Hey, I know this can be argued that there never was a best "jazz musician"...that`s why this thread is entirely opinion. Who was your favorite, who did you think was the best, and why? This can be collective, too, like the Duke Ellington orchestra. Why do you like them, why do you say they are the best?

Ok, mine of course would have to be the tenor saxophonist Stan Getz. Not only did he have a photographic memory for music, but also flawless rythm and perfect pitch. I found his tone to be different, and in fact, superior. It speaks to me on several levels, and effectively displays his emotions. I think he was a complete musical genius, his improvisations took improvising to an entirely new level of dexterity, skill, and beauty. Listen to "SHINE" or "Pennies from Heaven". He can speak so softly and eloquently, or rip out the fastest song with extroardinary ease. His career lasted very long, he recorded over 300 times. Go check him out, he`s awesome.

I would have to agree my friend, Stan Getz was a freakin` Genius. No, That was wrong, Stan Getz was THE freakin` Genius. He could make you cry through his ballads, then perk you back up with a bouncy swing tune. Then utterly confuse you when you stomps. He could be a real stomping tenor man! There`s something about the way he plays and sounds. He`s the tenor that you`ll never be, but be the thing you want to live into, like Jesus Christ, but in a saxophone way.

I would really suggest listening to Getz, especially if you play sax, seriously, Parker sucks, no two ways around it. Also try listening to Getz`s 50`s recording of My Funny Valentine with J.J. Jhonson. Incredible.

I h8 to say this (mostly coz i sound like my mum!!!) but harry connick jnr is a brilliant jazz pianist. I love the bass he does. His songs are never quite what u expect.