Listmania!
Ultimate list of jazz saxophone resources
By an Amazon.com customer
Connecting Chords with Linear HarmonyConnecting Chords with Linear Harmony
Buy new: $35.00 / Used from: $23.95
Amazingly useful little book. Don't improvise without it. Read it. Learn it. Know it. Live it.
Vol. 3, The II/V7/I Progression: A New Approach To Jazz Improvisation (Book & CD Set)Vol. 3, The II/V7/I Progression: A New Approach To Jazz Improvisation (Book & CD Set) by Jamey Aebersold Play-A-Long Series
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $11.00
This is how you practice what Bert Ligon taught you.
(Vol. 16) Turnarounds, Cycles & II/V7s (Book and CD)(Vol. 16) Turnarounds, Cycles & II/V7s (Book and CD)
More basic turnaround stuff.
Vol. 2, Nothin' But Blues: Jazz And Rock (Book & CD Set)Vol. 2, Nothin' But Blues: Jazz And Rock (Book & CD Set) by Jamey Aebersold Play-A-Long Series
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $12.45
Learn some blues and practice with this
Vol. 57, Minor Blues IN All Keys For All Instruments (Book & CD Set)Vol. 57, Minor Blues IN All Keys For All Instruments (Book & CD Set) by Jamey Aebersold Play-A-Long Series
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $11.56
Minor blues is essential. Here's a resource to help you practice.
100 Ultimate Blues Riffs for Bb (tenor) Saxophone Book/audio CD100 Ultimate Blues Riffs for Bb (tenor) Saxophone Book/audio CD by Andrew D. Gordon
Buy new: $19.55 / Used from: $73.05
Some tips and example blues riffs from a blues master
The Jazz Theory BookThe Jazz Theory Book by Mark Levine
Buy new: $28.90 / Used from: $28.14
You didn't think that Bert Ligon's rather small book was going to take you from novice to master all by itself, did you? This book has jazz chords, scales, and so much more. Absorb this book and be amazing.
Jerry Coker's Complete Method for Improvisation: For All Instruments (CD included)Jerry Coker's Complete Method for Improvisation: For All Instruments (CD included) by Jerry Coker
Buy new: $17.79 / Used from: $16.30
Every good jazz player has an encounter with Jerry Coker. This book is not a bad place to start and will keep you busy in the woodshed for a long time.
Just Jazz Real Book, B Flat Edition Fakebook(Real)Just Jazz Real Book, B Flat Edition Fakebook(Real)
Buy new: $30.36 / Used from: $37.85
Everybody needs at least one good fake book. These are easy to ready in poor light, and offer a fairly good selection.
Just Jazz Real Book, E Flat EditionJust Jazz Real Book, E Flat Edition by Warner Bros. Publications
Buy new: $30.36 / Used from: $26.80
This is the same thing for all you alto sax sissies.
The Genius of Charlie ParkerThe Genius of Charlie Parker by Charlie Parker
Buy new: $18.98 / Used from: $8.45
This is the man. These are his songs.
Charlie Parker Omnibook: Transposed for B Flat InstrumentsCharlie Parker Omnibook: Transposed for B Flat Instruments
Buy new: $13.45 / Used from: $10.50
Learn and study Parker's solos. If you think alto sax is for sissies, get the Bb version.
Charlie Parker Omnibook for E Flat Instruments : Recorded SolosCharlie Parker Omnibook for E Flat Instruments : Recorded Solos
Buy new: $13.45 / Used from: $12.35
If you think it's blasphemy to play Charlie Parker on tenor sax, get the Eb version.
Vol. 26 - Charlie Parker: Jazz Play-Along SeriesVol. 26 - Charlie Parker: Jazz Play-Along Series by Charlie Parker
Buy new: $16.95 / Used from: $10.78
Your fake book may not include every Charlie Parker song. This will help fill the gaps. And it's REALLY cheap.
Stan Getz & The Oscar Peterson Trio: The Silver CollectionStan Getz & The Oscar Peterson Trio: The Silver Collection by Stan Getz
Buy new: $8.97 / Used from: $5.20
If Charlie Parker is too flashy for your taste, try Stan Getz. He has tremendous technique, but a much softer touch. Many say this album with the Oscar Peterson Trio is his best work. The opening cut, "I Want to Be Happy", is worth the price of the CD by itself.
The Very Best of John ColtraneThe Very Best of John Coltrane by John Coltrane
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $4.66
Buy this CD. Do not bother to learn it. No one really needs to play as skillfully as John Coltrane. Everyone needs a little humility to stay motivated, though. Listen, be humbled, and start practicing!