[POLL]: Greatest Sax Solo Rock, R&B, Blues

[Neil Sharpe]

In your opinion, what is the "greatest" sax solo for rock, R&B, and blues of each decade for the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's (I hate musical category slots but they do serve as general reference points).

I'll start with the 50's. The nominees are many: Lee Allen and Grady Gaines with Little Richard, Herb Hardesty with Fats Domino, Red Prysock on "Handclappin", Sil Austin on "Slow Walk", Clifford Scott on "Honky Tonk", King Curtis with the Coasters, and the list goes on.

Although Lee Allen remains a seminal influence, I am tempted to nominate Herb Hardesty's solo on Fat's Domino "I'm Walking." However, my choice would be the sax solo on Ivory Joe Hunter's "Since I Met You Baby." This is a song perfectly matched with production. I sat down once to transcribe the solo and after a few notes, stopped. For once, I didn't want to know what was done and how. We all need a little mystery and wonder in our lives.[/b]

[super20dan]

for the 70,s i vote for bobby keys solo on the stones song brown sugar . it doesnt get any better than this one!

[DirkW]

Dan, I'm not surprized since Bobby Keys also plays a Super 20. A great player and a killer song. But my vote has to go to Yackity Sax by Boots Randolf. Not that I'm THAT old, but because he defined a sound and a playing style who's influence is still felt today.

[Tenorsaxer]

Jungleland

[Neil Sharpe]

Speaking of the Stones, was it Sonny Rollins who did the great solo on Waiting For A Friend?

[DanF]

I agree with DirkW. Boots Randolph has my vote. He is heard on albums from Brenda Lee thru Elvis. His solo on "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" is a classic. I just got his Jazz CD where he and Mike Shannon team up with Jamey Abersold.

[LBAjazz]

It was Sonny on Waitin for a Friend.

[hannibal]

As for '80s rock solos, my vote has to go to Clarence Clemens (sp?) on Springsteen's Born to Run. Only 16 bars but he really packed in the emotional punch. One of those rare solos you hear only once and it's in your head forever. Go on... sing it to yourself now.... ahh, like bubblegum for the brain. :P

[Kritavi]

Handclappin' by Red Prysock is the single greatest sax solo in these non-jazz type idioms (IMHO).

[Jack Metcalf]

It may not be the "greatest" saxophone solo in a Rock and Roll context, but Andy Mackay - the sax player for Roxy Music - has a memorable solo that truly "rocks" on Mott The Hoople's "All The Way From Memphis."

[Saxaholic]

Dunno what decade or who did it.......but the tenor sax solo's in "Scenes From an Italian Restaurant" by Billy Joel. Just always struck my fancy.

[jp3]

SuperDan - forget about the '70's - Keys' Brown Sugar solo is still doing it. He had the whole America West arena on its feet during the Stones' last tour stop in Phoenix - no small feat considering the advancing age of the crowd.

[vick]

i've always like the solo on bad to the bone

[michaelbaird]

70s Pete Christlieb "FM" also "Deacon Blues"
80s Michael Brecker "Maxine" from Nightfly album Donald Fagan
I agree with the choice of Boots Randolph. He did define the sound. He plays on Selmers and Dukoffs. He has a fabulous tone live.

[Bill Mecca]

Dunno what decade or who did it.......but the tenor sax solo's in "Scenes From an Italian Restaurant" by Billy Joel. Just always struck my fancy.

It was Ritchie Cannatta, the 80's he also played clarinet on that one.

[Kosma]

Speaking of Billy Joel, what about Phil Woods on "Just the way you are".

[Kosma]

Anything Brecker did with Cameo (or anyone else!)

Maybe my all time favorite was Brecker on "Going to Carolina" (or whatever the title was) by James Taylor. What a perfect solo.

I always wondered who the tenor player was on Deacon blues. I learned that solo on alto back in '87 and used to play along with it all the time and never even knew who it was!

[Neil Sharpe]

It's been a great list to date, but where are the nineties? Bands like Dave Matthews and Colin James come to mind, and Sax Gordon has been restoring the faith, but despite a wealth of technically great players, is it a lack of inspiration, a lack of opportunity, or a lack of hearing on the part of yours truly, that makes a nineties list seem so difficult to identify?

[michaelbaird]

I definitely also agree with the choice of Phil Woods. What about the Ernie Watts solo on "I just wanta stop." Too many great players!! Jr Walker on the Foreigner tune "Urgent." Good music has hit a lull in the 90s. All though, Michael Brecker has consistently been playing great for the last 25yrs. All of his solo albums are incredible. "Two Blocks from the Edge" is a great CD! I've been a "Brecker freak" for years. I spent the 90s listening to Brecker. He is beyond belief live. That's what happened to me. I found who I wanted to listen to. Michael Jordon is the Michael Brecker of basketball. Almost the same hairstyle! :P I find my hair getting shorter as I get older too.

[KSQ]

Since we seem to be compiling a list of Brecker's work, I'll add my fave (from his pop work, that is) -- "Still Crazy After All These Years," by Paul Simon. Not flashy, just a perfect fit, simple and elegant, but with loads of substance.

