[rsclosson]

Sorry to beat a dead horse here, but I have been asked to play Sanborn's "The Dream" at a wedding reception. While I will never sound like Sanborn, I am trying to see if I can get reasonably close. I am debating between getting a Metalite (Cheapest option), a Dukoff or, if I can find one, an old Brilhart Levelaire. I also could possibly add a baffle (dental wax) to my Link 6* or my Metal Selmer D. Any suggestions would be helpful.

 

[MojoBari]

I'd say start with a homemade baffle and a reverb unit. Can you perform later when everyone is a little drunk?

 

[rsclosson]

I'd say start with a homemade baffle and a reverb unit. Can you perform later when everyone is a little drunk?

LOL! Unfortunately for me. (or for the audience) it will be a "dry" reception. I do have a reverb unit and will experiment with baffles. Thanks!

 

[AG]

rofl......just play it the best you can with what you got, and I'm sure it will be fine. the audience isn't going to be able to tell all that much difference as long as it's reasonably close, it's probably the melody they like. you can play the Dream on a good Meyer or your Selmer metal D is ok if it's a jazz metal D. put a bright reed on your link, Rico jazz select, laVoz & play it with style & feeling, they'll love it.........what? no champagne at a wedding? that would cost extra.

 

[rsclosson]

I would really rather play it on Tenor. It would be an octave down but I always feel more comfy on a Tenor sax. My wife doesnt like it on tenor and I am prone to agree that it doesn't sound "the same" an octave lower.

 

[Leon]

I agree with all of the above. THey are expecting you to replicate Sandborn, just the song. If you play the song, they will like it. Kind of agree though that it would be better if you did it on alto. They won't hear it the way you do, and it's for them.

 

[rsclosson]

I agree with all of the above. THey are expecting you to replicate Sandborn, just the song. If you play the song, they will like it. Kind of agree though that it would be better if you did it on alto. They won't hear it the way you do, and it's for them.

Agreed. I just wish my altissimo chops were better. I do have an excaliber 7EL that can get pretty raspy. Too bad it's not a 7E.

 

[martysax]

The key to his sound, sometimes, is a bright vibrato on every note. That makes it come alive. It's almost like a classical tone with a bright mouthpiece.

 

[rsclosson]

Keep the suggestions coming. I really appreciate all the input. I put one track on a disc so I can listen over and over while driving. Trying to absorb as much of his vibe as I can.

 

[dexdex]

Keep your familiar mp, you'll be more comfortable and in tune. I'd go with a rather bright or buzzy reed (java ?), and pay more attention to the articulation. Very long notes with a steady vibrato.

 

[Pete Thomas]

If you accept you will never get the exact sound (some people may ask why would you want to?), then I would definitely not bother getting the exact same setup, it so often doesn't work due to peoples' different physical make up anyway. I would suggest try a home made baffle, but other a metallite would be a good way to go, and/or try brighter reeds (LaVoz maybe?)

BUT, the main thing is to get the phrasing and intensity of vibrato. Way more important then the frequencies in the sound. Just play along with Sanborn tracks.

Metallites are good mouthpieces.

 

[dexdex]

Oh I forgot : congratulations, I'm rarely asked to play Sanborn on weddings....

 

[rsclosson]

Oh I forgot : congratulations, I'm rarely asked to play Sanborn on weddings....

What really helps is that The Dream is probably my all time favorite non jazz song. Even the fact that I am doing this gratis (out of love for the people I am playing for and love for the tune), I definitely want to do my absolute best.

Pete, I totally agree. Even if Sanborn lent me his horn and mouthpiece for the gig, I would never sound like him. Of course, if I had that kind of relationship with David, I would just ask him to play the tune instead of me. ; ) I just want to get a good approximation.

 

[Jeff Foster]

If you accept you will never get the exact sound (some people may ask why would you want to?)

I'm glad I wasn't the first one to make that point. I used to think his tone was really cool. Now it gets on my nerves. Decent tune though. You do what you think's best but I bet I could play it on tenor and they'd like it just fine. It isn't so important to sound just like Sanborn as it is to do a good job with the song. Make it your own. Who knows but what they might like your interpretation better than his.

 

[rsclosson]

I'm glad I wasn't the first one to make that point. I used to think his tone was really cool. Now it gets on my nerves. Decent tune though. You do what you think's best but I bet I could play it on tenor and they'd like it just fine. It isn't so important to sound just like Sanborn as it is to do a good job with the song. Make it your own. Who knows but what they might like your interpretation better than his.

I wish I could do it on tenor. It just doesn't seem to sound quite "right." I like it, but my wife (and I trust her ear) says it just doesn't do it for her. I also tried it on soprano to get the same octave and I sounded horrendous! (A major incentive on selling my soprano.)

 

[dexdex]

My best half is total Sanborn fan. I guess she wouldn't appreciate it too much to hear such a Sanborn staple on tenor. The alto gives it the singing romantic and slightly melancholic touch.

 

[warp x]

Just listen to the original recording over and over, and copy Sanborn's phrasing. The sound will come by itself. It's the phrasing and articulation that will do the trick.

 

[rsclosson]

Well, I am working on a backup. My alto playing is just not where it should be. I practiced Gato Barbieri's Europa today and am much better on that. My altissimo, tone and everything else is better on tenor. I am going to play it for the host and see if it would be a nice alternative for them.

 

[Grumps]

I think of his sound as more of an attitude. Though you could always try not tightening the neck screw, as he tends to let his swing free.

 

[Saxtripper]

I've noticed several sax players who let the neck dangle loose while they're performing. It must let the neck tenon vibrate alittle more freely...or not. Anyone else do this?