Tenor or Alto for jazz? Advice requested.

[wadger]

I have played the baritone sax for some time (in large school-type and UK-county wind bands) but would like to play in a small jazz group. However I do not know whether to invest in an alto or tenor sax. Advice welcome. Thanks.

[Dave Dolson]

wadger: Let's see, should I buy a BMW 5-series or a 7-series? I don't think anyone can answer your question objectively because the variables are too many. DAVE

[Jazzophone]

It's personal preference really. Both are very well suited to jazz. Just listen to some recordings of alto and tenor and see which one you'd like to play more.

[dingfelder]

silly question, but why not play the bari for jazz too ?

[dpwadw]

Bari is a very cool instrument for jazz...

Seriously, the only comment I have regarding alto or tenor is that an alto embochure will be a bigger (tighter) adjustment for you.

Jazz often requires bending notes (doints, falls, delayed vibrato, lip trills) and the tighter embochure could make transition harder. Tenor embochure is typically looser and more flexible.

That being said, alto is great for jazz. You'll still learn to bend in time.

[wadger]

Many thanks for helpful advice. I appreciate all your comments. Thanks again.

[WantSmSax?]

Typically, i prefer the tenor sax. I played alto for jazz for 2 years, and i switched to the tenor, wich ive played for about 2 years now. I find that the tenor personally i can get a more bluesy sound out of it. And you can work around the lower register. But i agree with the above, it is more of a personal preference, i have a few friends who do not like the tenor and prefer the alto! Hope this was some help to you.

[Tenorsaxer]

If I were you I would go tenor all the way. Nothing (in my mind at least) beats that full, rich sound you make when you blow through that beautiful horn.

It also would make an easier transition from bari as said before.

But ya know, whatever floats your boat man)

[bari_sax_diva]

For whatever it's worth, I'm a baritone specialist who's trying to develop passable tenor chops for small-group jazz. It's been my experience that quartets/quintets generally look for a tenor when they add that first sax, probably because it's pitched in a range that's easy to write for and versatile in terms of style. YMMV.

-Leanne

[kidaxe]

I agree with all the bari enthusiasts. If you've got a decent bari then all you've got to do is learn how to blow jazz (one heck of alot easier said then done!), and not have to worry about switching horns. There is a great bari jazz player out of Vancouver Canada who is worth checking out, his name is Chad something. 8)

[singlereed]

There are fewer tenor players around and the transposition is easier from a concert pitch melody instrument melody line. On the other hand, the alto would give a bigger contrast from your bari sound, and both would be in the same key - useful as you learn some repertoire and would like to use both instruments.

As for which is best for you, there are arguments for either instrument. I prefer to solo on alto rather than tenor, I am just happier in the higher range of the alto than on tenor when soloing. You may have the opposite preference.

I agree with the other posters - don't forget the bari, you can make even more of a name as a good bari player.

[Goin4DaTone]

I play Alto, some tenor, and Bari. I found it more natural to play alto and Bari, maybe because I 'think' in Eb. Not sure exactly why, but I didn't take to tenor as easily.
I now have a setup that works for me on tenor (finally), and I am doing much much better.
I agree with Dave, there are so many variables. You gotta play what works for you. Finding that combination is sometimes easier than others.

My next challenge will be Soprano.

One of my observations is how 6 sax players can sound so uniquely different on any type of sax.
Example, I hear Desmond, I know that’s him, such an identifiable ‘Saxophone Voice’, and style.
Same for Getz, Mulligan, and so on.

Another thing to keep in mind when playing jazz. IMHO, it is more important to have good tonal qualities, and learn how to PLAY jazz, and improvise, than what type of horn you play.
In LA, the better baritone soloists are usually doublers; guys who can do a great alto solo usually solo a bit better than the Bari only guys.
I just had this conversation with a friend of mine last night, and his theory is that the ‘doublers’ get more opportunity to solo than the just Bari guys, so they are more comfortable doing so.

[Agent27]

Might I also echo the sentiment of sticking with bari. There's nothing that says you can't play bari in a combo. It's not done as often as tenor, alto, or even soprano but that's what makes it cool.

Listen to some Gerry Mulligan, Nick Brignola, Ronnie Cuber, Gary Smulyan.

[Indigo Bud]

I'm straddling the line between alto and tenor and some day would like to play both. I've never been drawn to play bari but you already do so it must be some kind of connection for you. By all means experiment and maybe you'll grow into something new but baritone sax is cool.
Listen to all the guys agent27 suggested.
I like Gerry Mulligan.

[Brian The Hornman]

I'd go with the Bari, if nothing else just cause it's what you're used to and used to playing. Besides, I like baris. I'm also going to add Harry Carney (Ellington) and Pepper Adams (Mingus/Thad Jones) to Agent27's list.