The Best Jazz Saxophone Music to Listen to Right Now
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Looking for some great jazz saxophone music to listen to? Check out our top picks for the best saxophone-based tunes to listen to right now!
Best Overall: “So What” by Miles Davis
Miles Davis’ “So What” is widely considered to be one of the best jazz saxophone performances of all time. This track features Davis’ masterful use of space and restraint, allowing him to create a sense of intensity and release that is simply unmatched. If you’re looking for the perfect example of what makes jazz saxophone great, this is it.
Best for Beginners: “Take the ‘A’ Train” by Duke Ellington
If you are new to jazz saxophone, “Take the ‘A’ Train” by Duke Ellington is a great place to start. This song is one of the most popular and well-known jazz standards, and it features a saxophone solo by legendary saxophonist Ben Webster. The solo is simple and easy to follow, making it a great choice for beginners.
Best for Improving Your Technique: “Donna Lee” by Charlie Parker
Many of the most popular jazz saxophone tunes were penned by bebop master Charlie Parker. “Donna Lee” is no exception. This up-tempo tune is perfect for practicing your jazz improvisation technique. The melody is deceptively simple, which makes it easy to play along with, but there are also some challenging harmonic progressions that will keep you on your toes.
Best for Learning Jazz History: “Mood Indigo” by Louis Armstrong
“Mood Indigo” by Louis Armstrong is often cited as one of the best jazz saxophone songs of all time. The tune was originally written as a piano piece by Duke Ellington in 1930, but it was Armstrong’s 1933 recording that made it a jazz standard. “Mood Indigo” features Armstrong’s virtuosic abilities on both the saxophone and the clarinet, and it is a perfect example of the early jazz sound that defined the genre in its infancy.
Best for Relaxing: “Body and Soul” by Coleman Hawkins
Saxophone legend Coleman Hawkins recorded “Body and Soul” in 1939, and it quickly became one of the most popular and influential jazz recordings of all time. The song’s simple, beautiful melody and Hawkins’ soulful saxophone playing make it the perfect choice for relaxing background music.