[LBAjazz]

My favorite from the 70s is Frank Vicari's solo on Tom Waits' "Romeo is Bleeding" [on the album "Blue Valentine"].I listened to it yesterday and it still kills me.

[clem]

For R&B I don't think they came any better than David "Fathead" Newman. When I first heard his solo on "I Got a Woman" with Ray Charles I fell in love with his sound. Any solo he did with Ray Charles is my favorite (even when I later heard Don Wilkerson play the identical solo on "I Got a Woman" on an earlier recording).

Interesting to see how well appreciated Boots Randolph has become among saxophonists. Years ago he was regarded pretty much like Kenny G is today. Maybe 20 or 30 years from now saxophonists will be saying nice things about KG.

[hannibal]

"Maybe 20 or 30 years from now saxophonists will be saying nice things about KG."

Don't hold your breath.

[michaelbaird]

Kenny G is actually a good player. Listen to the old Jeff Lorber Fusion stuff ie "Wizard Island." I just hate the soupy sentimental soprano stuff. "Duo Tones" was his best solo album. What I do like about him is that his tone is very consistent between alto, tenor and soprano.

[werkinsnake]

I'm surprised that nobody mentioned the late great Dick Perry from Pink Floyd. I think that everyone knows the sax solo from Money. And as for the 80's, Clarence Clemmons is the man. I once met him while my marching band was performing a Pre-Game show for a Steeler game. Clarence played America the Beautiful. Man that guy can growl. And if we get into the 90's, my favorite is Leroi Moore from DMB.

[Jeff Foster]

The one I played last Saturday night at the end of our show.

[hannibal]

Anyone know who did the bari solo on Lou Reed's 'Take a Walk on the Wild Side'?? That one is classic....

Yeah, I second the Pink Floyd saxophonist. The solo on 'Shine one You Crazy Diamond' is emotionaly superb.

[BayviewSax]

I can only offer names from the 70's and 80's for Rock.

70s: Phil Woods on Billy Joel's Just the Way You Are
80s: Sonny Rollins' solo on the Stones Waiting On a Friend
that would be my favorite Rock solo EVER!!

http://www.smilies.org/basesmilies3/1044758546.gif

[Kosma]

To see mentions of Leroi Moore on the "greatest rock sax" thread is pretty sad. Not just because he's not a great player but also because it points out the fact that there has been very little saxophone used in pop/rock over the last 15 or so years.

Leroi did say that he just happened to be in the right band at the right time and knew that he wasn't the greatest player around. I think that's cool.

I guess he qualifies by default. Considering again that almost no one else is using a sax at all.

Just listen to the top 40 radio station and tell me how many sax solos you hear.

[BayviewSax]

If you can find them, there are two live recordings (I think they may have been distributed through Dave Matthews' fan wite) where DMB combines with the Flecktones for an encore. Both tracks feature Jeff Coffin taking Leroi to school.
http://www.smilies.org/basesmilies3/1054254776.gif

[gary]

Jeff Coffin - absolutely. I was just listening to a Flecktones Live CD in the car a little while ago and this guy blows me away.

Although maybe not considered a solo, the first I heard Dave Sanborn was his backing of Linda Ronstadt on Ooh, Baby, Baby. Very gut wrentching. My vote goes to that somewhere in here.

Anybody heard Rudy Pompelli (Bill Haley) on Rudy' Rock? That's Rock and Roll. (OK, OK...R&B for the purists :wink:

[BayviewSax]

If you want to hear another side of Coffin, check out his CDs Go-Round and Commonality. I like Go-Round better, but they're both good. My favorite tracks are Dewey (from Go-Round) and Espoo You (from Commonality). http://www.jeffcoffin.com/

[arsenic87]

What about the band Morphine, no guitars in the band, lot's of decent sax work.

[steve]

King Curtis was mentioned above....he did so much with the Coasters, but "Along Came Jones" and "Yakkety Yak" ( Don't Talk Back) certainly are my favorites. Maceo's solo on Papa's Got a Brand New Bag comes to mind too.

[werkinsnake]

Kosma,
In your comment about Leroi Moore not being a great saxophonist, I have to disagree. Though not the most technical player by any means, he does have a style that sets him apart from other saxophonists. His style has always reminded me of one of those cats that play underneath the streetlight. I agree that he is not the most agressive player, though a guy named Paul Desmond played in a very similiar fashion, every note that he plays is full of emotion and has something to say. As far as Jeff Coffin taking him to school, well Coffin is a great player. He's much more aggressive and has a much more in your face sound and he plays accordingly. He plays like Jeff Coffin as Leroi Moore plays like Leroi Moore. There are differences in every saxophonist, and we should be glad that we don't all come from the same mold. You said it's sad to see Moores name in this thread, but I feel that he has just as much reason to be here as anyone else. Hey, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, this is just mine.
Peace

[Kosma]

I hear you, man. I really meant that it's sad that his is the only name you see associated with current pop/rock music. While I don't think he's a great player, I also don't think he's a bad player. He's a talented guy and he is where he is right now. I'd love to see him grow into a monster.

