Ready for some fresh new saxophone music? Check out our roundup of some of the new sax music released so far in 2022.
As a sax player, it’s a great idea to listen to new saxophone music from other players. It will help you get an idea of the sound you want on your saxophone, as well as give you lots of inspiration.
Dig into this selection and add some tracks to your playlist in styles you might not have tried before.
2022 Singles
Darren Rahn: Rock The World
This is the first single from Darren’s new album.
Jacob Webb Feat. Jazmin Ghent: Nothing Better
Featuring Jazmin Ghent’s smooth tenor sax lines, this song topped the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart in February 2022.
Paula Atherton: Keep it Coming
The latest smooth single from the successful New York saxophonist Paul Atherton.
Dee Lucas: Lovers Pain
Melodic and smooth soprano sax lines.
Vandell Andrew: On Me
New single from New Orleans Saxophonist Vandell Andrew.
Rocco Ventrella: 1000 Giorni De Ti E Di Me
Smooth tenor cover of the Claudio Baglioni song
Andrew Nichols : El Calor
This second single from Andrew has a Latin feel and features his soprano playing.
Smooth Jazz Albums
Loads of sax players love to listen to smooth jazz. This might be the music that inspired you to pick up the saxophone for the first time. Often mellow, often melodic, this is the perfect sound for relaxing.
Phil Walker: In the Air Tonight
(CD Baby)
Eleven songs from acclaimed saxophone player Phil Walker, with the title track a haunting tribute to the Phil Collins classic.
Released February 4, 2022
Mindi Abair : Forever
(Pretty Good For A Girl Records)
Mindi’s eleventh studio recording is her first solo recording since 2014 and is released on her own label.
Released March 18, 2022
Jazz Albums
From jazz standards to more challenging, contemporary tracks, jazz is often thought of as the home of the saxophone. Listening to jazz is a great way to get into improvisation, as well as getting familiar with some of those tunes that all sax players should know.
Steve Slagle: Ballads: Into the Heart of It
(Panorama Records)
A rich collection of ballads including a number of Slagle originals and some new takes on classic ballads – including Monk’s “Reflections,” with special guest Randy Brecker.
Released February 18, 2022
Mark Lockheart: Dreamers
(Edition Records)
Dreamers is a vibrant and eclectic collection of compositions from acclaimed British saxophonist Mark Lockheart.
Released January 28, 2022
Evan Parker: Winns Win
(Byrd Out)
Winns Win is a solo album from free jazzer Evans Parker, inspired by the designer and activist William Morris.
Released Oct 21, 2021
Immanuel Wilkins: The 7th Hand
(Blue Note)
Philadelphia born-and-raised alto saxophonist-composer Immanuel Wilkins and his quartet present an hour-long, seven-movement suite, each with a progressive intensity that culminates in collective free-flowing improvisation.
Released January 28, 2022
Aaron Burnett: Correspondence
(Relative Pitch Records)
Seven solo saxophone avant garde improvisations recorded during the lockdown.
Released 7 January 2022
Tim Berne, Gregg Belisle-Chi: Mars
(Intakt Records)
The first album by duo Tim Berne and guitarist Gregg Belisle-Chi. The 12 songs were all written by Tim Berne and reimagined in real-time on this recording.
Released January 21, 2022
Emile Parisien Sextet: Louise
(ACT)
Soprano saxophonist Emile Parisien and his international sextet of musicians fuse American and European jazz in the story that forms the album Louise.
Released January 28, 2022
Tony Malaby: The Cave of Winds
(Pyroclastic Records)
Tony Malby’s tenor and soprano sax sounds weave creative modern jazz lines with his quartet Sabino.
Released January, 2022
Melissa Aldana: 12 Stars
(Blue Note)
Debut from Grammy award winner musician from Chile.
Released March 4, 2022
Binker and Moses: Feeding The Machine
(Gearbox Records)
After five years with no studio releases, Binker (soprano and tenor saxes) and Moses (drums) are back with a new album.
Release date February 25, 2022
(D)IVO Saxophone Quartet: (D)IVO
(Mahakala Music)
Tenorman Ivo Perelman leads seven tracks of innovative extemporization with Tim Berne (alto), Tony Malaby (soprano) and James Carter (baritone).
Released February 18, 2022
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Classical
Although the saxophone is not always associated with classical music, exploring this style is a great way to hear beautiful melody and tone. Here’s a selection of new saxophone music from classical players.
Paul Cohen: Soprano Summit
(Ravello Records)
A celebration of the soprano sax as a solo and chamber instrument.
Released January 28, 2022
Jeffrey Heisler, I-Chen Yeh: Vent
(AMP Recordings)
Featuring saxo-works by Jennifer Higdon, William Bolcom, David Lang, Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, Bill Ryan, and Marc Mellits.
Released January 14, 2022
Saxophone Facts and Trivia in 2022
- Saxophone Magic in 2022: The year 2022 saw a resurgence of saxophone solos in popular music, with numerous hits featuring captivating saxophone licks and memorable instrumental breaks. From energetic baritone sax lines to sweet alto saxophone melodies, the music scene was treated to a diverse range of saxophone songs that incorporated jazz influences.
- The Return of Saxophone Solos: In 2022, the music industry witnessed a remarkable trend as several chart-topping songs embraced the saxophone solo with enthusiasm. It’s intriguing that some of these hits offered not just one but up to four saxophone solos within a single track, showcasing the saxophone’s versatility and appeal to a modern audience.
- Unforgettable Collaborations: A highlight of the year was the collaboration between renowned saxophonist Kirk Whalum and a rising jazz musician, creating an exceptional saxophone solo that left a lasting impression. This collaboration demonstrated the timeless connection between generations of jazz musicians, with their combined talents producing a great saxophone hook that resonated with listeners.
- Modern Takes on Classics: One notable saxophone song that gained traction in 2022 was a fresh interpretation of the iconic “Yakety Sax,” reimagined with a modern twist by an emerging artist. This version featured 1–2 saxophone solos and added a contemporary edge to the classic melody, captivating audiences with its fusion of traditional and contemporary elements.
Saxophone’s Place in Rock: Even in rock music, the saxophone found its way back into the limelight. An unexpected collaboration between a well-known rock band and a skilled saxophonist from the E Street Band led to a hit song that showcased the seamless integration of rock and saxophone elements. This fusion highlighted the adaptability of the saxophone and how it can enhance different musical genres.
Has this selection inspired you in your own saxophone playing? Whatever style you’re into, Sax School has the lessons, support, and resources you need to make great progress on your sax. Start today with Sax School!