As jazz musicians and educators we spend a great deal of time working on the authenticity of jazz — is music swingin’ and is the language correct (in the idiomatic style)? Do we spend enough time celebrating and listening to music that is derived from or adjacent to the tradition of jazz music? I have put together a playlist of six of my favorite saxophone players that are not known for swinging, but have tremendous voices.
Here is a link to the playlist and I will provide some insights below:
Tracks 1-2: Tommy McCook
Tenor saxophonist Tommy McCook went to jazz school in Jamaica and went on to be one of the pioneers of reggae music. His playing provides the model for reggae saxophone playing and the band’s rhythms are the paradigm for how to play the style on rhythm section instruments.
Tracks 3-4: Paquito D’Rivera
Paquito D’Rivera is possesses an insane level of talent on the saxophone and is equally destructive on the clarinet. He originally resided in Cuba before immigrating to the US. The band Irakere with D’Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, Chucho Valdes is perhaps one of the greatest bands that ever played music together.
Tracks 5-6: Hermeto Pascoal
Hermeto Pascoal, from Brazil, is one of the most talented and creative people on this planet. He can play any instrument and writes engaging music — he oozes with creativity. One of my professors had him as a guest artist and he tipped the waitress at the restaurant by writing a song for her on a napkin.
Tracks 7-8: Kadri Gopalnath
Kadri Gopalnath played traditional Indian Carnatic music on the alto saxophone. He replaced some of the springs on his instrument with rubber bands to allow for him to get the correct inflections necessary for this musical style. Many people know about him, but I discovered his music in a record store in Bombay, India when I was there. His musical phrasing is very inspiring to me.
Tracks 9-10: Fela Kuti
Fela Kuti was a prominent Nigerian musician in the 1970s. He played saxophone, played piano, sang, composed, and lead his band. The band was a spectacle with bright colored outfits and many dancers—long tunes at a high energy level. His music focused on combating the corruption of the Nigerian government and his outspoken behavior put him in danger with the authorities. This music is fantastic.
Tracks 11-12: Maceo Parker
Maceo Parker is the icon of funk saxophone. It’s the paradigm of how to be funky and groove. He is widely known for his work with James Brown (and Prince) but he also has toured with his own band for decades. The life changing album is Life on Planet Groove, but all the best tracks from that album are muted on Spotify, so go buy it!
I am sure I have left off some great music, so forgive me! This is some great music and I hope some young folks dig in, enjoy it, and learn how to play it.