It's very important to go through periods where you sound just rotten and you know it, and you have to persevere or give up.
Make the drummer sound good.
I started in New Orleans music and played all through the history of jazz.
You must have the music to justify an instrument's extensive use.
You can work on the saxophone alone, but ultimately you must perform with others.
It starts with a single sound. If there's something in that sound, then it's worth continuing.