Saturday, November 29, 2008

List of Saxophonists

I've added a list of saxophonist I've done posts on for easier viewing. Though I haven't been posting I think the information already contained in this blog is timeless and can still be of interest to new and regular visitors. Jump in and enjoy some sax appeal.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Joshua Redman - Montreux Jazz Festival 1997

Just found this clip and thought you might like it as well. I really like Joshua Redman. And if you missed my previous post on him click here.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Out of Sax Players

My thanks to anyone who has been checking in for new blogs. I'm running out of sax players and have been so into my photo blog that I haven't had time to do my research to hunt down sax players I'm not familiar with.

I realize I need to add a little something different for this blog to do inbetween my sax player blogs but haven't figured out what that is yet. Sorry. :-(

Thursday, July 17, 2008

ERIC DARIUS


www.ericdarius.com

Image from www.smooth-jazz.de

Because I know some readers (like me), don't always check out the older posts I'm re-introducing a few of the blogs I did on some of my favorites saxy men when I first started this blog. This time it's Eric Darius because I don't want anyone to miss him if they've never heard of him before.

Just click here to go to my first post on him. There will a little more info and another video clip.

The video below is a picture video but I'm posting it because it's one of my favorite's from his CD.

RICK PARMA


www.rickparma.com
www.myspace.com/saxmanrp

Rick Parma is someone I was just recently introduced to on MySpace. I'll mention again that one of the things I like about MySpace is the number of new artists I am introduced to via their pages as they promote themselves and their music. I don't have much information on Rick Parma other than that he is a native of Chicago and released his second CD in 2006. Make sure you check out the video below and the links above for samples of his saxy style. If you like mellow jazz I'm pretty sure you're going to be keeping your eyes on Rick Parma as I will.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

CAL BENNETT


www.calbennett.com
www.myspace.com/calbennett

Cal Bennett was one of the first saxophonists I did a post on. Because I like him I thought I'd re-introduce him. When I first did an intro I couldn't find any videos to share but I finally found one. It's not one of my favorite tunes but will give you some idea of his funky style and sax appeal. I highly suggest checking out the link to his site or MySpace page. I currently have him featured and playing as my background music.


I don't know if many people are aware of Cal Bennett but I'm hoping they get a clue because this man definitely has that sax appeal!

Saturday, July 12, 2008

SONNY FORTUNE

www.sonnyfortune.com
Wikipedia.com



Sonny Fortune plays soprano, alto, tenor and barritone saxophones as well as the flute and clarinet. Before forming his own group in 1975 he performed with Miles Davis, Buddy Rich, Roy Ayers and Pharoah Sanders to name just a few.

Take a listen and make sure you check out the link to his website above for more information on this sax man.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

STANLEY TURRENTINE

(April 5, 1934 – September 12, 2000)



www.allaboutjazz.com
Wikipedia.com

Tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine is another name I've heard for a long time and I can't believe I almost forgot about him. He was nicknamed Mr. T and The Sugar Man. His first album entitled "Sugar" was released in 1970. There's not a whole lot of info that I was able to find on this man with sax appeal but his music speaks volumes. Since I didn't have much background information to provide please check out the links above for a couple of short biographies and just check out the two clips below which are, to me, great examples of The Sugar Man's sax appeal.




LESTER YOUNG

(August 27, 1909 – March 15, 1959)

Image from Mosaic Records

Wikipedia.com
Lester Young Bio

Lester Young was a tenor saxophonist who also played the clarinet. He had a layed back, relaxed style which was in contrast to the aggressive style of Coleman Hawkins, another prominant sax player at the same time. He played with many bands/orchestra. The most noteable probably being the Count Basie orchestra and left for a short time to replace Coleman Hawkins in the Fletcher Henderson orchestra, but because he was under pressure to sound more like Coleman Hawkins left. Eventually he returned to the Count Basie orchestra.

He played with the great Billie Holiday who gave him the nickname "The Prez".