[Keith Ridenhour]

Lenny Picket , What is Hip. A study in how to play the horn, how to build a solo over 5 mins and how to play anything you want in the alt register
As far as the solo I spent the most hours copying (futily) trying to cop the sound, Brecker from the Dire Straights cut, Your latest trick. K

[BayviewSax]

Lenny Pickett is one of my sinful indulgences that I don't often broadcast. Sort of like Tom Jones. :wink: I can't get enough Lenny. I just got the recording your talking about and he is the man. I wish SNL would let the band play once and awhile w/out any BS like Don Pardo's voice over.

[John Laughter]

I just noticed this posting and would like to offer a free list to any of you who are interested. It is a 56-page WORD document that traces Top 40 songs from 1955-2003 that feature a sax solo. It might bring back some memories! Let me know at JSAXL@aol.com

The above list is from a 290 page CD book that is titled "The History of Top 40 Saxophone Solos-1955-2003."

[Tony]

Who was the sax player for Earth, Wind and Fire? Listen to That's the Way of World, there is a song I think called Africano. The sax player rips it (and even sneaks in a Coltrane riff in the middle of the solo). The 70's funk and soul bands of my childhood made for an easy transistion to jazz when you listened to the entire album.

[John Laughter]

Tony, Don Myrick was the alto sax player for years. However, I will do some research on that particular song. It was a hit for the band in 75.

DON MYRICK

Born in Santa Monica, California, Donald Myrick was killed in 1993 and is laid to rest in the Inglewood Cemetery across the street from the Great Western Forum, former home of the Los Angeles Lakers. Don was a member of Earth, Wind & Fire’s brass section, the Phenix Horns.

http://www.homdrum.no/ewf/oldmemb.html

http://www.homdrum.no/ewf/phenix.html

[John Laughter]

Also see;

http://members.tripod.com/~mistermaxxx/ewfworld.html

Andrew Woolfolk was also on the record.

[OnyxSax]

Even though it is simple, I always liked Clarence Clemmons solo in "Jungleland". I still keep the Born To Run CD in my changer in the truck at all times. I like to put on Jungleland when I am about 10 minutes out from my house. By the time it ends, I am pulling in my driveway.

P.S. -- Tony, I am just down the road from you in Damascus!

[kingperkoff]

Bobby Keys on "Can't You Hear Me Knockin'" from the Stones is very hip.

[TheChristianSax]

With so many great solos that have been mentioned, it is difficult to choose. One that I always thought was great was Johnny Colla's solo on Huey Lewis' "The Heart of Rock and Roll". I always have enjoyed his sax playing.

[John Laughter]

From his bio;

A fixture of the San Francisco Bay Area music scene for twenty years, singer-songwriter Johnny Colla played with such artists as Sly and the Family Stone and Van Morrison before becoming a founding member of Huey Lewis and the News in 1979. He penned many of the band’s hits alongside Huey, including “The Heart of Rock and Roll,” “If This Is It,” and “Power of Love.”

Colla may be best known for his honkin’ sax solos and vocal arrangements, but he’s always had a burning desire to sing his own songs and make his own records. Although still an integral part of “The News,” he has recently made his own CD and is planning on releasing it later this year.

[Mike Cesati]

John Laughter or anyone else who may know. Who takes the sax solo at the end of the Doors tune "Don't you love her Madly" ? Great solo, someone told me Joe Farrell is that correct?

[Tim Price]

Mike C- It could be Farrell tho'...listen to the _left hand_stuff and the attack. It sounds kinda like Fathead Newman.
I'd like to know that one myself. I always dug that solo.


BTW-Farrell played a rubber berg 100/o with brown bx rico 5 reeds.
He WAS the player for me.

[John Laughter]

Mike, research shows;

http://www.progressiveworld.net/doorsthe.html

Track Listing: Disc One: Break On Through (To The Other Side) / Back Door Man / Light My Fire / Twentieth Century Fox / The Crystal Ship / Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar) / Soul Kitchen / The End / Love Me Two Times / People Are Strange / When The Music's Over / My Eyes Have Seen You / Moonlight Drive / Strange Days / Hello, I Love You / The Unknown Soldier / Five To One

Disc Two: Touch Me / Wild Child / Tell All the People / Wishful Sinful / Roadhouse Blues / Waiting For The Sun / You Make Me Real / Peace Frog / Love Her Madly / L.A. Woman / Riders On The Storm / The Wasp (Texas Radio And The Big Beat) / The Changeling / Gloria / Celebration Of The Lizard (Previously Unissued)

Musicians:
Robbie Krieger - Guitar
Jim Morrison – Vocals
Ray Manzarek - Keyboards
John Densmore – Drums
Curtis Amy - Saxophone, Soloist
Marc Benno - Rhythm Guitar
Harvey Brooks - Bass
Douglas Lubahn - Bass, Electric Bass
Lonnie Mack - Bass
Kerry Magness - Bass
Ray Neopolitan Bass
Jerry Scheff - Bass
John Sebastian - Harp
Leroy Vinnegar - Acoustic Bass

Curtis Amy was born in Houston, Texas, on October 11, 1929. His mother played piano, so he was listening to music from an early age. Amy decided to learn the clarinet in the fourth grade.

