Sax Appeal

List of Saxophonists

2008-11-29T08:11:00.001-08:00

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.

Joshua Redman - Montreux Jazz Festival 1997

2008-08-13T15:25:00.000-07:00

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.

Out of Sax Players

2008-08-09T09:35:00.000-07:00

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. :-(

ERIC DARIUS

2008-07-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-17T18:20:00.000-07:00

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.

CAL BENNETT

2008-07-15T14:09:00.000-07:00

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!

SONNY FORTUNE

2008-07-12T23:26:00.000-07:00

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.

STANLEY TURRENTINE

2008-07-01T12:28:00.001-07:00

(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

2008-07-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

(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".

Lester Young Buddy Rich
Uploaded by Ali_La_Pointe

MICHAEL LINGTON

2008-06-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

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."

EDDIE HARRIS

2008-06-15T15:47:00.000-07:00

(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

2008-06-15T01:18:00.000-07:00

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

BUDDY TATE

2008-06-09T23:22:00.001-07:00

(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.

Jumpin' at the Woodside - Buddy Tate
Uploaded by boberwig

JOHN HALEY "ZOOT" SIMS

2008-06-09T22:54:00.000-07:00

(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...

Sweet lorraine Zoot Sims Red Mitchell 19
Uploaded by boberwig

DEWEY REDMAN

2008-06-09T22:35:00.000-07:00

(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.

DAVID SANCHEZ

2008-06-06T23:24:00.000-07:00

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.

THE SAX PACK

2008-05-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

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!

BRANFORD MARSALIS

2008-05-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

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

JAZZ CRUISE 2008

2008-05-06T21:26:00.000-07:00

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

COLEMAN "HAWK" HAWKINS

2008-05-03T17:48:00.000-07:00

(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.

BILL CLINTON

2008-04-28T00:07:00.001-07:00

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

BILLIE HOLIDAY

2008-04-27T23:32:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-27T23:08:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-27T23:03:00.000-07:00

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.

DONN BYNUM'S NEW CD

2008-04-20T21:58:00.001-07:00

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.

WILL HARLAN

2008-03-13T22:07:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-13T17:02:00.000-07:00

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?

CURTIS HAYWOOD

2008-02-29T01:10:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-29T00:47:00.000-08:00

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.

JAARED AROSEMENA

2008-02-23T10:36:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-23T09:33:00.001-08:00

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

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS AT SEA

2008-02-08T19:40:00.000-08:00

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!!

BONEY JAMES

2008-02-07T00:19:00.000-08:00

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!

KENNY GARRETT

2008-02-05T13:51:00.000-08:00

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.

PAUL TAYLOR

2008-02-03T10:52:00.000-08:00

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.

MICHAEL PAULO

2008-01-28T06:36:00.000-08:00

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.

GERALD ALBRIGHT

2008-01-11T10:25:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-11T07:20:00.000-08:00

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.

CHARLIE PARKER

2008-01-05T20:33:00.000-08:00

(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.

STAN GETZ

2008-01-04T19:25:00.000-08:00

(February 2, 1927 - June 6, 1991)

Wikipedia
http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/stangetz

Stanley "Stan" Getz is another well know saxophonist and played with some of the biggest names in jazz. I found this quote from him on Wikipedia:

I never consciously tried to conceive of what my sound should be...I never tried to imitate anybody, but when you love somebody’s music, you’re influenced...I really don’t know how I developed my sound, but it comes from a combination of my musical conception and no doubt the basic shape of the oral cavity... ”

— Stan Getz

There is a great interview of him here.

CANNONBALL ADDERLEY

2008-01-04T18:49:00.000-08:00

(September 15, 1928 - August 8, 1975)

www.cannonball-adderley.com
Wikipedia

Born Julian Edward Adderley, the nickname Cannonball was a childhood name he received from a corruption the name "cannibal". He was a music teacher before he began his jazz career and was one of the more widely know jazz saxophonists. The biographies on either of the links above can provide you with a detailed biography of Cannonball's jazz career.

Cannonball Adderley - Work Song
Uploaded by dow30

The video below is of the Cannonball Adderley Sextet. Now this is classic old jazz!

GROVER WASHINGTON, JR.

