Pepper Adams

The most important and influential baritone saxophonist of the hard bop era. Adams was known for his powerful, aggressive, and virtuosic style, which earned him the nickname 'The Knife.' His gruff, biting tone and incredible bebop facility provided a stark contrast to the cooler, more lyrical approach of his contemporary, Gerry Mulligan. He co-led a classic and prolific quintet with trumpeter Donald Byrd and was a key voice in the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra.