Allow me to throw some ballads into the mix. I nominate Joe Lovano on Charlie Haden's Nocturne for his work on the song, "Transparence". It embodies great musicality, poise and emotion. Also John Coltrane's opening effort to the song, "My One and Only Love" on John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman. I feel it's the epitome of saxy balladeering. |
I'm a big jazz fan. And yet, I have to say my favorite sax solo is Clarence Clemons on "Jungleland". Not for his technique or ability, however. There are obviously much better solos, if we're talking about improvization, creativity, etc. I pick this because it is so incredibly moving, sad, poignant, and beautiful. Having said that, I have to give credit to Springsteen, as he came up with the solo and hummed it to Clemons after they had tried various other iterations, phrases, etc.
BTW, if we're talking jazz solos, there are just too many great ones for me to pick one. |
The Big Man Clarence Clemons' solo in Jungleland!
God rest his soul Hear, hear. My thoughts exactly. RIP Big Man. |
The Big Man Clarence Clemons' solo in Jungleland!
God rest his soul,
Chris |
Iso,
That whole album was a masterful offering.
At 12, as a little boy, I loved it, appreciating on a purely emotional, visceral level--and today, I still love it, and appreciate it viscerally, emotionally AND intellectually.
Nancy's voice, Cannonball's incredible technique, Joe Zawinull's stylings...there's just so much to like about this album, one can pick one area, focus, move on pick another...it's as I said, a 'masterful offering'.
Also, if you haven't seen it...there's a YouTube of Nancy singing, 'Guess Who I Saw Today'...it's the one with the white top table and a martini glass, I don't have the URL right here. What a video, voice, recording...as usual, Nancy 'brings it'.
Good listening,
Larry |
I can't pick an ultimate favorite,... but here is one executed with pure perfection. Album: Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley. Song: "Never Will I Marry". (the rest of the ensemble ain't bad either) |
+1 on Joshua Redman's tour de force solo on "St. Thomas" |
"Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" evokes a picture of a despondent man walking down a deserted sidewalk on a deserted street in the black of night; he is looking down, moving in the dejected rhythm of the music. Handy's haunting solo completes this picture.
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Joshua Redman "Live at the Village Vanguard", St. Thomas. Great rendition of a Sonny Rollins original. |
Paul Gonsalves “Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue” from 'Ellington At Newport' (1956).
32 bar masterpiece that helped relaunch Ellington's career. Liner notes on the back album cover tell the story... |
I can not believe no one has mentioned "Gene Ammons". He was a contemporary of Bird and Miles, who he played with at various times; and in my jazz circles he is equally well known.
"Jug" (short for jug head) has blown so many dynamite solo's that I would go crazy trying to pick one, but I will choose "Angel Eyes". The truth is, I vacillate between "Angel Eyes" by him and "Angel Eyes" by Hank Crawford; they both played tenor. Newbies can get an education from these threads. My favorite sax solo changes from one day to the next.
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Martykl,
To finally answer the question, was there 'any Parker solo, specifically that made me think that', NO.
As is usually the case, it's the 'body of work', the style, the simple phrasing, repeated 'licks' that a player uses that become his signature (maybe her).
I just noticed, not at the time, as I was 12 when 'Can't Get Started' on the Cannonball/Wilson Album, came into my consciousness--that they share similar licks and phrasing, and since Cannonball came after Parker somewhat, one would have to conclude that he was influenced greatly by his omnipresent works. Just as, one doesn't have to be a music critic to hear Clifford Brown's influence on Chris Botti's work.
Overall, I'm more of an Adderley fan than Parker, but primarily because of the Be Bop of Charlie's era, which predated me somewhat. Cannonball was MY contemporary and I grew up with that--plus the subtlety of Cannonball's tone is overall, more to my liking.
How, given their collective, enormous tallent can we not love both?
Again...it was the overall Marty, the whole not the specific that led me to that statement, and of course, as usual, I'll say that I'm probably mistaken.
Good listening,
Larry |
In addition to all of the great saxmen already mentioned, I would like to add "Pepper Adams". He is one of the least mentioned and greatest baritone saxmen ever. I suppose that's because his best work has been as a "sideman" with Donald Byrd.
On "Byrd in Hand", a Blue Note LP that I had to pay $35. for because it was unavailable on CD, can now be had for $8. on CD. Pepper Adams solo on the tune "Here I Am", is probably the best ever on baritone sax. If you hear it, you will never forget it.