From 1946 to 1947, Amy played tenor in the Army, then attended Kentucky State College from 1948 to 1952 and earned his B.S. in music. During his last two years at college, Amy directed a big band and played gigs in several Midwest clubs. From the end of 1952 to late 1954 he worked as band director at a high school in Jackson, Tennessee, then in 1955 moved to Los Angeles. Later that year Amy played with Dizzy Gillespie’s band and did session work for Perri Lee. By 1960 he was recording for the Pacific Jazz Label.

From 1960 to 1966 Amy was leading/performing/recording with Onzy Mathews, Gerald Wilson, Bobby Hutcherson, Jimmy Owens, Victor Feldman, and Kenny Barron. Towards the end of the late 1960s Amy was very much in demand and started performing with rock bands such as The Doors and Carole King. After his busy music career Amy became an actor later in life. Curtis Amy passed away on June 12 in Los Angeles. He was 72.

[John Laughter]

Mike, just curious. I downloaded the song and do not hear a sax solo. I wonder if we are thinking about a different version or a live recording? Or, are we talking about the 1969 hit;

#3- TOUCH ME-DOORS- CURTIS AMY- TENOR

[Mike Cesati]

John. Thanks for the correction.It IS Touch Me.The ending has that great solo. I actually just heard it the other day at the lumber yard getting materials.I pretty much just have a jazz collection for listening but had always loved that solo.it came on and I went under the speaker and checked it out.I must say I never heard of Curtis Amy but he definitely tore up that tune.Thanks for doing the research.

Tim, I love Joe Farrell's stuff. The DRY CLEANER FROM DES MOINES solo!!!(Mingus Ah Hum) He used a 0 baffle Berg huh? Wow that definitely shows IT AIN'T the MOUTHPIECE.He had a big full tenor sound and I wouldn't think it was a BERG with the 0 baffle. Thanks for his setup info.

[Flatted 5th]

Yes,Touch Me has a fine solo indeed. For that time period, it was unsual to hear a long saxophone solo on a rock track, especially when it was played on am radio as much as that song was.
King Curtis' few bars in Aretha's Respect are timeless.
Bobby Keyes with the Stones: Live With Me and Can't You Hear Me Knocking.
Sonny Rollins on the Stones Tattoo You album: Waiting For a Friend and whenever I hear his false fingerings on Neighbors, it always makes me want to practice an extra hour 8)

Red Prysock on Handclappin' and Clifford Scott on Honky Tonkin' are my faves.

[John Laughter]

Mike, another one according to research;

1971

#1 -IT’S TOO LATE-
CAROLE KING- (per L.P. credits)- CURTIS AMY- SOPRANO

Send an email if you would like a 56 page list of Top 40 session players from 1955-2003. JSAXL@aol.com

[HemiSaxman]

I guess for me, it's

-Dick Parry(Pink Floyd) - Us and Them

such feeling during the whole song and

-John Ferreira(Colin James) - Why'd you Lie

gotta love that solo, gives me the shivers

[barfdog17]

Jungleland
Amen to that, but a good rock song filled with sax is Rosalita.

[mcleanpe]

But I enjoy listening to Phil Kenzie playing the solo on "Song on the Radio" by Al Stewart. He also played on "Year of the Cat".

I guess why he is my favorite is because I actually saw Al Stewart perform live once. It is one thing to hear a great sax solo on CD, but a totally different experience hearing it live, especially when the player is walking through the audience while he is playing.

oh, and BTW, Peter White (for you guitarists) was also performing with Al Stewart.

wow.

Peace

[allthewoodwinds]

Wayne Shorter's tenor solo on Steely Dan's 'AJA':treble: 8-)

[allthewoodwinds]

Ramsey Lewis' 'SUN GODDESS' - Don Myrick or Andrew Woolfolk? I forgot which one it is.:?

[52Conn10r]

Mark Colby's tenor on "Primal Scream"

[Flower Power]

Anyone know who did the bari solo on Lou Reed's 'Take a Walk on the Wild Side'?? That one is classic....

""Walk on the Wild Side" is the highlight of Reed's 1973 album Transformer, produced by David Bowie. The sax solo was played by Bowie's old music teacher, Ronnie Ross.."
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_200411/ai_n12812910

Yeah, this song made me starting to play sax ... :)

Greetings
Flower Power

[Bill Mecca]

I always loved Clarence Clemons solo on Jungleland, it's one of the songs that inspired me to play sax. so that was 1975,

Neil mentioned a lack of things from the 90's

I used to hope to hear the ending sax solo by Craig Shields on Edwin McCain's "I'll be" (off Misguided Roses) but the radio would always dump it after the vocals ended, b*sTrds! that was 1997.

[tbone]

What about Michael Antunes? "On the Dark Side" from the movie Eddie and the Cruisers.

[hakukani]

Brecker on 'Child of Wisdom'. Can't recall the album title, but Gahan Wilson did the artwork.

[hamilton]

The solo by wilton felder on "street life" by the Crusaders
T
the solo on "Spooky" from classic V

the longer version of "just the two of us" with Grover Washington

[Kritavi]

I'm just revisting this thread and there are LOTS of good solos mentiond. Regarding the Doors "Touch Me" , they did it live way back when on the Ed Sullivan show with a string section and Curtis Amy, blew my mind at the time. I'm gonna look and see if its on YouTube.