Thursday, June 19, 2008

MICHAEL LINGTON


http://www.michaellington.com/

There are many types of jazz and I hope I'm presenting a little bit of each style. This is for the contemporary jazz fans.

Michael Lington is someone very new to me, just heard him for the first time when adding him as a friend on my MySpace page. I took a listen and this someone I definitely thought was worth adding in my list of musicians with sax appeal. Smooth, easy and saxy.

Quoting from his biography on his website: "Michael Lington has demonstrated his contemporary saxophone chops with a steady stream of chart-toppers since his debut album in 1997. His CD, Stay with Me, yielded three Radio & Records national jazz hits with “Show Me” at # 2; “Two of a Kind” at # 2; and “Pacifica” at # 6. Stay With Me also remained on the Billboard contemporary jazz chart for a total of 24 weeks. “Twice In a Lifetime” and “Sunset” from Vivid; and “Still Thinking of You” from Lington’s Everything Must Change all went Top 5 as well. His duet with Bobby Caldwell on “Tell It Like It Is” from his self-titled debut, ascended both the jazz and adult contemporary charts."

Sunday, June 15, 2008

EDDIE HARRIS


(October 20,1936 - November 5, 1996)

www.eddieharris.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Harris

Eddie Harris was best know for playing tenor sax but before playing sax he first played the vibraphone in school and due to a teacher had to play the clarinet before he was allowed to play the sax. You might want to know the man also played piano and was proficient with each instrument.

Back in one of my first few posts I mentionted that I was introduced to jazz thanks to my father and my brother who is still a fan. To be honest, I didn't know the name Eddie Harris when I heard it but I sure as heck knew this one in the video clip below! This is the jazz I grew up on.



And then having heard that one I had to post this which is another I'm very familiar with. Eddie Harris and Les McCann - Compared to What. I did a post on Les McCann on my other blog.

STEVE COLEMAN


www.m-base.com
www.allaboutjazz.com

I really don't know much about Steve Coleman. He's someone I just found out about and will definitely be looking into a little more. He is a saxophonist and composer and has been an huge influence on contemporary jazz. He began the group Steve Coleman and The Five Elements in 1981.

If you've been to this blog before, you know I'm not one for giving a long bio on my sax players. I just give you the links and let you read what I would just repeat. I just like introducing you to them, giving you a little taste and letting you decided for yourself if this is your kind of sax appeal. I will tell you that the link to allaboutjazz.com has the best read-up on Steve Coleman and m-base.com is their official website.

It took me just a little while to find a video that got right to the point of showing Steve Coleman playing the sax but this is a good one. Sorry if I offend anyone but I really don't get the chick on stage "dancing". Bounce the babe and just do the jazz. :-D

Monday, June 9, 2008

BUDDY TATE


(02/22/1913 - 02/10/2001)

Wikipedia.com
Jazzhouse.com

George Holmes "Buddy" Tate was considered to be one of the greatest jazz saxophonisst of his time. He also played the clarinet. He played with Count Basie's band and a few others after that before becoming famous in his own right. for approximately nine years and was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1988.

JOHN HALEY "ZOOT" SIMS


(10/29/1925 - 03/23/1985)

Wikipedia.com


I've heard the name "Zoot" Sims for a long time though he wasn't someone I was particularly knowledgeable of, if I heard the name, I knew it was jazz. Zoot Sims played tenor and soprano sax. He played with famous bands and musicians such as Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Stan Kenton, and Buddy Rich. Unfortunately I didn't find much information on Zoot Sims which is rather sad but I found plenty of video clips so this will be a two video post. What I lack in information I will make up for in a little smooth and sultry, old classic and sexy sax appeal.



This is romantic music. I can easily close my eyes and imagine it's just after a quite dinner by candelight, we're sharing a bottole of wine when he pulls me up into his arms, I rest my head on his chest and we slowly move to the music as we get lost in this mellow, jazzy melody...

