This album is one of the most successful albums of this sax man because it features such an amazing crew of musicians. Cannonball Adderley was an English teacher and jazz saxophonist. His sound is one of the most popular alto saxophone sounds. If you are trying to learn to play with a great sound. Cannonball's sound is a great tone to model your sound from.

Heralded as the greatest saxophonist of all time, John Coltrane was also known as one of the kindest human beings. John Coltrane was known for taking solos that could last for nearly an hour. To sit and listed to Train in person has been said to be such a zen like experience that a church has been created in the name of the tenor saxophonist. 

John Coltrane's other albums can be difficult to listen to for jazz novices, but Blue Train is John's most approachable album. New listeners to jazz should start with Blue Train. All of the musicians on this album are incredible.

Sonny Rollins is a favorite for many listeners. His playing is energetic, bouncy and entertaining. At one point during his career Sonny stopped playing because he felt that he needed more practice. The story is that he then spent a month practicing under a bridge before he decided to start playing publicly again. 

Dexter Gordon's melodic saxophone playing was exquisite. And his timing and style are so full of character that this album is often cited as the favorite album for many jazz musicians. Listen to this one on repeat. GO is incredible. 

Not all tenor saxophonists play the same way. Stan Getz made it his goal to play light and airy. And consequently his playing is super enjoyable to listen to. When finding your jazz style, it is important to consider different voices. Stan Getz's tone is definitely one to consider.

Considered one of the greatest alto players of all time, Charlie Parker's life was cut short because of poor choices and addiction. His music, however is remarkable. He was a virtuoso. 

A disciple of John Coltrane, Michael Brecker is also considered one of the greatest saxophonists of all time. His tenor playing is modern, full of emotion, and frankly unbelievable. His life was cut too short by cancer. Brecker made a career out of playing the diminished scale in his solos. 

Stanley Turrentine made a career out of playing soulful, funky saxophone solos. He is a great place to start learning from a jazzers' style.

Paul Desmond was an alto saxophonist with a light, soft sound. But it was also beautiful. There are many different ways of playing, and Desmond's playing is very recognizable.

An alto saxophonist with amazing melodic ability.

Kenny Garrett's alto playing is very different, and also modern. Listen to Garrett to consider if this kind of music is for you.

Contemporary Alto Saxophone. Here song Lily Was Here was a big hit in the 90s. 

Bari Saxophone

Phil Woods was slightly younger than Charlie Parker, so he grew up with the ability to listen to Parker in person. This may be why Phil Woods' playing is comparable to Parker's. Also, Phil Woods ended up marrying Parker's wife once he died. Phil's tone is big, bold and like liquid gold.

One of the greatest modern day tenor saxophonists, Joshua Redman was initially studying law at Yale when he became famous as a sax man in New York. His playing is super rhythmic and his ability to articulate is second to none. 

Funky Modern Tenor Playing. 

Alto playing at its finest. 

One of the role models of Stanley Turrentine, Gene Amons is a blues man. His tenor playing is raw and full of energy. 

Another role model of Stanley Turrentine, Illinois Jacquet is considered the father of blues tenor saxophone playing. He was a Chicago based blues man.

Lovano is a Tenor player and a professor at the Berklee College of Music. He famously practices at 3 or 4am when it is completely quiet. Lovano's albums are very progressive and can be difficult to follow for novice listeners, but these are his ballads. Joe's slong songs are absolutely beautiful.

Gerald Albright is a famous alto saxophonist who has played on many popular recordings with rock bands like Phil Collins. But Gerald is also an amazing jazz musician. His solo on this song, Georgia on My Mind is a great example of leading up to a high point. 

Contemporary Alto Saxophone. 

Nicknamed the Prez, Lester Young is thought of as the father of jazz saxophone.