You really can't get any better at playing a ballad than Johnny Hodges and Paul Desmond. Two of the all time great alto players. Their ability to be lyrical with the alto is legendary.
First up we have Paul Desmond on the tune Emily:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Agj2_KfHWnU
Then we have Johnny Hodges with Duke Ellington on Black Butterfly:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1DmuxLSCmeo
First up we have Paul Desmond on the tune Emily:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Agj2_KfHWnU
Then we have Johnny Hodges with Duke Ellington on Black Butterfly:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1DmuxLSCmeo