DEWEY REDMAN


(05/17/1931 - 09/02/2006)

Wikipedia.com
European Jazz Network

I learned something new today in jazz. While looking for more jazz saxophonists I have not heard of before, I came across Dewey Redman. Anyone who is already a huge jazz fan is probably shaking their head at me wondering how I never heard of him before. I've got no excuse. In reading about him I discoverd he is the father or one of my favorite saxophonists Joshua Redman. He's played with Ornette Coleman for a few years and another few years with Keith Jarrett. He's also performed and recorded with Charlie Haden and Pat Metheny.

I could only find a few video clips of Dewey Redman so enough text and on to the sample of his sax appeal. You can check out more information about this tenor saxophonist at the links above.

Friday, June 6, 2008

DAVID SANCHEZ

www.davidsanchezmusic.com
Wikipedia.com


Image from www.jazzconclave.com

Doing my usual I won't say a lot about David Sanchez but will let you listen for yourself. I'll mention the usual like he plays tenor sax. He played with Dizzie Gillespie for a few years until Dizzie died. He signed on with Columbia records where he released 7 CD's and won a Grammy in 2005. You can check out the links above his picture and there is also an excellent post over at The Latin Jazz Corner which is a post that reminded me I'd left David Sanchez out of those who have definite sax appeal.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

THE SAX PACK

www.thesaxpack.com


Image from www.sandersonmusic.com


The Sax Pack consists of famous saxophonists Jeff Kashiwa, Kim Waters and Steve Cole, the only one I haven't done a post on yet. Jeff Kashiwa approached Kim Waters and Steve Cole with the idea of touring as The Sax Pack in 2003 and they've been touring together ever since. Red tape from the recording companies kept a CD from coming out but this one was finally released in March 2008. It took long enough!

Friday, May 23, 2008

BRANFORD MARSALIS

Wikipedia.org
www.branfordmarsalis.com


Image from www.schindelbeck.org

Branford Marsalis in a big name in jazz known for playing tenor and soprano sax, and is the founder of the Branford Marsalis quartet. He comes from a family of well know jazz musicians - his father Ellis (pianist) and he is the oldest of his famous brothers Wynton (trumpet), Delfeayo (trombonist) and Jason (drummer).

Quoting from Wikipedia: "After Hurricane Katrina, Harry Connick Jr. and Branford Marsalis came up with a plant to help restore New Orleans's musical heritage. Habitat for Humanity and New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, working with Harry Connick Jr. and Branford Marsalis announced December 6, 2005, plans for a Musicians' Village in New Orleans. The Musicians' Village will include Habitat-constructed homes, with a Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, as the area's centerpiece. The Habitat-built homes will provide musicians of modest means the opportunity to buy decent, affordable housing."

Check out my other block for a post on his brother, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.



PAUL CARR

Paul Carr - Myspace
Paul Carr Jazz.com


Image from http://www.allaboutjazz.com

Paul Carter is someone I stumbled upon over at All About Jazz. He only has two CD's out and I can't find a lot of information on him to share since in the scheme of jazz history he's relatively new. Still, I think he's well worth taking a listen to and maybe his style, being referred to as "Texas tenor", is right up your alley. Sorry that I can't find a video clip but click on his Myspace page link to hear a few samples of his sax appeal. You can also click on the CD Now links below to hear samples of his two CD's. Just click on the "Listen to Samples" link under the picture of the album cover

Musically Yours - Remembering Joe Henderson

Just Noodlin

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

JAZZ CRUISE 2008

I thought I posted my photos and short videos that I took on the jazz cruise I went on at the beginning of this year. I can't believe I didn't do that here so I'm going to rectify that now but I'll just post the sax players or this post will be too long. If you've never been on a jazz cruise GO! I had such a great time I still smile whenever I think about it. I thought it was a little expensive for a cruise but the music was so worth it and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Boney James





Marion Meadows




Paul Taylor




Michael Paulo






Saturday, May 3, 2008

COLEMAN "HAWK" HAWKINS

(November 21, 1904 – May 19, 1969)
Wikipedia


Image from http://www.concordmusicgroup.com

Colman Hawkins, or "Hawk" is said to be the first important and influential jazz musician to use the sax. His style was swing and big band but he was also very influencial in the development of bebop. He's played with and recorded with some other great names such as Sonny Rollins, Dizzie Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane.

