Auricauricle
03-03-2009, 07:48 PM
After considered study I have come up with this list of what, in my humble opinion, comprises some of the best saxophone solos in rock and roll history. I have no doubt that folks with more educated and refined ears than mine will amend the list, but this is what I have come up with so far. A few comments describing rationales for their inclusion is also provided, for those wet-behind-the-ears youngsters who aren’t aware of their presence as well as for the rest of you who value my opinion so highly (ahem).
10). Walk on the Wild Side. Classic and much revered number performed by Mr. Lou Reed and produced by David Bowie, Walk on the Wild Side’s sax solo was performed by Ronnie Ross, a Calcutta India native who tutored Bowie who went on to play the instrument on many of his best albums. The sax in this piece is sparse but succinctly beautiful, capturing all the decadence and greasy light-show freakiness that is what the song is all about.
9). One Year of Love. Queen’s ultimate love ballad. With Freddie Mercury crooning smooth as silk, Steve Gregory’s saxophone is close behind, soaking up every word and pouring out every ounce of passion. Gregory’s instrument dances in slow turns and sure steps. Beautiful, just beautiful!
8). New York State of Mind. Performed by Mark Rivera, whose sultry, urban sound deftly and able accompanies Billy Joel’s singular New York voice. Listen to the reed buzzing and close your eyes: the taxis, the hot dog stands, the steam pouring out the man-hole covers. Truly, Rivera knows everything about a New York state of mind!
7). Born to Run. Whenever Bruce Springsteen’s name comes up, this song is not far behind. The song rocks, and Clarence Clemons, along with Bruce and the rest of the E-Street bring the house and everything near it down with grand, polished and hearty form. Clemons is a powerful and accomplished performer, no mean feat for a main man on Springsteen’s line-up.
6). Your Latest Trick. Mark Knopfler took Michael Brecker’s smooth and sultry saxophone up on Brothers in Arms, an album that made adoring fans ecstatic and made true believers of those who appreciated Dire Straits’ talent but seldom recognized their raw and well-informed ability. Brecker’s saxophone is played pure and dark indigo, giving this album great weight, depth and soul.
5). Baker Street. On the first notes to pour out of this magnificent horn, Raf Ravenscroft’s solo is instantly recognizable and once impregnated in the heart of the grateful listener remains implanted for a lifetime. ‘Nuff said.
4). 5:15. Roger Daltry’s Carneigi Hall Celebration Concert. The orchestra rocks hard, and Tom Scott steps up from the right to play a solo that simply blows the house down. He wails, he screams, and absolutely slays the equally adept but handily matched trumpet who dares to introduce himself from the right. This was a magical night, and Scott’s solo is played as if by Merlin himself.
3). Over You. From Roxy Music’s Flesh and Blood, Over You is Andy Mackay’s saxophone’s chance to play hard and true. Roxy Music was all about glitz and polish, Brian Ferry’s troubadour-voice and words are echoed in grand and smooth fashion by a sax-man who gives his instrument’s voice and heart.
2). Shine on you Crazy Diamond. Pink Floyd’s tribute to the late, great Syd Barrett. Dick Parry’s saxophone is played with all the ferocity, fire, and psychedelic and blessed-out dexterity and passion that were the wonder of the Floyd and the phenomenon that shook the rock world to its core.
1). Us and Them. Parry’s signature solo. Short, sweet, and absolutely devastating.
So there you have it. My list of the top ten saxophone solos in rock and roll...
Ya gotta problem widdat?
10). Walk on the Wild Side. Classic and much revered number performed by Mr. Lou Reed and produced by David Bowie, Walk on the Wild Side’s sax solo was performed by Ronnie Ross, a Calcutta India native who tutored Bowie who went on to play the instrument on many of his best albums. The sax in this piece is sparse but succinctly beautiful, capturing all the decadence and greasy light-show freakiness that is what the song is all about.
9). One Year of Love. Queen’s ultimate love ballad. With Freddie Mercury crooning smooth as silk, Steve Gregory’s saxophone is close behind, soaking up every word and pouring out every ounce of passion. Gregory’s instrument dances in slow turns and sure steps. Beautiful, just beautiful!
8). New York State of Mind. Performed by Mark Rivera, whose sultry, urban sound deftly and able accompanies Billy Joel’s singular New York voice. Listen to the reed buzzing and close your eyes: the taxis, the hot dog stands, the steam pouring out the man-hole covers. Truly, Rivera knows everything about a New York state of mind!
7). Born to Run. Whenever Bruce Springsteen’s name comes up, this song is not far behind. The song rocks, and Clarence Clemons, along with Bruce and the rest of the E-Street bring the house and everything near it down with grand, polished and hearty form. Clemons is a powerful and accomplished performer, no mean feat for a main man on Springsteen’s line-up.
6). Your Latest Trick. Mark Knopfler took Michael Brecker’s smooth and sultry saxophone up on Brothers in Arms, an album that made adoring fans ecstatic and made true believers of those who appreciated Dire Straits’ talent but seldom recognized their raw and well-informed ability. Brecker’s saxophone is played pure and dark indigo, giving this album great weight, depth and soul.
5). Baker Street. On the first notes to pour out of this magnificent horn, Raf Ravenscroft’s solo is instantly recognizable and once impregnated in the heart of the grateful listener remains implanted for a lifetime. ‘Nuff said.
4). 5:15. Roger Daltry’s Carneigi Hall Celebration Concert. The orchestra rocks hard, and Tom Scott steps up from the right to play a solo that simply blows the house down. He wails, he screams, and absolutely slays the equally adept but handily matched trumpet who dares to introduce himself from the right. This was a magical night, and Scott’s solo is played as if by Merlin himself.
3). Over You. From Roxy Music’s Flesh and Blood, Over You is Andy Mackay’s saxophone’s chance to play hard and true. Roxy Music was all about glitz and polish, Brian Ferry’s troubadour-voice and words are echoed in grand and smooth fashion by a sax-man who gives his instrument’s voice and heart.
2). Shine on you Crazy Diamond. Pink Floyd’s tribute to the late, great Syd Barrett. Dick Parry’s saxophone is played with all the ferocity, fire, and psychedelic and blessed-out dexterity and passion that were the wonder of the Floyd and the phenomenon that shook the rock world to its core.
1). Us and Them. Parry’s signature solo. Short, sweet, and absolutely devastating.
So there you have it. My list of the top ten saxophone solos in rock and roll...
Ya gotta problem widdat?