I have many influences that have affected my playing. Starting with the obvious players such as John Coltrane, Stanley Turrentine, Michael Brecker, Miles Davis through to Pat Metheny, Vaughan Williams, Debussy and Frank Sinatra. The list is endless but here are my current top five Saxophonists who continue to inspire me: Bob Berg is the reason for me taking up the saxophone so his music is seldom far from my c.d. player. Berg is a very emotive player with a big sound and a flawless technique. Some of his c.d.'s I recommend are: "Short Stories" (Denon-33CY-1768), "In The Shadows" (Denon-81757 6210 2), "Enter The Spirit" (Stretch/GRP-GRS00052). Andy Sheppard is one of the UK's most respected tenor/soprano players. Fantastic sound on both horns especially on soprano.A superb composer too. Recommended c.d.'s are: "Introductions In The Dark" (Island ANCD 8742) "Moving Image" with Steve Lodder (Verve 533875-2) "Learning To Wave" (Provocateur PVC1016) "P.S." with John Parricelli (Provocateur PVC1034)

Tommy Smith is a player who is constantly evolving. A beautiful rich tenor tone which is instantly recognizable and unique composition style. Recommended c.d.'s are: "Peeping Tom" (Blue Note-CDP 7943352) "Spartacus" (Spartacus STS001) "Alone At Last" (Spartacus STS004) "Into Silence" (Spartacus STS003) Andy Snitzer is a player that constantly inspires me with each listen. He has a very individual approach to playing coupled with the most amazing sound on both alto and tenor. In addition to this he has an amazing ability to write the most awesome tunes....the kind that linger in your head all day. Recommended c.d.'s are: "Ties That Bind" (Reprise-945736-2), "In The Eye Of The Storm" (Warner bros-946237-2), "Some Quiet Place" (Countdown/Unity-17787-2). "Sugar" (Videoarts-VACM-1179) Michael Brecker has to be one of the most emulated tenor players of the last twenty years and if you listen to him you should understand why. An impeccable technique that sometimes defies human ability and Brecker is a master of the unexpected, always playing with such authority with fantastic tone and control. Some recommended c.d.'s are: "Michael Brecker" (GRP-GRP01132), "Claus Ogerman/Michael Brecker-Cityscape" (Warner bros-923698-2), "Two Blocks From The Edge" (Impulse-IMP 12612).