[Kritavi]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=PECk9A-07Pw

Well it was a whole lot less cool then I remember it and I guess it was on the Smothers Brothers.

[Mope]

Chris Wood of Traffic '60s hardly ever gets any mention. Maby he wasn't a great player, but his riffs in tunes like Glad and Freedom Rider are some of my favorites. Ben Webster does an awesome solo in Slim Galliard's Potato Chips.
"Crunch, crunch, I don't want no lunch, all I want is Potato Chips"

[RegSopAlto]

Junior Walker's solo on Urgent by Foreigner.

[xax]

"Honky Tonk" solo by Clifford Scott; "Soft" solo by Red Prysock; "Walkin' with Mr. Lee" by Lee Allen.

[allthewoodwinds]

How 'bout Chris Vadala's solo on Chuck Mangione's "Give It All You Got?" ....... hmmmm. Maybe not. It was kinda corny.

[Mactenor]

This is not the greatest solo, but it is worth mentioning.
Gil Bernal Tenor solo on REBEL ROUSER (Duane Eddy )

[edhara]

Junior Walker's solo on Urgent by Foreigner.
+1

I understand he did that in one take.

[allthewoodwinds]

Lenny Pickett on Tower Of Power's "Squib Cakes"

Pete Christlieb on Steely Dan's "FM"

Bob Messenger - tenor solos on The Carpenters "Rainy Days And Mondays" and "A Song For You"

Tom Scott's tenor solo on The Carpenters "All You Get From Love Is A Love Song"

Cornelius Bumpus on The Doobie's "Real Love"

Whoever played the tenor solo on The Doobie Brothers "Takin' It To The Streets"

Whoever played the alto solo on Diana Ross' "I'm Getting Ready For Love"

Alto solos on Al Cooper's "Time Passages" and "The Year Of The Cat"

[allthewoodwinds]

Alto solos on Al Cooper's "Time Passages" and "The Year Of The Cat"

Oops! Should be Al STEWART.

[Bill Mecca]

+1

I understand he did that in one take.

Sorry, that's wrong. Actually Jr. did a number of takes after telling Mutt Lange and the band "that's not my bag anymore" After he left they cut the separate parts into the final solo.

the interesting part is later when Jr. joined them on stage, in Boston I believe, he played it just as it was on the record.

[edhara]

Sorry, that's wrong. Actually Jr. did a number of takes after telling Mutt Lange and the band "that's not my bag anymore" After he left they cut the separate parts into the final solo.

the interesting part is later when Jr. joined them on stage, in Boston I believe, he played it just as it was on the record.
I was just going by what I saw here (http://www.soultracks.com/junior_walker.htm) a while ago:

Walker's career received an unexpected boost in 1981 when the rock group Foreigner was recording a jumpy tune called "Urgent" and wanted to have a saxophone solo in the refrain. Being Motown fans, they contacted Walker to fly to the studio to cut the piece. As he told me in a 1982 interview, he had never heard of Foreigner, but the group had promised a pretty good payday for one song, so he agreed to fly to the studio and cut the record. They played the raw track for him and asked him to improvise a solo. After a single listening, he amazed the group by cutting one of the most memorable sax solos in rock history in one take. The song went on to the top of the Pop charts and became a Walker concert staple for the next decade (he and a reconsititued AllStars recorded it on their final album, 1983's Blow Down the House).

[edhara]

Interesting... there's also this (http://www.answers.com/topic/jr-walker-the-all-stars) that seems to support what you're saying.

Now I have no way of knowing what's true.

[Bill Mecca]

I got my info from the liner notes to the Jr. Walker compilation Nothin But Soul, and it quotes the guys from Foreigner. I also read it somewhere else that it was Jr.'s son who got them together.

[allthewoodwinds]

Okay, so they may not have played the most sophisticated solos in Pop/Rock/R&B music, but they should at least get an "Honorable Mention"
Roger Ball (alto) and Malcom "Molly" Duncan on tenor. AWB racked-up some pretty good air play in the 70's. And these guys, along with Tom Scott were at least known by a lot of Pop & R/B fans.

Good licks on album "Soul Searching" - with Michael & Randy Brecker, Ronnie Cuber, Marvin Stamm and Barry Rodgers on the opening "Overture"

[davecoldron]

There was a tenor solo on "will you" by Hazel O'Connor.

Im remembering it from my pre-sax playing days so I dont know what I would think of it now but it made a big impression on me at the time.

Anyone know who it was?

>> Wesley McGoogan is the player apparently on alto not tenor. It is many years since I heard it (~27yrs?) - happy days

[ThreeSaxes]

Junior Walker on Urgent.
Lenny Pickett on Knock Yourself Out (live version from Live and in Living Color).
Curtis Amy on Touch Me. I had to cover his solo in an old band. I didn't know how to play in the altissimo register before that (not intentionally, anyway). A good, if painful, way to learn.

[KenK]

Hiroshima Mon Amour, by Ultravox.

