Which instrument better represents jazz. Why?

I cannot address the issue of which represents Jazz better, other than to say that Jazz is just a style of music, and some instruments are more poplarly used for it than others. With the right set up (mouthpiece, quality instrument, knowledge and skill)it really comes down to what you prefer.

I personally play the saxophone, and find it interesting that people don`t perceive it to be an instrument for "legitimate" music, yet when Adolphe Sax invented it, he was looking for something for the orchestra. Even among saxophonists, I have heard arguments that the
Tenor Sax is for Jazz, but the Alto is not (although there have been some great Alto Jazz artists throughout history) I know many players who play classical, and have not studied Jazz, and I know many that play Jazz, and couldn`t confine themselves to the strictness of classical playing if they had too.

There is no right answer to this question. Listen to lots of music, and you decide based on your own listening experience.

I agree with Brad. It really all depends on the listener`s preference. Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, Bix Biederbecke, and Dizzy Gillespie were all superb trumpet players. Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderly, Sonny Rollins, and John Coltrane were all superb sax players. There were also piano, guitar, and trombone players who made their mark on jazz. Jazz is an art form represented by many instruments, not just one.

And about the sax not being considered a legitimate instrument. I am no doubt disappointed that it has not been recognized as an orchestral instrument, which is what Adolphe Sax originally intended it to be, but one has to remember that it has only been around for about 150 years. Many orchestral works are older than that, and even the newer ones only have saxophone accompaniments at most. I am also disappointed that since I play saxophone, for the reasons I listed above, I can`t be a permanent member of an orchestra. Which is a shame, because that`s one of the only feasible ways a musician can make money without teaching. Whereas the trumpet, all things considered, is a more stylistically versatile instrument than the saxophone.

In conclusion, I think the trumpet and the saxophone are equally suited for jazz. They both make up an essential part of big bands. And where would the fabled jazz quintet be without them?

That`s what I think.

Thomas

If you don`t already know, the trumpet 1 in jazz is the lead. If not it is the sax. Most jazz bands have 3-4 trumpets. The Saxes have a whole section, alto, tenor, or bass. You have a bigger selection and most likely a larger (if any) chance of getting in. It really depends on the players preference. I chose Trumpet so my comment may be biased but in the end, it is your choices.

personally i like trumpet more but it depends on the style of jazz i guess

I do not believe either one represents Jazz better than the other. Jazz isnt about one instrument. That would be boring. That is what makes Jazz so unique. Is its ability to have many different sounds and flavors dealing with just about any thing in life