Rapp on Jazz: The return of alto sax and the rise of vocal jazz

Published February 10, 2026 at 6:09 AM EST

Saxophone player. Saxophonist hands playing saxophone. Alto sax player with classical music instrument closeup

TRANSCRIPT:

I’m Mark Rapp, and this is Rapp on Jazz.

Jazz is constantly evolving—shaped by fresh voices and new waves of creativity. Today, two powerful movements are commanding attention: the return of the alto sax to center stage, and a rising generation of innovative vocalists.

Young alto players like Lakecia Benjamin and Immanuel Wilkins are redefining the instrument’s role, blending bold improvisation with social storytelling. Their sound connects bebop’s fiery legacy with a modern urgency.

At the same time, vocal jazz is flourishing with artists such as Cécile McLorin Salvant, Jazzmeia Horn, and Samara Joy. They honor the tradition of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald while exploring global influences, theatrical expression, and harmonic daring.

This has been Rapp On Jazz, a co-production of ColaJazz and SC Public Radio, made possible by Layman Publishing Partners, celebrating 50 years of expert content creation, authoritative information management, and standards-driven print and digital production.