[58tenor]

The greatest? Who knows,but...anything by King Curtis. And I think it was Brecker who KILLED on Plant's "Good Rockin at Midnight" about 1979. Incredible solo. BTW I heard Fathead Newman live last Tuesday night in San Diego. GREAT! Not alot of flash,just beautiful bowing. He leaves much space between ideas. I learned much in that brief time. I wish it were possible to hear live more of the old guys. There was alot going on there. The tickets were only 10 bucks. It was worth 50 at least.


As far as big names, Turrentine,Brecker and now Newman I have had the fortune to witness a few feet in front of me. Each player VASTLY different than the others. All fantastic and inspiring. Brecker was in another dimension entirely.

[andyainge]

Please help!!

There is a rock(?) song from somewhere in the last 4 decades (sorry!) that has an greeat saxophone solo in the middle - i just cannot remember the title. The begininning of the solo is excellent for showing how a simple scale can sound great to build up into a solo.

Fortunately i can remember how the solo begins:
it starts with a building scale with changing note lengths

:line0:
:line0: :space0:
:line0: :space0: :line1:
:line0: :space0: :line1: :space1:
until the 8 notes of scale have built up, one at a time; and then goes off on one!

Thank you in anticipation,

Andy

[Swingtone]

Speaking of Billy Joel, what about Phil Woods on "Just the way you are".

Wow! I learned something new today! That's really Woods on that one, eh? Yes, it is a memorable solo going all the way back to my childhood...and probably the best thing by far about that shmaltzy song.

[Nitetimer]

Andy,
"Maneater" by Hall & Oats.

[newtenorsax]

Junior Walker's solo on "Shotgun"

[tictactux]

There was a tenor solo on "will you" by Hazel O'Connor.

Another vote for Wes' solo. Spine tingling and neck hair bristling.

(Historians aren't sure whether it's "McGoogan" or "Magoogan", but anyway, here (http://www.freeweb.hu/vicky100/wesleymagoogan/wesleymagoogan.html) is a transcript of that solo (bottom of page).

[andyainge]

Thank you Nitetimer - that's the one i was after.
Found a couple of vids on youtube with this on.

[SaxfromSC]

I have always been found of Dave Koz's Intro to Endless Summer Nights and David Sanborn's The Safe Cafe Ending.

[peterlocke123]

Lenny Pickett on Tower Of Power's "Squib Cakes"


+1

I LOVEEEE that solo!

[qwerty]

Here are a few that I have always liked...although I am not sure they qualify as "greatest"

Paul McCartney and Wings - Listen to What the Man Said (Tom Scott, soprano) I heard this was done in one take.

John Lennon and Elton John - Whatever Gets You Through The Night (some help here, please as to the saxophonist)

Dan Fogelberg Another Auld Lang Syne (Michael Brecker, soprano saxophone)

Paul Simon Still Crazy After All These Years (Michael Brecker, tenor saxophone)

James Taylor Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight (Michael Brecker, tenor saxophone)

James Taylor How Sweet It Is (David Sanborn??, alto saxophone)

Tim Curry I Do The Rock (David Sanborn??, alto saxophone)

Steve

[Mark5047]

Candy Dulfer plays a great solo on Van Morrison's "A Night in San Francisco" - listen to "I've Been Workin" - really knocks my socks off!

[UncleHeavy]

Sam Taylor on "Money Honey" by Clyde McPhatter and The Drifters. Essential.

Along with many others already noted.

Oh sweet R&B sax... who needs a lead guitar anyways!?

[harmonizerNJ]

Speaking of Billy Joel, what about Phil Woods on "Just the way you are".

+1

[PhatSax]

Gotta' include Wayne Shorter on Steely Dan's Aja. Great solo!

[selmer]

What about Maceo on everything !

[xax]

I was listening to one of my old favorites, "Soul Serenade" by King Curtis. We used to put the "45" on the Muntz underdash record player and go cruisin' downtown to it. But this afternoon, i had it on earphones on my way to a BBQ party/jam...All I can say is Wow!! That has got to be the greatest "soprano" tone ever!

[com281]

I just stumbled into this thread and I'm surprised that no one mentioned Phil Woods' sax solo on Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are". Phil's clarilty and technical command of the horn during the solo are awesome. It is a great song overall but the sax solo was the icing on the cake.

[thejoyofsax]

I just stumbled into this thread and I'm surprised that no one mentioned Phil Woods' sax solo on Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are". Phil's clarilty and technical command of the horn during the solo are awesome. It is a great song overall but the sax solo was the icing on the cake.

"Just the Way You Are" has been mentioned several times in the thread.


What I've learned is that was really Brecker playing soprano on the Fogelberg song? I've always been fond of "Another Auld Lang Syne" and never knew that was him.

edit: spelling mistake

[pjburke]

Please help!!

There is a rock(?) song from somewhere in the last 4 decades (sorry!) that has an greeat saxophone solo in the middle - i just cannot remember the title. The begininning of the solo is excellent for showing how a simple scale can sound great to build up into a solo.

Fortunately i can remember how the solo begins:
it starts with a building scale with changing note lengths

:line0:
:line0: :space0:
:line0: :space0: :line1:
:line0: :space0: :line1: :space1:
until the 8 notes of scale have built up, one at a time; and then goes off on one!

