Family: Wind instruments
Photo: Jonathanischoice, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The saxophone was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax, who patented it in 1846. Although it is made of brass, it belongs to the woodwinds, because its sound is produced by a vibrating reed – just like a clarinet.
The saxophone family
The most popular are the soprano (straight, similar to a clarinet), alto, tenor and baritone. Alto and tenor dominate in jazz.
Fun facts
- Adolphe Sax designed the saxophone with military bands in mind, not jazz – jazz came along decades later.
- Coleman Hawkins’ 1939 recording of „Body and Soul” is considered one of the most important improvisations in jazz history.
In rock and jazz
Jazz: Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Stan Getz and, from Poland, Zbigniew Namysłowski. Rock: Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen’s band, the saxophone on Pink Floyd’s „Money” and „Us and Them”, and the famous hook of Gerry Rafferty’s „Baker Street”.
Do you play this instrument? Share your experience in the comments below – tell others what is worth knowing.