In the jazz world, soprano saxophonists include Sidney Bechet, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Jane Ira Bloom, and Sam Newsome. Alto saxophonists include Benny Carter, Johnny Hodges, Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderly, Ornette Coleman, Anthony Braxton and David Sanborn. Tenor saxophonists include Lester Young, Stan Getz, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Dave Liebman, and Michael Brecker. Lastly, baritone saxophonists include Harry Carney, Pepper Adams, Gary Smulyan, Gerry Mulligan, and Cecil Payne. The saxophone quartet is a popular ensemble among both jazz and classical performers with a substantial collection of repertoire available.
Quartets provide a wonderful learning experience for the developing saxophonist.
Professional quartets include The World Saxophone Quartet, The Amherst Saxophone Quartet, The 29th Street Saxophone Quartet, and Prism. Unlike the flute and clarinet, the saxophone is very accommodating in the early stages of musical development. Soon thereafter, however, much attention need be given to the development of good posture, support, relaxation, hand position, breathing, embouchure, articulation, and manual dexterity. With all of these components functioning independent of one another, it should come as no surprise that the saxophone demands a great deal of concentration, as is the case with all musical instruments. Essential to learning any instrument is development of the inner ear, or aural perception of sound.