This is the man with his horn.



Monday, April 28, 2008

BILL CLINTON


Yes, the ex-president of the United States. I knew there was a reason why I liked him. LOL!


Sunday, April 27, 2008

BILLIE HOLIDAY



I had to throw this one in the midst of all of this sax appeal. It does belong as you'll see by the musicians playings while the Lady, Billie Holiday sings Fine and Mellow. Included among the musicians are Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster and Gerry Mulligan to name a few. For the list of musicians in this clip check out the original over on YouTube.

HANK MOBLEY


Image from this site.
(July 7, 1930 - May 30, 1986)

WIKIPEDIA
ALL ABOUT JAZZ

Hank Mobley played tenor sax. It is said that jazz connoisseurs didnt' really appreciate Hank Mobley until after he died. His style was easy going and mellow. One of the more interesting things I read about Hank Mobley was that he produced an album in 1961, Another Workout, and that though it was considered an instant classic wasn't released until 1985.

I love the music in these two videos. Sorry that it's not a live performance or anything you can really watch but its definitely a wonderful thing for your ears. Happy listening.



I'VE BEEN NEGLECT

Have you missed me? (smile) Sorry for the delay. I've gotten back into my glass painting and crafts and this blog was a little more time consuming than I had time for but I've having sax withdrawals and had to come give myself a little boost.

If you want to see my glasses click here and here. Now back to a little of that sax appeal.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

DONN BYNUM'S NEW CD


I mentioned saxophonist Donn Bynum in a previous blog. Well, his new CD "Do You Feel Me" is out and you can take a listen to it at CDbaby.com. If you like smooth and saxy I'm pretty sure you're going to like this one.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

WILL HARLAN

http://willharlanthemojazzswingband.fuzz.com
http://www.myspace.com/willharlan
http://www.scirecords.com



There's no way I can relate all of what I've learned about Will Harlan so I'm just going to quote a couple of things on his website and invite you to click over and read it all for yourself. I do know he is well known and appreciated in Detroit. He's performed with a lot of top name artists. His style of music is one he created called Mo-jazz Swing Blues. He's founder and CEO of SCI Records where is he producing new and upcoming artists.

He sounds busy doesn't he? All the more reason to make sure I share a little of his sax appeal. I wish I could find a video to share but you can click on any of the links for a sample of why I'll be looking forward to more from Will Harlan.


Find more photos like this on smoothjazzspace

TIM CUNNINGHAM

http://www.timcunningham.com
http://www.myspace.com/timcunninghammusic



Tim Cunningham is someone I just recently heard. I don't know how I miss so many musicians. Maybe I should put away my CD's sometimes and actually turn on the radio from time to time. Tim Cunningham has a wonderful, sultry tone that gives him the sax appeal I like. He has six CD's and I intent on checking out each and every one of them.

Tim has been performed with numerous artists including and hardly limited to Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson, George Benson, Norman Brown, Earth Wind & Fire, Luther Vandross, The Yellow Jackets, Chick Corea, The Whispers, Wynton Marsalis and Will Downing.

Take in a little of Tim's sax appeal in the video below called Manchester Road.

DONN BYNUM

http://www.myspace.com/donnbynum


Don Bynum is another saxophonist I ran across on http://smoothjazzspace.ning.com. I've been listening to him for the last few minutes and I'm so mellowed out it's great! Check out his myspace link above to get a taste of the mellow sax appeal that kept me company as I wrote this.

Like Darron McKinney in the previous post, I'll be keeping an eye out on Don Bynum. He performed with and did several world tours with the Commodores and has other accomplishment to his name. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a video clip to share so make sure you visit his MySpace page to listen to take a listen for yourself.

DARRON MCKINNEY

http://www.myspace.com/darronmckinney
http://www.shieldrecords.com


Someone to look out for, Darron McKinney. I just "discovered" him (smile) on a website I recently joined, Smooth Jazz Space. If you're a jazz lover I recommend you run over and join this growing site.

