The study critically examines the tenor saxophone evolution in the recordings and performances through Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” works since 1960s. Primarily, the study seeks to answer the question, how have contemporary artists in the post-1960’s era responded to the originally complex “Giant Steps” through changes in the harmonic design, interpretive styles and expressivity as culture, and technology continue to influence artistry. The current study adopts a mixed methods of research, combining quantitative and qualitative analysis. Notably, the study employs Sonic Visualizer to extract quantitative data using tempo graphs and spectrograms. The intended data includes tempo present in the Beats per Minute, phrasing length and harmonic placement. More so, qualitative analysis will be done to identify rubato usage and expressivity of the recordings and performances across periods ranging 1960s to present. To achieve this, a sample of six Giant Steps recordings from each era will be used to represent each period and the varying interpretive stylistic approaches by each artist. Research findings reveal that, contemporary jazz saxophone performances and recordings have largely shifted from Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” fast and rigid composition to more versatile and slower performances. This has ushered a new era for artists to enjoy more expressivity, harmonic diversity and use of longer phrases in their recordings amid growing cultural influence. This new era signals a shift from technical mastery under Coltrane’s works, into more expressive, accessible and narrative performances and recordings. In summation, the study illustrates the changes in Giant Steps interpretation from an arduous harmonic challenge to a creative and more expressive artistry that accommodates both less-skilled and proficiently skilled artist. 

Nanshan Hong. Saxophone Rendition of John Coltrane's "Giant Steps": The Evolution of Tenor Sax Recordings Since 1960s. Frontiers in Art Research (2026), Vol. 8, Issue 3: 7-15. https://doi.org/10.25236/FAR.2026.080302.

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