Innovations and Evolutions: The Saxophone Evolution from Jazz to Pop
First off, what is a saxophone? A saxophone is a member of the woodwind family that is typically made of brass. It is played with a single reed and creates a sound similar to the clarinet. The saxophone's fingering system is as well similar to other members of the woodwind family including the flute and recorder. The saxophone is commonly associated with jazz but is used in other musical genres. These genres include, pop, rock and roll, classical music, and funk.
The saxophone as well does not have an obvious predecessor like other instruments do. It is related to many other members of the modern woodwind family. According to an article about the history of the saxophone, "It has been suggested that the ophicleide, a tuba-like instrument in the Romantic period, is a direct ancestor of the saxophone. It has a brass-style mouthpiece, but its conical bone and woodwind-style keys are similar to the sax, although this link has been disputed," (A brief history of the saxophone: Its origins and evolution).
The saxophone was invented in the early 1840s and was patented in 1846. Its inventor is Adolphe Sax who was a Belgian who resided in France. The instrument is named after him. He originally designed 14 members of the saxophone family. "The four most commonly-played saxophones, from lowest to highest, are baritone, tenor, alto, and soprano," (A brief history of the saxophone: Its origins and evolution).
In the United States of America, the saxophone began to become popular in the early 20th Century. Jazz began in the 1910s in New Orleans. Although, saxophones did not play a big role. Jazz was typically led by a trumpet complete with a clarinet and trombone.
Exceptions of this included Sidney Bechet. He would use wide vibrato on the saxophone unlike other artists.
Maple Leaf Rag - Sidney Bechet & His New Orleans Feetwarmers - 1932 - USA
The tenor saxophone was also popularized as a jazz instrument by Coleman Hawkins in the 1920s and 1930s. This began the Swing Era where saxophones began to be used by popular bands and were everywhere. From this popularity, the saxophone began to be used in major developments of jazz.
Hello Lola! - Coleman Hawkins & The Mound City Blue Blowers - November 14, 1929 - USA
In the 1940s, the saxophone became the perfect fit for rhythm and blues bands. Saxophone players began playing catchy, riff-based solos like Louis Jordan.
Caldonia - Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five - January 19, 1945 - USA
This music would end up influencing genres which would include small horn sections. These genres included rock and roll and funk. In the 1970s and 1980s, pop music would often include a saxophone solo. This continued to more modern music, where it is used in many songs.
The saxophone's adoption as a jazz instrument evolved into the creation of some of the most important music of the 20th Century. From there, the saxophone has taken off and has continued to play a vital role in music within many genres including pop music.
These songs are all about rhythm. As well as the tempo from the beginning jazz songs is fast paced. As the saxophone evolved from jazz to pop, the tempo of the songs changed. For instance, Caldonia compared to Maple Leaf Rag are two very different tempos. Until modern pop, the tempo of the songs seemed to slow down. When it comes to the song Mr. Saxobeat by Alexandra Stan, that is an exception. It was not until more modern songs when the saxophone began to become more involved in music with lyrics. In the beginning songs provided there are not many lyrics.
I did not realize how much the saxophone has evolved in music but as well how much it is incorporated into music. I do not think I ever made the connection of the saxophone being used in modern songs. For instance, I think I never realized the saxophone was used in Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga. I like the somewhat warm and sharp timbre of the saxophone. As well as I find the instrument fascinating.
Hi Noelia, great topic choice for this assignment! I enjoy saxophone, and would love to attempt learning to play someday. Although, I think it would be challenging for me, because I am a string-player and pianist. :) I did not realize that the origin of the saxophone was in Europe, so thank you for pointing that out in your post. I took a jazz class from UAF several years ago, and one of the styles that we touched on was New Orleans Jazz/Dixieland Jazz, which was the early starting point of jazz in the United States, as you mentioned. I think I remember the piece that you included by Coleman Hawkins (Hello Lola!) from that jazz class. I find it interesting how the older recordings give the saxophone a different sound quality – I think it is very nostalgic.
It was exciting hearing the detailed description of what a saxophone is. I didn't know it didn't have a prominent, directly linked previous ancestor. The saxophone in "Edge of Glory" by Lady Gaga is a perfect example of how the earlier playing of the saxophone has influenced musicians up to modern times. I also like how the saxophone is incorporated into today's music.
The saxophone can be such a lively addition to any piece of music. I always enjoyed hearing saxophone solos in Jazz Bands and liked Pep Band songs that heavily utilized saxophones. To me, the saxophone is an energetic instrument, but that boils down to what music I listen to and hear most of the time. A modern song I like that uses a lot of saxophones is the song "My Type" by Saint Motel. I will post the link below.
Hi Noelia, I was surprised that the saxophone was in the early 1840s, and here I think it was developed in the 60s. I was shocked! Great topic choice! I enjoyed reading and hearing each jazz band's solos, especially Lady Gaga. I agree each song is about rhythm to bring the classic feel to the songs. Hearing the saxophone brings excitement into a room, so reading that different genres, such as rock n roll and funk, was an evolution. You did a great job bringing in the saxophone evolution history from Pop to Jazz.
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Hi Noelia, great topic choice for this assignment! I enjoy saxophone, and would love to attempt learning to play someday. Although, I think it would be challenging for me, because I am a string-player and pianist. :) I did not realize that the origin of the saxophone was in Europe, so thank you for pointing that out in your post. I took a jazz class from UAF several years ago, and one of the styles that we touched on was New Orleans Jazz/Dixieland Jazz, which was the early starting point of jazz in the United States, as you mentioned. I think I remember the piece that you included by Coleman Hawkins (Hello Lola!) from that jazz class. I find it interesting how the older recordings give the saxophone a different sound quality – I think it is very nostalgic.
ReplyDeleteIt was exciting hearing the detailed description of what a saxophone is. I didn't know it didn't have a prominent, directly linked previous ancestor. The saxophone in "Edge of Glory" by Lady Gaga is a perfect example of how the earlier playing of the saxophone has influenced musicians up to modern times. I also like how the saxophone is incorporated into today's music.
ReplyDeleteThe saxophone can be such a lively addition to any piece of music. I always enjoyed hearing saxophone solos in Jazz Bands and liked Pep Band songs that heavily utilized saxophones. To me, the saxophone is an energetic instrument, but that boils down to what music I listen to and hear most of the time. A modern song I like that uses a lot of saxophones is the song "My Type" by Saint Motel. I will post the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyVPyKrx0Xo
Hi Noelia, I was surprised that the saxophone was in the early 1840s, and here I think it was developed in the 60s. I was shocked! Great topic choice! I enjoyed reading and hearing each jazz band's solos, especially Lady Gaga. I agree each song is about rhythm to bring the classic feel to the songs. Hearing the saxophone brings excitement into a room, so reading that different genres, such as rock n roll and funk, was an evolution. You did a great job bringing in the saxophone evolution history from Pop to Jazz.
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