Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
‘He has inspired my whole life in jazz’
Veteran tenor saxophonist ALAN SKIDMORE talks to Chris Searle about his tribute album to John Coltrane
Alan Skidmore

THE tenor saxophone is the lifelong companion of septuagenarian Alan Skidmore. His father, a prime tenor saxophonist himself, gave him one when he was 14 and encouraged him to practise long notes to develop a sound and scales to develop a technique.

He turned professional when he was just 16.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
CS
Jazz album reviews / 3 August 2026
3 August 2026

CHRIS SEARLE waxes lyrical over Alan Skidmore’s tenor-tonic, Jeremy Pelt, and the Yusef Lateef Quartet

searle review
Music Review / 15 July 2026
15 July 2026

CHRIS SEARLE urges you to listen to two new albums by the US Indian pianist VIJAY IYER

Mujician
Books / 3 June 2026
3 June 2026

CHRIS SEARLE recommends a work of love and deep admiration for a great musician

ahmed
Jazz Album Review / 20 May 2026
20 May 2026

CHRIS SEARLE recommends a new album featuring Pat Thomas and Ahmed, and marvels at the tempestuous power of a live performance