Eric Leeds is THE definitive Prince saxophonist, and Prince is one of the most influencial musicians of our time, so u'd think that all these artists who dig Prince dig Eric as we (the fans) do, and therefore would want to have him on their records. I mean if I was a musician with a record contract and I needed a saxophone on my album and I wouldn't have a pal to do the job, I'd try to have Eric Leeds, simple as that.

Nonetheless, this high-profile, highly respected musician (who also seem to be a really kind person, so the issue can't be his personality) appear on almost NO record besides the MPLS-related things. 25 years in the business and... nada!

I just don't get it. Anyone understands WHY ON EARTH Eric Leeds isn't one of the most wanted sax players in the world (or at least one who plays on several albums a year)?

Unless someone is making smooth jazz, modern pop and R&B generally doesn't have any sax or flute at all.

Eric did some session work outside the MLPS circle. Some things that come to my mind:

- Jimmy McGriff

- Hoop Dreams OST

- Jonny Lang

- Charlie Sepulveda

- Estaire Godinez

But you're right, he should have had more session work. Also, all above gigs have an indirect link to the MPLS mob (producers, fellow musicians).

I think Eric's sound is so much linked to Prince, that other artist are a bit scared to use his sound. Maybe they do not want to get a certain label...

[Edited 12/21/11 11:17am]

or maybe they plain out right just dont wanna work with him.its not about having a certain sounds cuz almost every producer out t here been sampling prince drums or just his sound in general so if that was they case they would call on eric.people be calling on mike b,sonny t, john b,shelia e and some of the others.

I know I am late to this thread, but I missed it because of the other one. Eric is a great sax player, but like many artist on this site, he is "Org Famous". Meaning he is not well known outside of the Prince die-hards. So yeah, he beats Maceo here, but ONLY here. The other factor is that he is a baritone sax player. Not much call for them in modern music as they ocupy the sonic space between a trombone and alto saw. Both of which are far more widely played.

leonche64 said:

I know I am late to this thread, but I missed it because of the other one. Eric is a great sax player, but like many artist on this site, he is "Org Famous". Meaning he is not well known outside of the Prince die-hards. So yeah, he beats Maceo here, but ONLY here. The other factor is that he is a baritone sax player. Not much call for them in modern music as they ocupy the sonic space between a trombone and alto saw. Both of which are far more widely played.

These were my thoughts, as well.

Eric's not a name player, and there aren't many contemporary name players. For example, I hear Eric Alexander's name ALL THE TIME, not Eric Leeds's.

For all his talent and fortuitous association, Eric Leeds doesn't even make this Wiki list.