After some serious consideration, I’ve decided to come out against the Rock & Roll Saxophone. I can only think of one example of an irreplaceable use of the sax in Rock & Roll. Pink Flyod’s Us and Them would probably be 10% less perfect without it.
I tried, but I just can’t think of any other examples. I can think of plenty of examples where the sax is just noisy filler. The instrument had some prominence in the 80’s power-rock scene, but I think we now see what a tragic mistake this was. I think its time to just recognize that the saxophone should be relegated to Jazz and Marching Bands. It certainly doesn’t rock.
Can you prove me wrong?
O.A.R.
Particular song? “That was a crazy game of poker” – Live 34th and 6th.
Is that John Taylor or Rick Springfield, ’cause I doubt either can actually play. We, from the 80s, have a little thing we like to call “posing.”
But Rio’s pretty good. Is it Rock n Roll? Not sure.
Chris – I fail to hear the saxophone to which you refer.
Al – those aren’t specific enough. And knowing what I know about the first two, it’ll only strengthen my position.
Yup..
Rock & Roll saxophone has been dead for a long time. Amy Winehouse having brought back a full horn section to her latest production is refreshing, though, you have to admit. Well, you don’t, but I like it anyhow… What REALLY should have been outlawed a long time ago is over-dramatic playing of the saxophone. Wincing and swinging the horn about when playing dramatically. As a player, I find that kind of stagework absolutely embarassing to witness.
Ed, I guess I was referring to the saxophone as a solo/lead instrument in Rock. I agree that the horn section in Winehouse’s stuff is nice – but that’s pop/jazz/lounge music, not rock. I hate to admit it, but I do like the singles I’ve heard from Winehouse because her voice combines the things I love about several jazz vocalists of genres past.
I thought of another possible example of the proper application of the rock & roll sax: Edgar Winter’s Frankenstein.