Easy Jazz Tenor Sax Music to Get You Started

If you’re looking for some easy jazz tenor sax music to get you started, look no further! In this blog post, we’ll share some of our favorite tunes that are perfect for beginners.

Introduction

Jazz tenor saxophonists are some of the most important and celebrated musicians in jazz history. From Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young to Ben Webster and Sonny Rollins, the saxophone has been a vital part of the jazz tradition for over 100 years.

While the saxophone is a versatile instrument that can be used in a variety of musical styles, it is perhaps most associated with jazz. If you’re interested in learning to play jazz tenor saxophone, there are a few things you should know before getting started.

In this article, we’ll give you an introduction to the world of jazz tenor saxophone. We’ll talk about the history of the instrument, some of the most important jazz tenor saxophonists, and we’ll also provide some easy jazz tenor saxophone music to help you get started.

Easy Jazz Tenor Sax Music

“All of Me” by John Legend

“All of Me” is a song by John Legend from his fourth studio album Love in the Future (2013). It is dedicated to Legend’s wife Chrissy Teigen. “All of Me” reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in May 2014. Several other versions have been created, including versions by saxophonist Richie Cole and singer-songwriter Julia Michael.

Richie Cole’s version of “All of Me” appeared on his album Hollywood Madness (1977). The tune has a Latin feel with a bossa nova rhythm. Cole’s solo is reminiscent of Stan Getz’s style.

Julia Michael’s version of “All of Me” was released as a single in 2018. The song has a more mainstream pop sound than the original.

“Don’t Know Why” by Norah Jones

This smooth jazz standard by Norah Jones is a great tune for beginning improv. The chord progression is simple and repetitive, making it easy to follow along. The melody is also relatively easy to play, with some repetition and room for variation. If you’re looking for an easy jazz standard to get started with, “Don’t Know Why” is a great choice.

“Summertime” by George Gershwin

One of the most iconic pieces of American music, “Summertime” was composed by George Gershwin in 1934 for the opera “Porgy and Bess.” The theme has been adapted and performed by countless musicians over the years, and it remains a staple of the jazz repertoire. Given its popularity, it’s no surprise that “Summertime” is often chosen as one of the first tunes that beginning jazz tenor saxophonists learn to play.

If you’re just getting started on tenor sax, “Summertime” is a great choice for your first tune. The melody is relatively simple, and there are plenty of recorded versions that you can listen to for inspiration. When you’re ready to take your playing to the next level, try learning some of the more challenging solos that have been recorded on “Summertime,” such as those by Coleman Hawkins and Dexter Gordon.

Conclusion

Now that you know the basics of jazz tenor saxophone music, you can start practicing and perfecting your craft. Remember to listen to as much jazz as you can, and try to imitate the greats. With dedication and hard work, you’ll be playing like a pro in no time.