Selections from Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time: Instrumental Solos, Volume 1: Tenor Sax Book & Online Audio/Software

You're stepping into iconic moments across pop and rock history, from the raw energy of 1950s rock and roll to the smooth soul grooves of the 1960s and 70s. Each tune carries its own groove and attitude, so moving through the book feels like a curated listening session you can actually play.

Tenor saxophonists working at Level 2-3 who want to build repertoire with songs they actually care about. This book works equally well for the player tackling solos in private lessons and for those performing in small group settings or saxophone choirs.

• Balance your tone between the melody and the accompaniment track; the demo recording will show you the intended character for each song, so listen closely to how the original saxophone line sits in the mix.
• Pay special attention to phrasing in blues-inflected pieces like Soul Man and Honky Tonk Women; the swing feel matters more than strict rhythmic precision.
• Use the play-along track to lock your entrance and exits, then gradually rely on it less as the piece becomes comfortable in your muscle memory.
• Adjust your vibrato and articulation style to match each song's era; the tight, bright approach works for (We're Gonna) Rock Around The Clock, while Moondance and When A Man Loves A Woman call for a warmer, more expressive tone.

Slot these into pops concerts, where they'll connect with audiences immediately. You can also use individual selections in recitals or as warm-up material for ensembles, since the arrangements are compatible with other wind instruments at the same level.

• Tone control across different stylistic contexts (soul, rock, blues)
• Swing feel and blues phrasing
• Working with fully orchestrated accompaniment
• Balance between solo voice and ensemble texture
• Recognizing and performing era-specific articulation and vibrato conventions