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Larry (and Orpheus),
Thanks for the commentary. At the time of my post, I was asking whether the comment Larry made re: "Can't Get Started" evoking Charlie Parker was based on any specific Parker solo(or solos) that he had in mind when you made the statement.
There are a handful of sax greats who stun me just about every time, and both Parker and the Cannonball are among them.
Marty
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All of Charlie Parker's solo's on "Bird With Strings". Out of all of the fantastic saxmen that have gone after Bird, he is still the king. |
Martykl,
It's been more than two years since you asked the question about Charlie Parker's works, and I just now noticed,. Sorry.
Because of his era, (he died, I believe in 1955/56), his recordings insofar as I know would all have to have been mono, and not the best, quality, though we could debate that I suppose. As an aside, sometimes some very old recordings have been redone, with an attempt to 'create' a stereo sound...but I can't tell you if any of Charlie's works have been fiddled with.
As another aside, I really wish that the Great Winston Ma of First Impressions Music, FIM, would throw his considerable talent into remastering some of Charlies brilliant work...wouldn't that be something?
The best way to become a devotee of Charlie, or frankly just about any musician, is to (for me) sample their work on youtube. In that regard, I've become a hopeless youtube junkie--I'll just cruise, going from one artist to another some evenings--and along the way, discovering new people to admire and purchase.
Also, to simplify Charlie...just Google Charlie Parker, Discography...you'll find much to look at--and this will allow you to find out who supporting musicians are on some works.
I own, Charlie Parker with Strings...which is an 'ok' recording, but tour de force of his talents on the Alto.
As a student of Alto, having played since about age 7...I studied his works, attempting to emulate his style...ammending slightly to eliminate the strong 'Be Bop' that was present, and shading more to Cannonball Adderley's style, but with Charlies tremendous range of imagination, with regard to his skills. He is, IMHO, unmatched in this regard, with Adderley being in a virtual dead heat. Again, Discography.
Music does things for us all that nothing else can do--I can't identify exactly what that is--but I do love it.
Good listening, Martykl
Larry |
Michael Brecker's. You pick the solo and I won't argue. What a player he was!
Enjoy,
Tom |
Lrsky & Frog,
Good to find I'm not alone on "Can't Get Started", as everything I've ever seen written about the Wilson/Cannonball record seems to focus on Nancy Wilson - probably no surprise. As I'm still kind of new to Jazz (about 5+ years, now), I thought that I might get some grief for the choice, particularly since my taste tends toward the more traditional, while many here seem to prefer the bold innovators.
Since I'm still "connecting the dots" in Jazz, I had a couple of questions. Lrsky mentions earlier works by Charlie Parker that "predict" Adderly's solo. I was wondering which Parker recordings were being referenced here. Also, I haven't really warmed up to the later, "harder" soloists (e.g. Coltrane). So I was wondering if there are "transitional" records in which the seeds of this style are first seen. I find that I'm more receptive to new music when I understand how it has emerged from a more familiar reference point.
Thanks in advance.
Marty |
So many great solos. I agree with Lrsky, beatiful solo by Cannonball on "Can't Get Started". Check out Cannonbal on Mile's "Live At The Plaza". On the tune "Straight No Chaser", Cannonball is on fire. |
Cannonball Adderley on the Nancy Wilson Album of 1962--the song, "Can't Get Started". One of the best ever solos. It is stylistically similar to the Charlie Parker works of a half a decade earlier. Certainly Cannonball was, as all artists must be, influenced by his works. Beautiful...just beautiful...Haunting really. |
The late Grover Washington Jr / Live at the Bijou
The Crusaders / Scratch..."So Far Away" is it Wilton Felder or Wayne Henderson who holds that one note like forever.
