I discovered the late Italian alto saxophonist (1957-93) Massimo Urbani's music only recently. He had a Mac-Attack attack, in other words he burned. As Steven A. Smith might put it, M. Urbani was no slouch and he didn't play with any slouches; his pianists, bassists, and drummers were top flight musicians; they burned too. As Jackie McLean - one of Urbani's major inspirations along with Mr Charles Parker - might have put it, Massimo Urbani studied at the Universities of Dolphy, Ayler, and Coltrane.
Exciting alto saxophonists are hard to find these days - Coleman, Braxton, Brötzman, and Lake remain on the scene; but young altoists?, I'm at a loss to think of any. Rudresh Mahanthappa? Perhaps?
I recommend Massimo Urbani's discs Dedications To Albert Ayler And John Coltrane (1980) and The Blessing (1993) - this last item features the outstanding piano and drums of Danilo Rea and Roberto Gatto. You Tube (1987) reveals:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPBX4RNhEPI
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