2008-01-04T15:23:00.000-08:00

(December 12, 1943 - December 17, 1999)

http://www.groverwashingtonjr.com
www.sonymusic.com

Grover Washington, Jr. is a name I've known for a long time. I knew of Grover Washington, Jr. before he became a part of one of my favorite Jazz groups Urban Knights and before he became instrumental in helping the group Pieces of A Dream become internationally known.

We lose many great artists for one reason or another. Grover Washington Jr had just finished taping four sessions for The Early Show for CBS in New York, he collapsed in the green room. He suffered a massive heart attack.

If you think you don't know who he is or have never heard him, just listen to some of his music that I'm sure you've heard and I'm sure you'll say, "Is that him!!?"

Grover will be missed.

JACKIEM JOYNER

2008-01-04T14:54:00.000-08:00

http://www.jackiemjoyner.com
http://www.myspace.com/jackiemsoul

Jackiem Joyner is another artist I found while browsing around on MySpace. Soft, sexy and mellow - I instantly took a liking to him. I can't find a video but if you click on his MySpace link above you can get a sample of his music. His debut album is called Babysoul through Artizen Music Group.

A portion of his bio on Artizenmusic.com reads:

After several years of playing with keyboard greats Marcus Johnson and Bobby Lyle and saxophonist Jaared, co-headlining a 30 city tour in 2004 with Ronnie Laws and jazz and soul singers Angela Bofill and Jean Carne, and opening gigs for everyone from India Arie to Boney James, Spyro Gyra and George Benson, Joyner took a full year off to focus on writing and recording an album that marks his status as “a baby coming into the world, a new soul emerging into the music business.” Babysoul is more than just a title- it is a true description of his professional re-birthing.

Check him out. Hope you enjoy him as much as I do.

MARCUS MITCHELL

2008-01-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

http://www.myspace.com/marcushmitchell

Image from: http://www.jazzreview.com

Portion of an article from http://smoothjazztherapy.typepad.com

Marcus H Mitchell is not only a rising saxophone star but is also CEO and President of 24th Music, a division of MHM Entertainment Group based in Maryland. The youngest independent executive to be on the voting committee for the Grammy Awards he is about to release his latest CD, the excellent ‘R & R – Rest & Relaxation’. It follows on from his 2005 debut ‘Jumpin’ and is a classy eleven track collection of fresh urban jazz sounds that is epitomized by the tune ‘Just Groovin’. With a title that pretty much sums up what Mitchell does throughout the album it is replete with his own brand of edgy smooth jazz and, although rest and relaxation may not entirely be what Mitchell is all about, the smoky title track, the chilled out ‘Deep Concentration’ and finally ‘Summer Breeze’ all demonstrate that he knows mellow urban jazz.

CHICKEN & GRAVY

2007-12-30T16:35:00.001-08:00

Right about now you're looking at this thinking, why is there a picture of chicken and gravy on this jazz page? Well, right about now I'm sitting here laughing my head off. Imagine my surprise when I went to view my new blog entry and it showed up on my jazz page. :-D I moved it but thought what the heck. I'll leave it here to make you hungry and remind you how nice it is to listen to a little jazz while you're cooking; how nice it is to have a little jazz playing when your special dinner guest comes over for dinner and you want the mood just right.

If you are interested in how I made this chicken and gravy it's in my other blog CRAFTING FOOL. LOL!

Now back to the regularly scheduled jazz venture.

LAYLA ANGULO

2007-12-28T16:26:00.000-08:00

http://www.laylaangulo.com
http://www.myspace.com/laylaangulo

I recently heard of this lady thanks to Chipboaz and his Latin Jazz blog. I think I'm going to have to take back what I was saying in a previous post when I wondered if women could play sax as well as men. Well, I still not thoroughly convinced but this is the second female sax player I've heard and posted about that have my ears WIDE open.

Wish I could find a video clip... but I can't.

ALEX HAN

2007-12-27T15:55:00.000-08:00

http://www.alexhan.com

Oh my goodness! You've got to hear this 18 year old play! I just happened to find him while browing on Google, saw the intro of a review praising this 18 year old and clicked in. Instantly hooked! LOL!

Allaboutjazz.com writes:

Saxophonist and composer, Alex Han, is widely regarded as the “Young Jazz Lion” of his generation. With performances at well over a dozen internationally recognized Jazz venues, countless musical awards, and a refreshingly original sound, he is fast becoming one of the most influential young players to enter the scene....