Gregg Allman / Laid Back..."Queen of Hearts" |
Coleman Hawkins has so many beyond "Body & Soul". "Self Portrait" from the "Meets Duke Ellington" album and virtually all of "Hawk Flies High" come to mind. Also Cannonball Adderly has a bunch of great ones, but I particularly like "Can't Get Started" from the Nancy Wilson LP. Boy, there are a lot out there. |
How about this one: there's a wild long solo on a song on Don Ellis:Live at the Filmore. I don't recall the song's name but it was wild and loose as was the whole concert that night. Those who know Don Ellis will know what I mean. Sorry I don't have the name at my fingertips. |
Didn't see John Klemmer, but didn't open every response. I personally like his work on Touch |
Me (tenor) doing Pink Panther solo live, 1972, in front of 750 screaming high school twits. Man, I rocked. (I cannot say for sure whether they were screaming, a la Beatle-crazy fans, or screaming laughter. Maybe both? Likely not.) |
Either Coltrane Live at the half-Note on the tune "One up One down"
or
John Gilmore from Sun Ra's "Magic City"
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also..."My Kinda Lady"...Supertramp.
Pepe |
Hmmmm
Michael Brecker plays a KILLER solo on "Black Napkins" from Zappa's "You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore" vol.6 |
Great call cajunpepe!
Wonderful solo! |
"A Night Like This"...The Cure @ 1985. Eerie but sexy.
Pepe |
It's been almost 6 weeks, since I asked everyone to share about their "favorite Sax solo" -- after sharing one of mine. I learned alot in viewing all the responses....this site is the most fun I've ever had on the web. Cheers! |
Thanks for posting the M.F. favorite. Forgot about Bruce Johnstone. Thought he was great in New York Mary, (the stuff might sound dated as hell now tho')... gotta check out that Ferguson track. |
actually one of my favorite solo's is from a very interesting place. I'm a very big jazz lover and also blues, but my favorite solo is from Pink Floyd's wish you were here album. Track 1 shine on you crazy diamond. An amazing solo very intense, david gilmore does the same solo first on the guitar. |
Barritone sax sole by Bruce Johnstone in "Got the Spirt by the Maynard Ferguson band |
Wille the Pimp on Zappa's Hot Rats |
It is titled "The Complete Recordings of the Paul Desmond Quartet with Jim Hall" on the Mosaic Label. The LP set contains 6 Lps and the CD set contains 4 CDs. When found this set usually sells for an average of $300.00 USD. |
Knock yourself Out - Lenny Picket - Tower of Power |
Ferrari,
Could you tell me the name of that 4cd set of Desmond/Hall. |
Dunno if it's been mentioned: Waiting for a Friend by the Stones, sax solo by Sonny Rollins. |
Harold McNair on Donovan's Get thy Bearings (Hurdy Gurdy LP). |
I have the vinyl edition and the sound is superb. Check eBay sometimes copies show up there. But be prepared to bid aggresively, it is highly sought after. |
Wow Ferrari, I missed that one but will now start to look for it. How's the sound? |
Also the Mosaic 6 LP release or the 4 CD compliation of Paul Desmond and Jim Hall. Out of production now, but well worth the search to acquire. Somewhat pricey now, may want to check your local library to see if they have it. This edition was limited to 7500 copies for world wide distribuion and it sold out within 6 days. A great find,don't miss it. |
Impossible, but I'd like to suggest 2; albums that is.
Very different, but similar spontaneous feel to the music making. Very unforced & musical to my ears. The underrated but dynamic & creative Bud Shank on the LA4 'Just Friends' album from Concord in 1978, also on CD, and "Mr. Melodic,Smooth & Cool" Paul Desmond, on his own album, 'Take Ten' featuring the very supportive Jim Hall on guitar, named after the tune he wrote. Hopefully still available on CD; mine is Bluebird 'Digitally Remastered'from BMG, 1993 and sounds great. Buon Appetito! |
I second the quiet genius of Desmond-notes & sound. |
John Coltrane "Someday my prince will come" with Miles Davis from the album of the same name. He uses accents to imply the melody while playing from so far inside it with such freedom that it just floors me. Truly GREAT (imho) - Jim |
One of my favorite LPs is Gerry Mulligan meets Johnny Hodges. an often overlooked album. But it is one of those strokes of genius that Norman Granz had while he owned Verve. It may be available on CD now, but I have the vinyl issue. Get it some of the best sax work recorded. |
Wayne Shorter's tenor solo on Free For All- Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers (Blue Note). Blakey pushes this boy on the opening track for chorus after chorus and Shorter digs down and finds stuff I'm bettin he didn't know he had. He positively let's it loose. Huge, passionate solo amongst solos. |
Kaoru Abe: Mass Projection |
not really all that ground breaking but boy the Sax in Baker Street by Jerry Raferdy (sp) makes a good song great. |
