Great flautists? Ian Anderson tops the list. So, putting this gentleman aside, let’s look at five others who come to mind.
Tim Weisberg – An occasional collaborator of Dan Fogelberg, the duo recorded two albums together. Weisberg is a jazz, fusion musician that dabbles in the world of pop. Weisberg and Fogelberg’s styles fit together well as they both blended folk and improvisational elements into their music.
“Tell to My Face” “Intimidation” “Hurtwood Edge”
Ray Thomas – Aside from Jethro Tull, the Moody Blues utilized the flute until Thomas’ role in the band was reduced. His flute went well with the Mellotron and the ethereal quality of the band’s early work. Thomas passed away in 2018, having been retired for a few years.
“For My Lady” “The Morning” “Legend of a Mind”
Walter Parazaider – A founding member of Chicago. Parazaider played saxophone, flute, and clarinet, and occasionally played guitar. He passed away in 2026.
“Colour My World” a wonderful Parazaider flute solo. “Just You N’ Me” sax solo
Ian McDonald – A founding member of both King Crimson and Foreigner. A multi-instrumentalist on guitar, keyboards, flute and saxophone. After one album, he left KC, but he had helped to define that band’s sound, along with the Mellotron to create that spacey effect. In Foreigner, his role was second guitar and keyboards, less flute. He passed away in 2022.
“I Talk to the Wind” “Epitaph” “Starrider”
Chris Wood – A founding member of Traffic. Wood played flute and saxophone, occasionally contributing keyboards and bass. Wood passed away in 1983.
“John Barleycorn” “40,000 Headmen”
Honorable mention: John Almond, Thijs Van Leer (Focus), Jerry Eubanks (Marshall Tucker Band), Jon Clark (Loggins & Messina), Kenny G, Gregg Ham (Men at Work), Pee Wee Ellis (Van Morrison), Ian Underwood (Frank Zappa), Charles Miller (War), Mel Collins (Camel, King Crimson), Ann Wilson (Heart)
Musician Spotlight:
Jim Horn – Yes, that’s him name. A saxophone, flute and clarinet player, a member of the Wrecking Crew of favorite first call session players. He played the flute on Canned Heat’s “Going Up the Country”, “Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night” and Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman”. He played sax on “Ride Like the Wind”, “Turn Your Love Around”, “Got My Mind Set on You”, “Lady Blue”, “Summer Breeze”, “The Royal Scam”, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’”, “Rosanna” and many more hits.
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