By age seventeen, Han won the17th Annual Yamaha Young Performing Artists (YYPA) Competition for saxophone which is designed to provide early career recognition for outstanding young musicians in the United States. He was also selected for an alto chair on the 2005 Monterey Jazz Festival Next Generation Orchestra.

If you don't believe me or AllAboutJazz, take a listen when you play the clip below:

Now that's what I call a little sax appeal!

JAMES CARTER

2007-12-27T15:16:00.000-08:00

http://www.aiartists.com/jcarter

I had never heard of James Carter until recently but everything I've read about him while doing a little research has given him nothing but praise. I also read something on his website about doing a Saxophone Concierto by composer Robert Sierra and now I have to find this just so I can listen to it. You must read what Robert Sierra said about it here and you'll want to hear it too.

There is a clip below on one of his performances. There is also a clip I posted in my post on Joshua Redman where the two men play together.

JOHN COLTRANE

2007-12-27T07:11:00.000-08:00

http://www.johncoltrane.com
(September 23, 1926 - July 17, 196)

I don't know if I've already mentioned that I was introduced to jazz at an early age because it was what my father listened to. Whenever we went to the beach dad would have his radio and it would be tuned in to the jazz station. I can't hear a certain type of jazz without thinking of the beach or my father.

John Coltrane was one of my dad's favorites and I will always picture the album "Blue Train" in his small collection of his favorites. When I think of John Coltrane I hear Blue Train.

Excerpt from Wikipedia:

Coltrane has been credited with reshaping modern jazz and being the predominant influence on successive generations of saxophonists. Like tenor saxophonists Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, and Ben Webster before him, Coltrane fundamentally altered expectations for the instrument.

Coltrane received a posthumous Special Citation from the Pulitzer Prize Board in 2007 for his "masterful improvisation, supreme musicianship and iconic centrality to the history of jazz.

This clip is Miles Davis and John Coltrane and I chose it because it has my father written all over it.

GATO BARBIERI

2007-12-27T06:36:00.000-08:00

http://www.centralentertainment.com/gato

I wsa first introduced to Gato Barbieri when I heard Europa for the first time. I'm sure you've heard this one. Though this particular song is not as jazzy as I like it was very nice and mellow and I wanted to hear more of his music. Hmmm... If it's just music is it still called a song?

I only have one of Gato Barbieri's CD's because though I like him, his music is a little too "soft" for my usual taste.

DID YOU KNOW....?

2007-12-27T05:54:00.001-08:00

Did you know the saxophone is the newest of the woodwinds instruments and was invented in 1845 by a Belgian, Adolphe Sax who learned to make instruments as a child in his father's shop. He invented fourteen types of saxophones. He studied clarinet and flute and decided to construct an instrument that would give the sound between a clarinet and the flute. It was mostly used in bands but gained popularity in the 20's because of jazz bands.

The most commonly used saxophones are the soprano, alto, tenor and baritone.

History of sax: http://library.thinkquest.org/5116/saxophone.htm; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saxophone

Just a tidbit of info on this instrument that I enjoy so much.

ERIC DARIUS

2007-12-26T16:34:00.000-08:00

http://www.ericdarius.com
http://www.myspace.com/ericdarius

I found Eric Darius while browsing pages on MySpace and when I first heard Eric Darius I was an instant fan and immediately purchase some of his music. You'll just have to sample some of his music to see what I mean. Everything I've read about him on the internet is very favorable including an article that was written on him when he was only seventeen years old.

From CD101.9 Smooth Jazz

In 2001, Darius released CRUISIN' independently at the age of 17. "I started writing music for this CD since I was 13. One of the major things that inspired me to make this album was the thought of “cruisin” in my own car!" Darius goes on to mention that, since then, composing is his most personal expression. "I love to write my own music because that is something that comes from deeply within, and I want my listeners to really be able to feel what I felt when I wrote it. I love playing my instrument because it allows me to communicate with others on a personal level, and I intend on doing this for the rest of my life."

I was hoping to find a clean video performance but wasn't too thrilled with what was available. The clip below begins with a slideshow of pictures then leads into a performance.

