The saxophone is one of the most artistic instruments in jazz and modern music.
Despite being a male-dominated field, many female saxophonists have risen up and left their mark on the history of music.
Here are 10 inspiring female saxophonists who not only have extraordinary talent, but have also inspired the entire world.
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Melissa Aldana
A world-class tenor saxophonist from Chile, Melissa Aldana grew up in a family with a deep musical tradition.
She is the daughter of renowned saxophonist Marcos Aldana. In 2013, she became the first woman and first Latin American to win the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition.
She is known for her introspective and harmonic style, which is deeply influenced by Sonny Rollins.
Her album "12 Stars" received widespread acclaim, especially the tracks "Falling" and "Intuition", which showcase her deep musicianship and technical prowess.
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Candy Dulfer
Candy Dulfer is a Dutch alto saxophonist who first rose to fame at the age of 19 with her collaboration with Dave Stewart on the song "Lily Was Here".
She is known for her energetic style that blends jazz, funk, soul and pop.
Her debut album "Saxuality" was nominated for a Grammy and sold over a million copies.
Some of her best-known songs include "Pick Up the Pieces", "Sax-a-Go-Go", and "For the Love of You".
She has also performed with Prince and Maceo Parker, who are major influences on her style.
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Tia Fuller
A respected saxophonist and educator from Colorado, Tia Fuller was part of Beyoncé’s all-female band on the “I Am… Sasha Fierce” tour.
In addition to being a performer, she is also a professor at Berklee College of Music.
Her album “Diamond Cut” was recorded with jazz legends Jack DeJohnette and Dave Holland.
It features the song “Save Your Love for Me,” which showcases her elegant phrasing and technical mastery.
She has also made significant contributions to increasing the presence of women in jazz education.
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Vi Redd
One of the first female saxophonists to emerge from the hard bop and bebop scene, Vi Redd was active in the 50s and 60s.
She was a prolific alto saxophonist and vocalist, performing with Count Basie and Dizzy Gillespie.
One of her most acclaimed albums was "Bird Call", which featured her original song "If You Can't Swing It".
She was one of the first African-American women to become a regular on the jazz circuit and helped pave the way for other female instrumentalists.
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Lakecia Benjamin
Lakecia Benjamin is known for her high-energy, soul-infused jazz style. Hailing from New York, she graduated from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music.
She often blends jazz, funk, and gospel influences.
Her album "Pursuance: The Coltranes" is one of her most acclaimed projects, paying homage to the music of John and Alice Coltrane.
It features the song "Walk With Me," which showcases her ability to modernise spiritual jazz.
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Grace Kelly
An American-Korean saxophonist, singer, and composer, Grace Kelly rose to fame as a jazz prodigy at a young age.
She performed at the Kennedy Center and was among the artists shaping the new face of jazz.
Her signature songs such as "Feels Like Home", "Trying To Figure It Out", and "By the Grave" showcase emotion and improvisational freedom.
Her colorful and dynamic performances were often accompanied by vocal improvisation, which made her style stand out.
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Camille Thurman
A rare combination of tenor saxophonist and jazz vocalist, Camille Thurman is a master of both instrumental and vocal performance.
She has also performed with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra under Wynton Marsalis.
Her album "Waiting for the Sunrise" garnered praise, featuring the song "Easy to Love", which showcases her mastery of lyrical playing and rich vocals.
She is one of the artists who continues to advance jazz versatility.
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Anat Cohen
From Israel, Anat Cohen is known for her fusion of jazz and Brazilian music.
She excels on the tenor saxophone and clarinet, and has received numerous awards as Best Clarinetist in the DownBeat Critics Poll for many years.
Her projects such as "Rosa Dos Ventos" and "Luminosa" feature tracks such as "Choro Negro" and "Espinha de Bacalhau", which showcase her rhythmic drive and expressive phrasing.
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Barbara Thompson
An iconic name in the British jazz scene, Barbara Thompson was the founder of the jazz-fusion band Paraphernalia.
She excelled not only on the saxophone but also as a composer of classical and TV music.
She is known for songs such as "A Cry from the Heart" and "Mother Earth", and for her contribution to the theme music for the show A Touch of Frost.
Despite her battle with Parkinson's disease, she continued to play, becoming a symbol of determination in the music world.
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Nubya Garcia
Nubya Garcia is one of the leading names in the UK jazz renaissance.
Born in London to an Afro-Caribbean family, she blends jazz, dub, reggae, and soul into her compositions.
Her critically acclaimed album "Source" reflects her cultural roots and musical vision.
The song "Pace" is a great example of her modern sound with a strong foundation in traditional jazz.
Final thoughts
These female saxophonists are not just masters of their instrument—they are also innovative inspirations who continue to inform the music of generations to come.
Through their songs, projects, and unparalleled dedication, they are paving the way for a more inclusive future for jazz and contemporary music.
But it’s important to remember that they are just a few of the many female saxophonists around the world who also deserve recognition.
From lesser-known names on the local scene to newcomers to the international stage, the presence of women in this field continues to grow.
Their music is proof that talent and creative voices know no gender—and will continue to be heard, grown, and inspired for generations to come.
Are you inspired? Start your saxophone journey—enrol at LMT Music Academy!
