The alto saxophone is one of the most popular instruments in jazz and pop music, known for its smooth, expressive sound. Over the years, many talented musicians have made their mark playing the alto ...

Adolphe Sax made this alto saxophone in 1857, long after he had switched to brass. The sax is still a woodwind instrument, though. Photo courtesy National Music Museum, Vermillion, South Dakota The ...

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Almost no other instrument seems so synonymous with jazz as the sax. Listen to some classic alto playing from Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley, Sonny Stitt and more greats. Credit...Illustration by ...