Darron McKinney is a police officer for the Detroit public school District. He's worked with artists Roy Ayers, Betty "BEBOP" Carter, Joe Sample, Cuba Gooding Sr, Regina Belle, Mikki Howard and Waymen Tisdale. For more about Darron McKinney check out his bio on his website.

McKinney caught the attention of people nationwide when he gave a riveting performance of his original song, "A Call to Courage," at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial candlelight vigil on May 13, 2001, in Washington, D.C. The song was a tribute to slain police officers and their families.

Well, it caught my attention to and I think his talent worthy of giving a shout out to and passing along for anyone reading to hear. The clip below is of his original song A Call To Courage. I hear a little sax appeal, don't you?

Friday, February 29, 2008

CURTIS HAYWOOD

http://www.curtishaywood.com
http://www.myspace.com/curtishaywood



Curtis Haywood is another artist I ran across on MySpace. You can click on either of the links above to listen to samples of his sax appeal. His debut album, Curtis Haywood, was released in 2007 and if you like a little sultry sax you can go wrong checking this guy out. You can also find an article of him at http://www.abyssjazz.com.

The video below is the only one I could find. It's not that clear but it's very easy on the ears.



Technorati Profile

ANTHONY TERRY

http://www.myspace.com/ajterry



Anthony Terry is someone I found while browsing around MySpace. I've said it before and I'll say it again, MySpace is a very cool place to discover new musicians. I think it's great exposure for them and a way to reach many listeners they might have otherwise taken years to reach.

I don't have much information on him and don't have a video of him performing. All I can say is check out the link to his MySpace page and lend your ears to his music. He's definitely got a little of sax appeal going on and I think he's worth a listen. Hopefully we'll be hearing more of Anthony Terry.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

JAARED AROSEMENA

http://members.tripod.com/~jaared/html
http://www.myspace.com/saxmanjaared


Image from http://members.tripod.com/~jaared/html

You know, it really pays to browse around the internet. You find one thing and one thing leads to another. That's how I came across Jaared Arosemena. You know I love sax so it only took a little listening to hear this man had some skills and that his smooth saxiness was right up my listening alley.

Check out his links, check out his music, take a listen and see if he is someone you might be looking to add to your music collection. I'll be adding him to mine.

JAM SESSION

I found this clip of a jam session with some great, top name musicians posted by Comshow. Definitely worth a post of it's own.



Rick Braun : Trumpet
Kenny Garrett : Alto Sax.
Boney James : Tenor Sax.
Kirk Whalum : Tenor Sax.
Larry Carlton : Guitar
George Duke : Keyboards
Billy Kilson : Drums
Mike Manson : Bass

Friday, February 8, 2008

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS AT SEA



I just came back from a jazz cruise and had such a wonderful time that I'm already looking up other jazz cruises. It's never too soon to start paying on a cruise.

I like the line-up of DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS AT SEA

Eric Benet, Alonzo Bodden, Rick Braun, Jonathan Butler, George Duke, Candy Dufler, Jeff Golub, Euge Groove, Najee, Brian Simpson, Tower of Power, and U-Nam.

This cruise is sailing on the Holland America Line November 2-6th, 2008. My sister and I saw this ship when we came into port when we arrived back home. We were impressed looking at it. It's sailing out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida going to Grand Turk, St. Thomas, St. Barths and Half Moon Cay. It's really pricey but if I'll have as good a time as I did on this last cruise, I think it will be worth it.

I'm posting this now so if you're reading and thinking about going, this is the time to look into it. They'll take deposits any time but it must be paid in full by July of this year.

We'll see if I can make this one. I sure hope so!!

Thursday, February 7, 2008

BONEY JAMES

http://www.boneyjames.com
http://www.myspace.com/boneyjamesmusic



Boney James is another one of my favorites. This white boy can blow! LOL! You must take a look at the video clip below if you somehow doubt me or think this man is just a little too mellow to be "jazzy". There's not a lot more I can say about Boney James. You'll just have to listen for yourself. Check out the clip, check out his websites.

