The Best Jazz Saxophone Solos of All Time

It’s impossible to make a definitive list of the best jazz saxophone solos of all time. But that won’t stop us from trying!

The best jazz saxophone solos of all time: a definitive guide

Jazz saxophone is one of the most popular and enduring genres of American music. Though its roots date back to the late 19th century, it truly came into its own in the 1920s, with artists like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington helping to define the sound.

Since then, countless saxophonists have made their mark on jazz, crafting solos that are as memorable as they are masterful. In this definitive guide, we count down the 50 best jazz saxophone solos of all time, spanning the full history of the genre.

From early greats like Coleman Hawkins and Charlie Parker, to modern legends like Branford Marsalis and Kenny Garrett, these are the players who have helped make jazz one of America’s most beloved art forms.

The top 10 jazz saxophone solos of all time

In no particular order, here are the top 10 jazz saxophone solos of all time:

1. “Body and Soul” by Coleman Hawkins
2. “My Funny Valentine” by Charlie Parker
3. “Now’s the Time” by Charlie Parker
4. “Tenor Madness” by Sonny Rollins
5. “Blue Train” by John Coltrane
6. “So What” by Miles Davis
7. “Giant Steps” by John Coltrane
8. “Take the ‘A’ Train” by Duke Ellington
9. “In a Sentimental Mood” by Duke Ellington
10. “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” by Charles Mingus

The best jazz saxophone solos of the 20th century

It’s no easy feat to narrow down the best jazz saxophone solos of all time. After all, the saxophone is such a versatile and emotional instrument, capable of conveying a wide range of human experience. From heart-wrenching melancholy to exuberant joy, the best jazz sax solos can take us on a rollercoaster of emotions.

There are so many greats to choose from, but we’ve compiled a list of 20 of the best jazz saxophone solos of the 20th century. This list includes solos from some of the most iconic jazz musicians of all time, including John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, and Sonny Rollins.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy some of the best saxophone playing in history.

The best jazz saxophone solos of the 21st century

In recent years, the jazz saxophone has seen a renewed interest from both young and old musicians alike. This renaissance has resulted in some incredible saxophone solos being recorded in the 21st century.

In no particular order, here are ten of the best jazz saxophone solos of the 21st century:

1. “Giant Steps” by John Coltrane ( 1960)
2. “My Funny Valentine” by Miles Davis (1964)
3. “So What” by Miles Davis (1959)
4. “A Love Supreme, Pt. 1 – Acknowledgement” by John Coltrane (1965)
5. “Resolution” by John Coltrane (1966)
6. “Naima” by John Coltrane (1959)
7. “Gingerbread Boy” by Dexter Gordon (1968)
8. “Body and Soul” by Coleman Hawkins (1939)
9. “Tenor Madness” by Sonny Rollins (1956)
10. “Lester Leaps In” by Lester Young (1940)

A history of the best jazz saxophone solos

There have been many great jazz saxophone solos over the years, but some have stood out above the rest. Here is a look at some of the best jazz saxophone solos of all time.

Charlie Parker’s “Now’s the Time” (1952)
One of the most influential saxophonists of all time, Charlie Parker’s solo on “Now’s the Time” is a perfect example of his Bebop style. Parker’s use of chromaticism and fast melodic lines was revolutionary at the time, and his solo on this track is one of the most famous in all of jazz.

John Coltrane’s “My Favorite Things” (1961)
John Coltrane was another revolutionary saxophonist, and his solo on “My Favorite Things” is one of his most famous. Coltrane completely reharmonized the melody of the tune, making it his own. His use of modal jazz was ahead of its time, and this solo is a perfect example of his unique approach to improvisation.

Sonny Rollins’ “Tenor Madness” (1956)
Sonny Rollins’ solo on “Tenor Madness” is considered to be one of the greatest jazz improvisations of all time. Rollins takes full advantage of the tune’s 32-bar structure, exploring every possible melodic idea. His solo is both masterful and effortless, making it a true classic.

The evolution of the jazz saxophone solo

The best jazz saxophone solos of all time are a matter of opinion, of course. But there are certain players and performances that have shaped the evolution of the jazz saxophone solo and become cornerstones in the history of the music.

