Frogman, when it comes to "words", you have always been more correct, and I'm not just saying that. The bass solo that most impressed you would have been a better choice of words, because no one can say which is the best when discussing a "subjective" subject. From here on out, it's the solo that most "impressed" anyone; that turns it into the best that person has heard.
I don't think "Bang" is a good player in regard to the violin, but his music is so different, that I like it for that reason. When it comes to checking the timbre of my speakers, I want the sound of the best "classical" violin I can find.
I'm not qualified to evaluate how good a musician is on his instrument from any thing that comes close to an objective point of view. I'm sure this is where the word "objective" would come into play, as regarding Wynton Marsalis's trumpet for example.
Nothing in my evaluations even come close to your last paragraph.
Just before responding, I was evaluating my re-recording of old records to my play-list with a new cartridge; it's like getting a new collection.
I was listening to Joe Henderson's solo on "Idle Moments", and I can tell you this (something you can take to the bank according to me) When Rudy Van Gelder goes "Ga Ga" over anything; if you ain't got it, you had better run out and get it. That solo is one of the most talked about in all of jazz.
