There is no doubt that the saxophone is synonymous with jazz. It’s the first instrument that many think of when they think about a jazz band and what types of instruments create a song. Jazz music has had an extremely prevalent connection with the saxophone, one begins to wonder if the woodwind wonder would have survived without jazz music.

The saxophone was “invented” in 1842, when a Belgian instrument inventor, Adolphe Sax, attached a clarinet mouthpiece to the brass creation he called the saxophone. He had set out to create an instrument that would be both the most vocal and powerful of the woodwind family, which many would argue he did just that. Saxophones were first used in military bands in the 1800s and took a while to become popular with musicians.

Although there are several types of saxophones created, the two most common used in jazz music are the alto and tenor saxes.

In general, the saxophone sound can be described as a mixture between a trumpet and clarinet, though it has its own distinct sound. The alto saxophone has a rich and lovely sound. This type of saxophone is the better choice between the two instruments for young students to start out on, as it is a smaller saxophone that requires less air and is better for smaller hands. The alto saxophone has a higher pitch than tenor saxes because of its smaller size. Tenor saxophones “have it all” – they have a large altissimo range, can growl, play an extensive overtone series and multiphonics along with false fingering, and can be used with flutter tonguing. These saxophones have a nice, stable and steady sound that is deeper than the alto.

Saxophonists play various types of saxophones for different genres of music. Playing techniques have varied throughout the decades of jazz music with influential saxophonists impacting the genre. The spark of different jazz movements throughout the decades has also been a source of new technique creation. During the swing and big band era in the 30s, solo saxophonists were featured in a highly structured system where freedom was often limited. In the 40s, rebellion against the Big Band structure broke out and saxophonists essentially began the movement of bebop, with solos that included more intervals and chromaticism. Style continued movement from this to more of a rhythm and blues sound, a rock and jazz sound, a smooth jazz and back to the classic sounds of the 50s and 60s jazz players.

No matter your preference in technique for a jazz saxophone solo in the middle of your favorite jazz piece, you are sure to be pleasantly satisfied with most songs incorporating the solo within the piece. Have you ever heard a wicked awesome solo that stuck in your head for days? Share the experience and song with us.

For more information or for questions on buying or selling used Jazz, Latin Jazz and any other genre of music CDs, visit www.used-jazz.com. If you have any questions please email at customerservice@secondspin.com.

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