In the early days of jazz, solos were often based on improvised versions of popular songs or gospel tunes. These improvised solos were often quite simple, with just a few notes or phrases repeated over and over. As jazz developed, however, soloists began to explore more complex harmonic ideas and develop their own personal styles.

One of the first great jazz saxophonists was Louis Armstrong, who is best known for his trumpet playing. But Armstrong was also a master of the saxophone, and his solos set the standard for future generations.

Other important early soloists include Coleman Hawkins, who helped develop the “tenor saxophone sound,” and Lester Young, whose ballad playing was highly influential.

In the 1940s and ’50s, bebop musicians such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie pushed the boundaries of jazz soloing even further. Parker in particular became known for his lightning-fast runs and complex chord progressions, while Gillespie’s style was characterized by bop’s signature “off-beat” phrasing.

The 1960s saw the rise of free jazz, which freed soloists from traditional chord progressions and allowed them to experiment with atonality and extended techniques. Players like John Coltrane and Ornette Coleman made some of the most iconic solos in jazz history during this period.

Jazz has continued to evolve since then, with new styles and approaches constantly being developed. But one thing has remained constant: the importance of the saxophone solo in this truly American art form.

The best jazz saxophone solos of the bebop era

The bebop era was a time when jazz music was undergoing a period of great change. The best jazz saxophone solos of this era reflect the creativity and invention of the time.

Bebop is a style of jazz characterized by fast tempo, complex harmonic structures, and improvisation. It developed in the early 1940s, and by the 1950s it was the dominant style of jazz.

The best jazz saxophone solos of the bebop era include:

-Charlie Parker’s “Donna Lee” (1947)
-John Coltrane’s “My Favorite Things” (1960)
-Sonny Rollins’ “St. Thomas” (1956)
-Ornette Coleman’s “Lonely Woman” (1959)

The best jazz saxophone solos of the post-bop era

The post-bop era of jazz saw saxophone players really come into their own, with solos becoming more and more intricate as the years went on. This list celebrates some of the best saxophone solos of that era, from players like John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins and Ornette Coleman.

The best jazz saxophone solos of the free jazz era

The free jazz era of the late 1950s and early 1960s saw a radical expansion in the possibilities for jazz saxophone solos, as musicians began to explore new harmonic and rhythmic territory. This period produced some of the most iconic saxophone solos of all time, by both established masters and up-and-coming talents.

In this article, we’ll count down the 10 best jazz saxophone solos of the free jazz era, from classics by John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins to lesser-known gems by Ornette Coleman and Albert Ayler. These are solos that pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the instrument, and which have stood the test of time as some of the greatest moments in jazz history.

The best jazz saxophone solos of the contemporary era

The jazz saxophone is one of the most recognizable instruments in the genre, and there have been some truly legendary soloists over the years. In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the best jazz saxophone solos of the contemporary era.

One of the most important things to remember about jazz saxophone soloing is that it’s all about feel. The best solos are those that make you feel something, whether it’s joy, sorrow, excitement, or anything in between. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best contemporary jazz saxophone solos.

One of the most famous jazz saxophone solos of all time comes from John Coltrane’s “My Favorite Things.” This solo is special because it demonstrates Coltrane’s incredible ability to improvise within the context of a melody. He takes the melody and by adding his own embellishments and chromaticism, he creates something that is both beautiful and truly original.

Another great solo comes from Kenny Garrett’s “Duck Ellington.” This solo is a perfect example of Garrett’s rhythmically inventive style. He frequently utilizes odd time signatures and irregular melodic patterns, which gives his playing a distinctly modern sound. In this particular solo, he also makes use of extended technique by multiphonics and circular breathing.

If you want to hear something truly unique, check out Wayne Shorter’s solo on “Footprints.” Shorter employs a lot of space in his solos, which allows him to create a sense of tension and release. This particular solo is also noteworthy for its use of chromaticism and multiple tonalities. By incorporating different key centers into his playing, Shorter is able to create a Solo that sounds much larger than it actually is.

These are just a few examples of some great contemporary jazz saxophone solos. There are countless others out there waiting to be discovered. So get out there and start exploring!