ALFONZO BLACKWELL

2007-12-26T13:04:00.000-08:00

http://www.alfonzoblackwell.com

Alfonzo Blackwell is someone else that I've just recently discovered. He may not be new to anyone else but he's new to me. His style is right up my alley and as soon as I get a chance I'll be looking for some of his music to buy and add to my iPod.

This tidbit of information was copied from Alonzo's website.

Alfonzo blasted on the contemporary jazz scene in 1995 with his debut CD release, “Let’s Imagine”. He broke the mold upon his arrival. He garnered great success and critical acclaim with all of his CD projects while delivering his unique musical style. Top 10 radio hits including “Alfonzo’s Love Theme”, “Herminia”, “Passion” and “Funky Shuffle” contribute to his many accomplishments. Alfonzo’s music videos have struck an indelible chord with such original content; he received recognition with Billboard Award nominations. He also composes themes for movies as well as television, having co-written the theme song to the internationally successful television show, “Baywatch Nights” where he was featured every week with David Hasselhoff. Among honing his craft of playing alto, soprano and tenor saxophones, he is a well accomplished bass, drum, guitar and piano player. He has graced the stage and performed with numerous music greats which includes Gladys Knight, The Whispers and Roy Ayers to name a few. He also performs with contemporary soul artists such as Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans and Brian McKnight.

Here is a clip I found where Alonzo does an interview on BET.

Here is another video clip which is very nice, smooth and mellow.

WOMEN AND SAX - Virginia Mayhew

2007-12-26T10:50:00.000-08:00

http://www.virginiamayhew.com

Look who I found this morning! I've been on the internet looking for women saxophonists and you know what? There aren't any that are showing up. Well, there are some but very few current ones. I've given you the two below, Candy Dulfer and Pamela Williams but even they didn't show up when I searced for women saxophonists. Where are you ladies? I know you're out there.

So anyhew, I ran across Virginia Mayhew and I think the lady sounds really good but you can judge for yourself. The bad thing is I can't find a video clip with her in it. It's too bad because I'd like to see this woman in action. If you click on her website there are some music samples that automatically play in the music player at the top of the site.

SONNY ROLLINS

2007-12-26T07:10:00.000-08:00

http://www.sonnyrollins.com

Image from: http://www.johnabbottphoto.com/jazz_Sonny_Rollins_2.htm

Sonny Rollins is what I call classic jazz.

I think this is a great video clip telling a little about Sonny Rollins and his history in jazz.

There is also a very nice article here about Sonny Rollins as well:

This is another clip I like.

WOMEN AND SAX - Pamela Wiliams

2007-12-26T06:55:00.000-08:00

http://www.pamelawilliamsthesaxtress.com

Feeling how I do about women in jazz (read my post after this one), I do have a CD of Pamela Williams. She's not bad but I really like the CD because she has various well known artists singing with her as she plays.

By the way, I got these pictures from http://www.nbl4u.com/Events.htm another interesting site you might want to take a look at. NBL - Nothing But Love.

Still not convince that women can soulfully compete with men when it comes to having that full sax appeal but they are coming into their own. You be the judge.

Add to My Profile | More Videos

WOMEN AND SAX - Candy Dulfer

2007-12-26T06:27:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's just me but I've yet to find a female saxophonist that knocks my socks off. I realize that maybe I'm not being fair and that I'm listening with a prejudiced ear. I like a couple of them and I'm still looking to find one who makes me say, "You've got to hear this woman play!"

When I listen to music I want to buy my personal taste is to hear something that makes my head start to sway, my eyes close and a smile touch my lips. I want to hear the saxophonist speaking from his/her soul in the notes they play. I want that little extra something in what I hear that makes me say, "Yeah!" There are a lot of really good saxophonists out there but not everyone has that extra little umph! that comes from the soul.

To me, a lot of saxophonists are just playing the notes and the true enjoyment of sax is that when the saxophonist is really good and plays from the heart, it's as if I hear words and they are talking to my soul with notes.

CANDY DULFER
http://candydulfer.nl/candy

Candy Dulfer is really good but for my personal taste I don't feel the extra something that makes me want to run out and buy her CD. Again, maybe I'm listening with a preconceived notion that women can't play sax so they're doomed before I even hear them. Because Candy Dulfer seems to be pretty popular I've included her in my blog of saxophonists. Whether or not she's got sax appeal I'll leave up to you.

