i don;t think i've seen a thread like this on the org. Who were some of the greatest improv musicians out there? the Hendrix's and Coltrane's of the world?

Sandino said:

Ohh.. I don't know. Let's start with Jaco, Stanley Clarke, Miles, Bird, Dizzy, Monk, John McGlaughlin, Wes, Al DiMeola, Bill Evans, Herbie, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, Joe Zawinul, Cannonball, Santana, SRV, I would throw P in there (but only for the Rainbow Children and ONA era), George Benson, Stevie (during his 70's heyday especially). Just 2 name a few!

Beethoven.

He did improvisations of much of his piano works. It's said that he often stunned people. He was reported to be even better than Mozart (at improvisations on piano anyway).
[Edited 9/1/09 9:15am]

The WHOLE Bebop movement.

Art Tatum was the MASTER of piano improvisations.

Herbie is nothing to sniff at either.

Al Jarreau

Ledisi

Imago said:

Nice choices. Bach was definitely nothing 2 sneer at.

NpgSoldier said:

Great choice. I 4got about my man (along with the KOB, BB crew I had mentioned b4). Heck, just about every1 who played with Miles were not only outstanding improv musicians but also great leaders in their own right. This goes 4 drummers too Tony Williams, Philly Joe Jones (Bill Evans personal favorite), and Buddy Rich just 2 name a few. Who could 4get Mingus and Carla Bley. Yo Yo Ma definitely deserves a nod, as well as Jeff Beck and my homeboy SRV.
[Edited 9/1/09 6:13am]