Richard Elliot

Since the 1980s, Richard Elliot has been among the top saxophonists in what has come to be called smooth jazz-an accessible, groove-oriented style that combines elements of jazz, pop and, quite often, R&B. When the leading smooth jazz saxophonists are listed, Elliot's name appears alongside chart-topping players like Kenny G, Dave Koz, Najee, and Boney James. But if Elliot had to categorize his music, he wouldn't necessarily call it jazz-at least not in the traditional sense. The Los Angeles-based… Show more tenor saxman tends to think of himself as essentially an R&B instrumentalist with jazz influences. Soul and funk are his foundation-Elliot, after all, spent five years with Tower of Power-and he celebrates his soul/funk heritage on his latest GRP release Ricochet.

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