Best bit of sax in jazz musician's phrases? (5)

I believe the answer is:

licks

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'phrases?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I can't see how one could define the other.

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for licks that I've seen before include "Music" , "Laps" , "musical flourishes" , "Beats (slang)" , "Thrashes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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