Of the many members of the saxophone family, the alto and tenor have emerged as its most prominent siblings. From the mid-1920s onward, many big band alto saxophonists have filled a dual role, best ...

Sarah Hanahan is a young alto saxophonist who has always been sure of her connection to the instrument. "I remember playing it for the first time," she says. "I never squeaked and squawked on it. I ...

As a high school student in Massachusetts, Sarah Hanahan didn't like her academic classes. In fact, she admits, "I just hated school. I always knew, like, 'I can't do this. This just isn't me.'" "It's ...

American jazz musicians Charlie Parker, on alto sax, and Thelonious Monk, on piano, perform at the Open Door Cafe, in New York City on September 14, 1953. getty Images, Bob Parent / Contributor In ...

Zoot Sims, left, and Al Cohn performing on stage. Al Cohn, circa 1980. Saxophonist John 'Zoot' Sims on break at WTTW Studios during a taping of the show Soundstage in Chicago, Nov. 26, 1979. Harry ...