The flexible, voice-like tone of the saxophone has made it a prominent jazz instrument since almost the very beginning of jazz. A member of the woodwind family, the saxophone is actually made out of brass. Its tone is created by blowing into the mouthpiece, on which a reed made out of cane vibrates.

The saxophone family includes the tenor and alto saxophones, which are the most common, and also the soprano and baritone. The saxophone is a monophonic instrument, which means that it can only play one note at a time. This means its role is usually to play the melody, or "the head" of a song, and also to solo. [Source: jazz.about.com ]

"I started playing violin, piano, clarinet, and then... I found the sax... I love the tone, the sound. Particularly the tenor, it has a robust, expressive sound, and I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame." says Nick Aggs.

Charlie Parker, one of the founders of Bebop in the 1940s, is still regarded as one of the best Sax players of all time.
In 1960, John Coltrane showed his incredible musical ability and revolutionary style with a spectacular solo in his "Giant Steps" track.

A member of the brass family, the trombone has been used in jazz ensembles since the beginning of jazz. In early jazz styles, its role was often to "comp" behind the lead instrument by playing improvised counter lines. During the swing era, trombones were an essential part of the big band. When bebop came around, trombones became less common, owing to the fact that it is simply more difficult to play sinewy lines than on other instruments. Because of its power and its unique tone, the trombone is frequently used in many stylistic veins. [Source: jazz.about.com ]

"The trombone has no real limits. Soundwise you can do whatever you want and the dynamic range is incredible, from extremely soft to extremely loud and everything in between. The slide makes it possible to bend the notes and even play the notes between the half notes. The tonal range is also limitless. So if you put your effort to it you can basically do anything you imagine. I also like the fact that the trombone is so close to the human voice." says Kristian Persson.

J.J. Johnson, considered by many to be the finest jazz trombonist of all times and a true legend, redefined trombone playing for the be-bop era.

The double bass, also called the acoustic bass, or upright bass to distinguish it from the electric bass, stands around 180 cm (six feet) from scroll to endpin. In classical settings, the instrument is played with a bow made of wood and horse hair, and dragged along the strings to create long, sustained pitches. In jazz however, the instrument's strings are more typically plucked, giving it an almost percussive quality. The bass provides the foundation for the harmony in the rhythm section, as well as the rhythmic pulse throughout.

Many upright bass players have contributed to the evolution of jazz. Apart from the jazz styles of jazz fusion and Latin-influenced jazz, the upright bass is still the dominant bass instrument in jazz. [Source: jazz.about.com and Wikipedia]

"With the bass you control the whole band, the main harmony... and it's the most beautiful instrument." says Ian Eustis.

Charles Mingus is considered one of the most important composers and performers of jazz as well as a pioneer in bass technique.
Ron Carter is among the most original, prolific, and influential bassists in jazz and most-recorded bassists in jazz history.

The bassist fulfills a similar role in most types of music: anchoring the harmonic framework and laying down the beat. The bass guitar is used in many styles of music including Jazz., In contrast to the upright bass (or double bass), the electric bass guitar is played horizontally across the body, like an electric guitar. When the strings are plucked with the fingers, the index and middle fingers (and sometimes with the thumb, ring, and pinky fingers as well) are used. [Source: Wikipedia ]

"The bass is the driving force of the band." says Sonu Sangameswaran.

Stanley Clarke, one of the fusion pioneers well known for his innovative and influential work on double bass and electric bass guitar.
Jaco Pastorius , another fusion pioneer. He is considered by many to be one of the most influential electric bassist.