I do like this clip of Candy and I'm still looking to find something that I just have to have to add to my iPOD. You be the judge.

JOSHUA REDMAN

2007-12-22T17:11:00.000-08:00

http://www.joshuaredman.com
http://www.myspace.com/joshuaredmanofficial

Joshua Redman style is not smooth jazz but he's very good and I like him anyway. If you take a look at his website and the video clip of a sample of his style, I think you'll see why I like him. He definitely has that sax appeal! James Carter too!

I love this clip of Joshua Redman playing with James Carter at Carnegie Hall.

CHILL:

Blow baby, blow!

Smooth Jazz Cruise 2008

2007-12-22T16:30:00.000-08:00

I'm booked on a Smooth Jazz Cruise next month and I can't wait to go. It's my first jazz cruise but the line-up is like a smooth jazz dream come true:

Norman Brown
Nick Colionne
Boney James
Shiltz
Marion Meadows
Larry Carlton
Paul Taylor
Steve Oliver
Chieli Minucci
Alan Hewitt
Acoustic Alchemy

I'll have a ton of picture and maybe even some mini video clips when I return that I'll most definitely share.

KIM WATERS

2007-12-18T22:25:00.000-08:00

http://www.kimwaters.net

Of all the artists I listen to, I think I have every one of Kim Waters' CD's and I will buy them without even pre-listening to them. I can guarantee that Kim Waters will always give sexy sax, something that will make me close my eyes, smile and drift away to wherever he takes me.

There weren't many video clips of Kim Waters which surprises me but I did find this one. It doesn't show him performing but you can still sit back and enjoy...

Sax me up!!

GEORGE HOWARD

2007-12-16T23:10:00.000-08:00

http://www.myspace.com/georgehowardjazztribute
(September 15, 1957 - March 20, 1998)

George Howard was given his first break by Grover Washington, Jr. who asked him on tour in 1979. His first album was released in 1982. We lost George Howard to cancer.

I really enjoyed George Howard's sweet, saxiness and it's sad that so much talent is no longer with us but his sweet melodies will live on. The first CD I purchased was Attitude Adjustment which has some uptempo, funky tunes I wish I could share. I will share what I can.

BABY COME TO ME

KIRK WHALUM

2007-12-16T06:11:00.000-08:00

http://www.myspace.com/kirkwhalum

I don't know why I've brushed by Kirk Whalum for so long, something I've rectified as I'm in the process of discovering his music and purchasing music to add to my collection and my iPOD. If you'd like to hear a little more of Kirk Whalum you can visit his MySpace Page.

Here is a video clip of Kirk Whalum discussing his new album:

This video is just a motion video but the music is...oh, so nice. Just let it play while you keep browsing this blog.

kirk whalum - now till forever
Uploaded by bibiche398

MARION MEADOWS

2007-12-15T07:54:00.000-08:00

http://www.marionmeadows.com
http://www.myspace.com/marionmeadows

I've been listening to Marion Meadows for quite a little while now and I thoroughly enjoy his saxy, funky style plus, he's a really nice looking man. That matters not. His style alone is why I've purchased several of his CD's and will always have my ear turned towards anything he does.

Marion and/or his people seem to have a really strong hold on his music, not that I blame him but it makes it really difficult to easily share why I enjoy his music. For samples of his style you'll have to just visit his website.

Wait! I did find a music video. I'll admit the clip isn't interesting (to me), but the music is very nice.

DAVE McMURRAY

2007-12-15T07:41:00.000-08:00

http://www.myspace.com/davemcmurray

Dave McMurray is another artist I found on MySpace by flipping through friends lists. I was instantly impressed and thought he was right up my style alley. If you visit his MySpace link you can hear samples of the music that caught my attention and had my head rocking and swaying to his saxy beat. The video below is the only video I could find but it's one that displays this man's wonderful talent.

It's just saxylicious!

BUY THE MUSIC!

2007-12-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

While I'm definitely one for sharing my favorites, tunes and video clips, I do so because I so love and enjoy the musicians I listen to. But I am avidly FOR buying their music. I post these because I want everyone to enjoy my favorites the way I do. I feel I can only do that by giving you samples of what I love. But I encourage everyone to please BUY THE MUSIC.

