Happy Saxophone Day!

Yesterday was National Saxophone Day for 2024! A day to honor those great saxophonists out there. Everyone has a favorite! I am sharing my favorite three 2024 list of saxophonists of all time. . .

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Great Saxophonists, Counting Down:

1. Johnny Griffin (1928-2008), known as “Little Giant” for his powerful playing despite his small stature, was a master of hard bop. Griffin’s fearless improvisation and imposing sound earned him recognition in the 1950s. He later relocated to Europe, where he remained until his death.
2. Hank Mobley (1930-1986), a member of The Jazz Messengers, had a smoother, less aggressive approach than some of his contemporaries. He was nicknamed “The Middleweight Champion Of The Tenor Saxophone” for his well-rounded, sonorous tone.
3. Art Pepper (1925-1982), a prominent figure in the West Coast jazz scene, gained fame after playing with Stan Kenton. Pepper’s lyrical and distinctive alto saxophone sound, rooted in bebop, was a beacon of beauty even amidst his struggles with drug addiction.
4. Coleman Hawkins (1904-1969), nicknamed “Bean” or “Hawk,” was a pivotal figure in establishing the saxophone as a solo instrument. His 1939 recording of “Body And Soul” redefined the saxophone’s potential, paving the way for future innovators like Charlie Parker. While associated with big-band swing, Hawkins shifted towards a more bop style in the mid-1940s. His sound was large, full-bodied, and breathy.
5. Lester Young (1909-1959), a charismatic figure known for his “jazz speak” argot, became a prominent figure in the swing era. He played with Count Basie and Fletcher Henderson, captivating audiences with his smooth, mellow tone and airy, flowing style. Young’s influence on later tenor players, including Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, and Al Cohn, cemented his legacy as the “Poet Laureate of the tenor sax. “
6. Dexter Gordon (1923-1990), nicknamed “Long Tall Dexter” due to his towering stature, was a pioneer of bebop tenor saxophone. He began recording in the 1940s, showcasing his ability to swing with vigor and his exceptional talent for soulful ballads.
7. Stan Getz (1927-1991), a master of the West Coast cool jazz scene, was known as “The Sound” for his alluring, lyrical tone and effortless style. Getz’s versatility extended to various genres, including bop, bossa nova, and fusion, making him a sought-after musician.
8. Sonny Rollins (born 1930), a legend of jazz’s golden age, is the last great saxophonist of his era. His powerful, robust sound and melodic improvisational skills earned him the nickname “Saxophone Colossus. ” Despite his retirement from playing since 2012 due to illness, his legacy remains.
9. John Coltrane (1926-1967), a revolutionary force in tenor saxophone, also helped popularize the soprano saxophone. From humble beginnings as a bar-walking blues player, Coltrane evolved into a significant jazz saxophonist, gaining fame with Miles Davis’ group and releasing the iconic album “A Love Supreme. ” His music spanned various styles, including hard bop, modal jazz, spiritual jazz, and the avant-garde. His distinctive “sheets of sound” style continues to inspire musicians today.
10. Charlie Parker (1920-1955), known simply as “Bird,” is widely considered the greatest jazz saxophonist of all time. A principal architect of bebop, Parker’s revolutionary style shaped the future of jazz. His ornate improvisations, combined with his exceptional technique and harmonic ingenuity, have left an enduring mark on the genre. Though gone for over six decades, his influence remains unparalleled.

Photo by Filip Starý on Unsplash

My Favorite Three Saxophonists, Counting Down:

1. Sam Riney, born in Texas, is an American jazz multi-instrumentalist known for his proficiency on the saxophone. He has gained recognition primarily for his contributions as a session musician, although he has also released several albums as a solo artist. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Riney has collaborated on albums with notable artists such as Robby Krieger (famous for his work with The Doors), David Benoit, Barry Manilow, Peter White, Al Stewart, Herbie Hancock, and Peter Frampton. In the early 2000s, he formed the group Polychrome, which included Bob Leatherbarrow on vibraphone, John Chiodini on guitar, Paul Moran on bass, and Kendall Kay on drums.
2. Brandon Fields, (born 1958) of The Rippingtons, is a musician specializing in the saxophone, flute, and clarinet, hailing from Indiana He has collaborated with a diverse array of artists including Alex Acuña, David Benoit, Stanley Clarke, Harry Connick Jr., Luis Conte, Terence Trent D’Arby, Neil Diamond, George Duke, David Garfield, Robben Ford, Al Jarreau, Elton John, Quincy Jones, and the ensemble Los Lobotomys (featuring Steve Lukather, Simon Phillips, and others). His extensive discography also includes notable collaborations with Neil Larsen, Michael McDonald, Bill Meyers, Alphonse Mouzon, Ricky Peterson, Tom Petty, Lionel Richie, The Rippingtons, Tower of Power, Luther Vandross, Dave Weckl, Nancy Wilson, and Phil Upchurch. Additionally, he contributed to Ray Charles’ posthumously-released album, Genius Loves Company, in 2004.
3. Kenny G., (Kenneth Bruce Gorelick)(born on June 5, 1956) is an American saxophonist, composer, and producer, widely recognized in the music industry. He is particularly noted for his contributions to the smooth jazz genre. Kenny G was born in Seattle, Washington, started playing the saxophone at age 10 after seeing a performance on The Ed Sullivan Show. His career began with The Love Unlimited Orchestra and later with the Jeff Lorber Fusion. Signing with Arista Records in 1982, his album Duotones (1986) brought commercial success, with hits like “Songbird” and “Breathless. ” While facing criticism, Kenny G remains a prominent figure in contemporary instrumental music.

Saxophone Lineup courtesy of Openverse

A Few Facts:
I am sharing some important, and not so trivial info on saxophones. . .

Types of Saxophones:

• Alto saxophone
  
• Baritone saxophone
  
• Tenor saxophone
  
• Soprano saxophone
  
• Bass saxophone
  
• Soprillo
  
• Contrabass saxophone
  
• Sopranino saxophone
  
• Subcontrabass saxophone
  
• C melody saxophone
  
• Grafton saxophone
  
• Mezzo-soprano saxophone
  
• C soprano saxophone
  
• Heckelphone-clarinet

Major Brands of Saxophones:

• Yamaha
• Jean Paul
• Selmer Paris
• Yanagisawa
• Elkhart
• Jupiter
• Conn-Selmer
• P. Mauriat
• Keilwerth
• Cannonball
• Borgani
• Trevor James

The Present:
People still love the saxophone. . .the sound, the playing and the players!

The Future:
The future of saxophones definitely needs young recruits to take the stages all across the world. . .

FREEBIES & DEALS For Saxophones:
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#NationalSaxophoneDay #SaxophoneDay #Saxophone #Saxophones #Saxophonist #Musical #Music #Musician #Musicians

saxophone courtesy of Openverse

National Saxophone Day