Thank you in anticipation,

Andy

One of the best examples of what you're referring to (if I'm understanding you correctly) is the sax solo in the original "Sh-Boom" by The Chords (Atlantic, 1954).

[Billt4mn]

I agree with all, at the same time, even. "Greatest" is subjective, but ya gotta love Junior Walker for having 2 on my list: Shotgun and Urgent. May he rest in peace.

[saxphil]

Ma-ce-o, Ma-ce-o , take your pick,I like To Be Or Not To Be
Jr. on Shotgun,plays great throughout the song
Clarence on Born To Run (wall of sound indeed)

[Jazz Is All]

Hope I can revive this thread cause it's a great topic.:)

Earlier someone mentioned Don Myrick and his work with Earth Wind and Fire. He blew an incredibly beautiful alto solo on Reasons on the live double album Gratitude . Right up there with the best of them.:!:

I have also always loved Candy Dulfer's playing on the live Van Morrison album, Live at the Filmore.

And let's not forget King Curtis on Memphis Soul Stew.

[Dingosax]

The one solo that blew me away as a kid was Johnny Almond playing on the John Mayall Album "The Turning Point". I reckon his alto was smokin' after he wrapped up "So Hard To Share". Its a song I love to play LOUD!!

Also the solo on "Walk on the Wild Side" still gives me goosebumps everytime I hear it.

[Nitetimer]

Dingosax, I love that album "The Turning Point." It's what got me started playing blues.

[JLeurck]

Joe Farrell on the bridge to Hall & Oates' "She's Gone" is great, and not mentioned yet.

I remember trying to figure out Lenny Pickett's short solo on Elton John's "The Bitch Is Back" around that time, too. Very cool solo - short space, high impact!

There was an English band called Sad Cafe that had a minor hit called "Run Home Girl" around that time that had a teriffic tenor solo on it, but I have no idea who the player was. The album was called "Misplaced Ideals" if anyone has it and cares to look on the liner notes! Haven't heard that song in ages but can still hear the solo in my head.

As for Clarence Clemons, I really liked the "Born To Run" solo, but just about every solo I've ever heard him take contains the same licks as the "Born To Run" solo, just at various tempos. I'm not a huge Clarence guy. Have I just not heard enough of him?

[SactoPete]

I'm totally digging on this old thread...

But RE: "Touch Me":

http://youtube.com/watch?v=PECk9A-07Pw

Well it was a whole lot less cool then I remember it and I guess it was on the Smothers Brothers.

Is it just me, or is anyone else convinced that the sax solo is overdubbed? Is the guy holding the sax during the solo even Curtis Amy?

Pete

[LateNiteSax]

for the 70,s i vote for bobby keys solo on the stones song brown sugar . it doesnt get any better than this one!

Thats a cute. You need to hear Lenny Picket go totaly Postal on Knock Yourself Out on the TOP live album. Its truely awsome. No offense to Bobby Keys, but he needs to get some lessons from Lenny.

[Bill Mecca]

I'm totally digging on this old thread...

But RE: "Touch Me":



Is it just me, or is anyone else convinced that the sax solo is overdubbed? Is the guy holding the sax during the solo even Curtis Amy?

Pete
I dunno Pete, the only mike I see on stage is in Morrison's hand, even on the wide shots, if it were a boom mike it must have been in the stratosphere. I would say they were synching to the recording.

[hakukani]

JR WALKER anytime he played.

Michael Brecker on 'Child of Wisdom' from the band 'Dreams' 16 bars tells the story!

[Dingosax]

Dingosax, I love that album "The Turning Point." It's what got me started playing blues.

I agree totally with you Nitetimer. During my adolescence it was the most influencial album that drew me towards the saxophone. I recently bought the CD after spending many years hoping it had made the transition from vinyl. Also, I have recently bought some of Johnny Almond's other work on CD through ebay. Can't wait for them to arrive so I can 'comp' to them.

This is a great thread that has revived a lot of musical memories for me.

The Pink Floyd songs others have mentioned is another good example.

[AndyBlackard]

I'm surprised that nobody mentioned the late great Dick Perry from Pink Floyd. I think that everyone knows the sax solo from Money.

My thoughts exactly! Does it sound like he changed horns in the middle of that solo? Or was it something in the mixing?

[Jazz Is All]

JR WALKER anytime he played.

I hear that! For funky R&B to the max, he blows all of them away.

[playloud]

top five, for me
1. Fat's "i'm Walkin'"
2. Aretha's "Respect"
3. Boot's "Yakity"
4. Lou's "Wild Side"
5. Junior's "Shotgun"

honorable mention: Temtation's "Ain't to Proud to Beg" a one note sax solo, you can't get any more rock'n roll than that? (don't know if this is on the original, or just the "standing in the shadows of motown" live version.)

[DeltaBlues]

Someone mentioned Huey Lewis & the News way back in this thread.

They did a song called "Small World" that had Stan Getz on it. I think this was in the late 80s.

[saxxsymbol]

Tom Scott on " Deacon Blues " and the pop tune " Jazz Man ". Boots Randolph on " Rockin around the Christmas Tree ". Grover Washington Jr. on " Mister Magic ".

[perrybucsdad]

All time best solo was by Willie Maiden with Hey Jude when the great Stan Kenton played live at Redlands University. The range :line6: he had was amazing!!

