[soybean]

Thinking of John Laughter's "Rock 'n Roll Saxophone" thread I thought it would be fun to start something similar for the flute as featured in pop, rock and r&b songs (not jazz). Back in the 1960s and 70s, the flute sound was everywhere. One of the most famous records is California Dreamin' by the Mamas and Papas. Flute solo by Bud Shank.

 

[Taragot]

Great idea for a thread!
The first two that made me pick up the flute were Tijs van Leer from the dutch band Focus and Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull. Both around 1970. And both with with that high enegry mix of folk, classic, and fusion.

 

[Kritavi]

One of the most famous records is Monday Monday by the Mamas and Papas. Flute solo by Bud Shank.

California Dreamin'?

 

[MLucky]

Two examples immediately come to mind: "Goin Up the Country" by Canned Heat and "Living in the Past" by Jethro Tull. Oh, and there was a ballad by Chicago ("As Time Goes On" or something like that?).

 

[turf3]

Guy Lumbago had a lot of three flute charts back to the 50s or maybe before. Typically they'd start out on saxes and go to three flutes and a clarinet for the middle section.

 

[Guest]

Perhaps a bit obscure but Daniel Pecchio in Glass Harp played the flute when he wasn't playing the bass most of the time.

 

[Saxhound]

Two examples immediately come to mind: "Goin Up the Country" by Canned Heat and "Living in the Past" by Jethro Tull. Oh, and there was a ballad by Chicago ("As Time Goes On" or something like that?).

Color My World was the Chicago tune. A (very young) Walter Parazaider. The live version is pretty bad. Studio version is marginally better. I think he got better at flute as he got older.

 

[Merlin]

Nights in White Satin!

It’s one of the most frequently played flute solos I’ve had to play.

 

[Kritavi]

Got to check out Flutronix, they are just great.

 

[TomOhio]

Walking in Rhythm (The Blackbyrds)

Lotta Love (Nicolette Larsen version)

 

[sopsax]

Any number of pop & rock tracks from 1970 onward featuring Tim Weisberg.

The conspicuous airplay given to Weisberg, Ian Andersen, & Bud Shank circa 1970 made it easier for me to transition from classical flute to pop/rock flute in high school & college. Nobody seemed bothered if a flutist turned up in a rock band. Thanks, guys!

 

[rzzzzz]

so much flute on movie and tv soundtracks back in the '60's. from Coffee House scenes with Elvis to romantic walks along the beach with Frankie and Annette. Bud Shank and John Scott (You've got to hide your love away.) both used bigger flutes, but didn't set off a trend in '65. but definite shout out to Ian Anderson (self-taught?) for all his energy and flourish to turn the flute into a genuine lead rock and roll instrument that no one else came close ever touching. (Ray Thomas and Peter Gabriel had their moments, but...)

 

[LateNiteSax]

There is an important flute part in Happy Together by the Turtles.

Edit: Not too important, but its in there.

 

[paulwl]

In 1932 and '33, people were sick of hearing saxophones featured in dance bands and the industry was wanting higher, sweeter colors such as violins to replace them. Flute doubling got to be in demand for a more delicate, semi-symphonic coloring - often 1 flute/2 clarinets or 2 flutes/1 clarinet.

About then you had the first hot jazz flute soloists come to prominence, Wayman Carver in the (swing style) Benny Carter orchestra and Paul McLarand in the (sweet style) Ted Fio Rito band.

Wayman Carver - Devil's Holiday (1m 30s)
Paul McLarand - Baby (1m 42s)

 

[Bari Gordon]

Marshall Tucker Band - Can't You See

 

[DonaldL]

Some band from Liverpool used a flute solo in "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away".

 

[JayeLID]

Not sure how much it'd be classified as a 'solo', although there's some noodling besides the signature quote, but the instrument was prominent.... and the song wouldn't be the same without the flute in there....

Yes, as Kritavi notes ...."California Dreamin' " also has a flute part in there....is it a solo ? Again not certain what you'd classify it as....

 

[DonaldL]

Not sure how much it'd be classified as a 'solo', although there's a short one besides the signature quote, but the instrument was prominent.... and the song wouldn't be the same without the flute in there....

They got sued for copyright infringement on "The Kookaburra Song".

 

[JayeLID]

They got sued for copyright infringement on "The Kookaburra Song".

Yes, indeed - that was b#llsh#t tho. There was a thread on that by an Aussie member a few years ago when this was going down.

If I am correct - it was NOT the original writer/owner of Kookabura who had ANY problem with them sampling the melody.

It was a firm which makes a business of seeking out, then buying up the rights to, songs with the specific intention of then going after artists who may have sampled or quoted part of the piece.

This is exactly what happened in this instance, as I recall it.

 

[JayeLID]

.....Moondance.....

....I Talk to the Wind (King Crimson)....




(I'd imagine somewhere in his oeuvre Stevie Wonder must have dropped in a flute now and again ???)