements and was even invited to rock festivals.

Similarly, Charles Lloyd was a saxophonist who was extremely well received by rock audiences.

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MOZAMBICMichel Portal

MICHEL PORTAL – MOZAMBIC

MOZAMBICMichel Portal

He is a French saxophonist born in 1935.

In fact, he also plays the saxophone, but his principal instrument is the clarinet.

Nevertheless, he is highly regarded as a saxophonist as well and is active across a wide range of music, mainly in jazz.

A notable point is that he performs genres that typical musicians would never combine, such as free jazz and classical music.

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Hu Ta NayDonald Harrison

Donald Harrison Jr: “Hu Ta Nay” – from WWOZ’s Basin St. Station (2015)

Hu Ta NayDonald Harrison

An American saxophone player born in 1960 in New Orleans, the holy land of jazz.

A Berklee College of Music alumnus, his performance style is characterized by free expression.

He actively takes on challenges such as fusing swing beats with dance music and exploring hip-hop genres.

In this track, he not only plays the saxophone but also sings, making him a delightfully entertaining artist.

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Don’t Forget You’re PreciousAlabaster Deplume

Alabaster DePlume – “Don’t Forget You’re Precious”

Don't Forget You're PreciousAlabaster Deplume

Alabaster DePlume, originally from the UK and also known as a multi-instrumentalist, blends a wide range of genres—jazz, folk, world music, classical, and spoken word.

His music drew immediate attention with his 2012 debut album Copernicus.

His spirit of musical exploration, expressed through delicate arrangements and nostalgic melodies on that album, opens listeners to a new musical worldview.

Particularly noteworthy is To Cy & Lee: Instrumentals Vol.

1, inspired by two men with learning disabilities.

Alabaster DePlume’s efforts to convey social messages through music are not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful.

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ManchildDave Liebman

Manchild (feat. Richie Beirach, Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette)

ManchildDave Liebman

Jazz has evolved through bebop, hard bop, modal jazz, free jazz, and the neo-mainstream, and Dave Koz gained popularity as a pioneering contemporary saxophonist who absorbed all of these.

Depending on the era, he performs a variety of music.

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