There are a number of different things one can do to emphasize/enhance a jazz sound. If you're looking for a specific "jazz" sound, I would recommend listening to jazz tenor players. Not just modern players(i.e. Brecker, Redman, Alexander, Potter to name a few), but the pioneers(i.e. Coltrane, Gordon, Young, Getz, Mobly.) Each one of these players has their own unique sound. Some are more edgy than others. And a lot of the players sound evolved over their career. Their sound is slightly different from recording to recording depending on when it was recorded, but their is still an essence to their sound that is unmistakable. I would recommend finding some players sound you really like and try emulating them. You can do this by transcribing them. This will help guide you to your own "sound." This may involve a number of things including getting a new mouthpiece. That is one of the pieces of hardware that can drastically change the sound. Good luck! -JD

working your way to a 4? dont do that. a harder reed does not equal a better sound. if you are comfortable playing a 3, stick with a 3 and dont add too many variables. experiment with different embosures and vocal positions