How would you feel if you put your blood sweat and tears into your livelihood only to find that people are sneaking around your back making copies and buying it for free leaving you with nothing to show for your work?

Buy the music.

WALTER BEASLEY

2007-12-15T00:37:00.000-08:00

http://www.walterbeasley.com

http://www.myspace.com/walterbeasley

Walter Beasley is one of my favorite saxophonist. Well, all of the ones I list are one of my favorites. Samples of his music are available on his website or on his MySpace page.

Walter has workshop videos both on his site and on YouTube. This is a sample of one below but is actually one of the only full performance videos I could find.

ART PORTER (JR.)

2007-12-14T13:06:00.000-08:00

August 3, 1961 - November 23, 1996

We lost one of my favorite saxophonists. Art Porter was in Thailand performing at a jazz festival. After the festival he went boating and the boat overturned. He and several others drowned. The CD For Art's Sake was released in his honor and is filled with songs he composed and played but had not put on any album.

I think it's sad that there isn't much information available on the net for some musicians. I did find this interesting bit of information on wikipedia.com. Make sure you read it or you'll miss the interesting part of the story:

Art Porter, Jr. was born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1961. At the age of 9 Porter joined his father's band as a drummer and played with them into his teenage years. Soon after this, Porter began to be drawn to the saxophone after noticing it's melodic abilities, and began to play it during shows with his the band, "The Art Porter Trio". When Porter turned 16, he began to be barred from clubs because he was under 21. It was during this time that he was arrested and charged with working under-age in a night club serving alcoholic beverages. Then Arkansas Attorney General, and future President of the United States Bill Clinton, who was also a saxophonist, intervened to get the charges dropped and pushed for the law to be changed to allow under-age musicians to appear in adult facilities as long as their legal guardian accompanied them. This law became known as "The Art Porter Bill".

In memory of Art Porter, Jr. - your saxiness will live on in my heart.

URBAN KNIGHTS

2007-12-14T11:09:00.000-08:00

It's very unfortunate that I can't find much information about Urban Knights on the internet because they deserve much more attention that I believe they get. Quoted from www.musicianguide.com:

The smooth jazz group Urban Knights has brought together some of the best-known names in the field of smooth jazz, along with rising new talent, for a series of albums showcasing both new music and covers. The group's original lineup, created for a self-titled debut in 1995, featured Ramsey Lewis on piano and Grover Washington, Jr. on saxophone, backed up by Omar Hakim on drums and Victor Bailey on bass. As the mainstay of the group, Ramsey Lewis is the only member who has been with the group since its inception, appearing on all of their albums. The group's releases include Urban Knights in 1995, Urban Knights II in 1997, Urban Knights III in 2000, Urban Knights IV in 2001, and Urban Knights V, which hit music store shelves in 2003.

To read more about this group visit this link: http://www.musicianguide.com/biographies/1608003988/Urban-Knights.html

I must also give a high-five to the fact that on most of the covers they've used the art of one of my favorite artists Charles Bibbs. Very cool!

If you want to hear a sample of their style the only link I could find was this one at Amazon.com. Scroll down to the bottom where the samples are selected and just listen. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

CAL BENNETT

2007-12-13T16:32:00.000-08:00

www.calbennett.com
http://myspace.com/calbennett

Cal Bennett is someone I discovered while browsing around on MySpace because as far as I'm concerned Cal Bennett is HOT!. I'm so glad I found him.

If you check out Cal Bennett's website, if you don't hear anything, there is an ON/OFF button on the bottom right.

Discover the jazz in you. Get saxy!

JEFF KASHIWA

2007-12-13T15:02:00.000-08:00

www.jeffkashiwa.com
http://www.myspace.com/jkashiwa

I have to admit that I have seen this artist's name before but I've kind of glanced right by it, overlooked it. Okay, maybe I have to admit that I was unconsciously and musically prejudiced and didn't think an Asian man could put the soul into some sax that I like feel thorugh my ears. I was soooo wrong and because of that, Jeff Kashiwa is my artist on display.

IMAGE FROM: http://www.jazzreview.com/spotlight/review-1794.html

I can't find any videos of Jeff Kashiwa except this one but I think it's really interesting because he's playing a different kind of instrument explained in the clip. But just listen to this man and then click on the other links that will give you a sample of what I've discovered.

A little sax goes a deliciously long way.