C melody Rock n Roll

[frankbiff]

I was once told that some early rock and roll was done with C melodys. Is this true, can you name some examples?

[djonk]

I just looked at a book on the Instruments of Rock & Roll. The section on Woodwinds went into quite detail, on the artists and their saxophones. All of the examples were of alto, tenor and baritone (picture of a soprano though).
There was also mention of Brands, but not any comments of the 'C' Melody!!

[Roger Aldridge]

I, too, came across a mention of that about c-melodies and early Rock somewhere on the internet. I'm not sure what to make of it. I don't recall ever seeing a picture of any of the early rockers playing a c-melody. The thing that I'd question the most is how well a c-melody could function in that kind of a setting. It has a naturally softer sound than other saxophones. Of course, one could push it with a high baffle kind of mouthpiece. If anyone has more details about this claim I'd be very interested in hearing more about it. In particular, if some recordings can be cited.

[frankbiff]

Rodger...

The first time I heard it was about 1976, from a sax player I was talking to in a local bar during the bands break. He said some of the eary stuff was done with melody C but did not give any specifics. I also read it on the web some where, but forgot. Maybe I'll look.

I can see how this might be, the players in their 20's who made the music during the 50's learned in the 40's, probably on horns made in the 30's or earlyer. WWII probably limited the ability and supply of newer horns. Melody Cs where probably easy to find.

[DougR]

Its only rock and roll but I like it.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2515794628&category=10 184

[Gandalfe]

Wowser, now that's embarrassing! Talk about not keeping your eye on the ball.

[cmelodysax]

Think the seller is having technical problems, I asked for a pic and he sent a '.dat' file.... (renamed to .jpg is fine).
Back to the subject, I'm fixing up a few C-Mels in the UK and (even with modern mpcs and reflector pads) have foung them to be a bit 'reserved' except that I've just found my first SCREAMER.
It's a Lyon&Healy 'American Professional -Chicago (Buescher stencil). With a rubber Larsen tenor mpc and Rico reeds it really rocks - all the harmonic fingerings from my Martin tenor work as well - sky's the limit.
Sad no aux-front-F, but I'm working around that. Poor old neighbours. :D

[Roger Aldridge]

Tinminer,

My latest experiment with my c-melody was to try Bootman's reed drilling method on the Alexander Classique reeds I use. Reed drilling has made a huge difference in how my c-melody plays. The projection and response now coming from my horn remind me more of an alto than a c-melody. It's simply amazing. This horn is WAILING!

Here's the set up I'm using: 1919 curved neck Conn c-melody (worked on by Steve Goodson), Ralph Morgan 6 (.090) c-melody mouthpiece, drilled Alexander Classique reeds, and a silver Francois Louis ligature.

I think of it as a fine-tuned muscle car. :D

[paulwl]

I am certain I once saw a pic of a C melody player with the Velvet Underground. I don't know where, but I do remember it was a straight neck Conn.

[geo@loyola.edu]

I'm certain I remember reading that somebody played a C tenor on at least one of Frank Zappa's releases. But I tried to do my homework before I posted. I searched the net for Zappa discographies. Found a lot o' stuff, but no confirmation that anybody ever played a C sax.

[Bryan Kendall]

Answer:
Frank Zappa is a genius (This is from someone who is nuts for Motzart and Duke Ellington)
He made a jazz big band albumn called the Grand Wazoo which utilized orchestral and jazz winds.
It is completely unique and uses the great Ernie Watts on C-Melody Saxophone as solist.

[Roger Aldridge]

A Matched Set,

I love Zappa's music, but I don't have that recording. I knew that Ernie Watts is on it. He's really playing c-melody?!!!! Man, I'm goin' to the record shop and get it!

[Merlin]

I don't know if they state outright on "The Grand Wazoo" that it's a C melody. IIRC, they refer to it as "The Mystery Horn".