[doublea j]

I am surprised no one mentioned Sade Adu's sax player on SMOOTH OPERATOR or IS IT A CRIME. Maybe not " the best ever", but i humbly think that if you can hum any solo note for note,(or very close to it) that makes it a "great solo"

[bobsax]

Phil Woods "just The Way You Are" with Billy Joel

[thejoyofsax]

Tom Scott on " Deacon Blues " and the pop tune " Jazz Man ". Boots Randolph on " Rockin around the Christmas Tree ". Grover Washington Jr. on " Mister Magic ".

I think Deacon Blues was actually played by Pete Christlieb. Wayne Shorter blew the solo on Aja and Tom Scott took the lead on Black Cow (and did the horn arrangements on the whole album). Either way you slice it, Aja is a sweet, saxophone friendly record.

[CAPTAIN GIDYUP]

I am really gonna love this place...I am known around these parts as "The Vat of Useless Knowledge"...I was imparting so of my inane wisdom to our band director today (I am a HS Mathematics teacher from a small Texas school) about great sax solos in R & R (his background is strictly jazz and I felt the need to enlighten him...he is so fired up now he wants to visit Cleveland)

I joined and wanted to throw in my two bits...I read all of the thread and my list overlaps on most entries, but I do have a couple of worthy additions...

My personal favorite has always been Junior Walker on Urgent...hard to top that

The rest of my Top Few, in semi-order of greatness in my opinion are:

Edgar Winter on Meat Loaf's "All Revved Up and No Place to Go" off of Bat Out of Hell...it is a very close second to Jr.'s

Michael "Tunes" Antunes of John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, especially his work on "Eddie and the Cruisers"

Clarence Clemens, E-Street Band, especially his solo on "Prove It All Night" off Darkness on the Edge of Town

Alto Reed on Bob Seger's "Turn the Page"

Rudy Pompilli, Bill Haley & His Comets - Rudy's Rock - (1st ever instrumental to break into Rock & Roll's Top 40.)

Honorable mention:

Raphael Ravenscroft on Gerry Rafferty's Baker Street (Sherlock Holmes lived there, BTW)

Clarence again for Queen of Soul's "Freeway of Love" and Cocker's "Unchain My Heart"

[themacintrasher]

Speaking of the Stones, was it Sonny Rollins who did the great solo on Waiting For A Friend?

sure was

[themacintrasher]

I think Deacon Blues was actually played by Pete Christlieb. Wayne Shorter blew the solo on Aja and Tom Scott took the lead on Black Cow (and did the horn arrangements on the whole album). Either way you slice it, Aja is a sweet, saxophone friendly record.

yup was christlieb

[Baphomet]

Seven pages and no one has mentioned Sanborn on Bowie's Young Americans?

[Jazz Is All]

Seven pages and no one has mentioned Sanborn on Bowie's Young Americans?

What a dunce I am! That's been a fav of mine since it came out in '75 and I never even bothered to check who played that great solo. I have no excuses and am going to go and kick myself now 33 times, once for each of the years I've listened to this without knowing it was Dave. :violent1:

Even worse I am totally embarrassed and ashamed to admit that I am a double blindfold-test failure. Worse even than missing Dave, I have been listening to Sonny Rollins for 50 years and he was my first Sax hero, but I never caught that it was him blowing on that great song. Idiot. I'm going to bang my head against the wall 50 times now. :banghead:

[DonMR]

Baker Street has always been one of my favorites.

Actually, there's some cool sax at the end of "Low Riders" believe it or not! :shock:

Don

[sideC]

Right now I'm obsessing on Claudine Clark's "Party Lights," with a great little tenor ride by Georgie Young. He has a very nasty, fat, sound. And David Newman's alto intro to Ray Charles' "Night Time is the Right Time" is a classic blues statement.
I also have to include any of Mike Terry's baritone solo's on numerous Motown sessions, and check out Zack Zachery's alto on MFSB's "Cheaper to Keep Her."

[Jazz Is All]

Earth Wind & Fire has always been a favorite of mine (even the tacky costumes were forgiveable) so I keep coming back to a couple of their mega hits with great sax solos all available through the wonders of YouTube.

First up, Don Myrick soloing on one of their most beautiful and greatest hits, Reasons, live in concert. Not quite as long as his solo on the Live album Gratitude but great none the less. And Phillip Bailey works vocal wonders that any sax player would kill to be able to do on a horn. Check those high notes at 2:18 on top of everything else he does.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NnXIxSAa1Q

Next, After the Love Is Gone with a tasty alto solo by Grammy Winner Gary Bias beginning at 4:25.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C93maSeGXtY&feature=related

And finally this amazingly tight speed-of-light Funkified jam with the horn section and the rythm section driving each other into a delirious groove that just don't quit.
Enjoy! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDTfjQPvacw

[pickett]

Junior Walker in the almost 1 minute intro to "Gotta Hold On To This Feelin"

[nateberly]

What about the band Morphine, no guitars in the band, lot's of decent sax work.

+1!
Very unique configuration and sound, a full trio
2-string slide electric bass and vocals,
Bari sax,
drums