Allow me to throw some ballads into the mix. I nominate Joe Lovano on Charlie Haden's Nocturne for his work on the song, "Transparence". It embodies great musicality, poise and emotion. Also John Coltrane's opening effort to the song, "My One and Only Love" on John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman. I feel it's the epitome of saxy balladeering.
Name your favorite sax solo.
My personal favorite is Coleman Hawkins playing over Mood Indigo on Duke Ellington Meets Coleman Hawkins (Impulse). Gotta be one of the best things ever recorded. Melodic, technincal, beautiful... He was awsome even when he was just mailing it in. You can never have too much Hawk!