With over 100 color photos and insightful essays written by world-class jazz authorities, this book illustrates the saxophone's role in jazz from its earliest 1920s roots through today. It describes how the sound of jazz has been shaped in the hands of Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Branford Marsalis, Sonny Rollins, and many other legendary saxophonists in varying styles. It also includes a comprehensive guide to the finest recordings featuring jazz saxophone.