This is a video clip I took at Haven Entertaiment's Smooth Jazz Cruise 2008 and the one following it is one I put together with pictures I took on the same Jazz Cruise during his performance(s).







Hitting me with his sax appeal!
Remember, show how much you appreciate the artist by buying the music!

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

KENNY GARRETT

http://www.kennygarrett.com
Wikipedia


Image from allaboutjazz.com

Kenny Garrett is another top name in jazz. No matter what style of jazz you like, Kenny Garrett has skills that cannot be ignored or passed over. There is a nice bio of him on allthatjazz.com. When combined with the link to his site above and the video clip below you should get a pretty good sense of Kenny Garrett and his style of sax appeal. Top notch!

The clip below is a solo performance onstage with Miles Davis.


Sunday, February 3, 2008

PAUL TAYLOR

http://www.paultaylorsax.com
http://www.myspace.com/officialpaultaylorsax

Man, what can I say about Paul Taylor. I have just about every CD he has. He is so mellow, so sexy... and ain't too bad to look at either (smile). You can check out either of the links I provided above to hear a sample of his music and style. For a sample you can click on either of the links under his name above.



It's difficult to find any videos of Paul Taylor. Luckily he was one of the performers on the jazz cruise I went on last month and I have this short video clip of my own. I have another but will post it later.

Monday, January 28, 2008

MICHAEL PAULO

www.michaelpaulo.net



Michael Paulo was one of the artists that performed on the Smooth Jazz Cruise that I went on last week and wow! I couldn't wait to get home to find out a little more about him. He was so good I just knew he had to have CD's out but I had never heard of him before. So, I had to spread the word. If you haven't heard of Michael Paulo either, check him out. I have another clip I'll be adding when I get a chance to organize all of the photos and videos that I took on this cruise.

I hope you enjoy him as much as I did. I'm sure you will.

Friday, January 11, 2008

GERALD ALBRIGHT

http://www.geraldalbright.com



I've been a fan of Gerald Albright for a very long time. He's smooth and mellow and his style is just what I like - sultry, a little funky and soulful. And I'm NOT prejudiced by the fact that he was born in L.A. I've had the pleasure of seeing him a couple of times in person.

I love this video below of Gerald doing Georgia on my Mind. Check it out:



This is worth a second video, don't you think?

AHMAD ALAADEEN

http://www.myspace.com/alaadeen
http://www.alaadeen.com



I can't tell you how much of a learning experience this has been for me and how many great saxophonists I've been introduced to since starting this blog.

I just "discovered" Ahmad Alaadeen this morning and though this isn't my usual preference in style of jazz this man definitely has sax appeal. The sad thing is I could only find one video clip of him so after you view the clip please hit a couple of the links to sample his saxiness. The MySpace link will pull you in with instant music so I suggest that link first.

From a biography on AllAboutJazz.com:

Alaadeen, who is equally skilled and original on tenor and soprano saxophones, has made a major impact on the Kansas City jazz scene ever since he settled in K.C. in the early 1970s. He has the ability to caress melodies with a great deal of warmth, yet is never shy to stretch himself and take chances, pushing the music forward. He is heard at his very best on his recent 'ASR release And The Beauty Of It All.


Saturday, January 5, 2008

CHARLIE PARKER

(August 29, 1920 - March 12, 1955)

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters
Wikipedia



Charlie "Bird" Parker showed no signs of talent as a child, was so bad he got kicked out of band in high school, and in later years had a cymbal thrown at him by a frustrated drummer. Goes to show you that when you're determined you can do anything you want to because he became one of the best.



While we sit and listen to our favorite musicians, tap our feet as they play, close our eyes and willingly drown in their music, there are sometimes tragic stories and sad truths. We lose so much wonderful talent because beneath that talent is a real human being and we really don't know them or what their story is. This clips reminds me of the some of the sadness there is to lose someone who was only 34. Charlie Parker was only 34 when he died.