The Saxophone

Brief Introduction:

The saxophone aka the sax, is a worldwide known instrument. This instrument is made up of brass and uses the same type of single-reed mouth piece as the clarinet. The saxophone was created by Adolphe Sax in 1846. Although the saxophone was very popular in the military band music, it is notably known for its association with big band blues, early rock and roll, and jazz. The saxophone was first introduced to the African-American musicians through the military bands. It is said that Sidney Bechet, was the first to bring a different style of sound to the saxophone that would make it popular in jazz music in the late 1800s.

 

John Coltrane playing the Saxophone

Who used it?

Saxophone became a common used instrument by southern African-American musicians. Since blues is the bedrock of jazz the different soulful sounds a saxophone can make was perfect for music that was connected to pain and love, in a time of segregation and discrimination. There are many famous African-American saxophonist like Charlie parker, Lester Young, and John Coltrane just to name a few.

Description:

 Different types of saxophones

There are  different types of saxophones and they can come in a variety of sizes and colors. Yet all saxophones are made out of brass. The most commonly known and used saxophone is the jay shaped one. The saxophone is one of the hardest instrument to play, due to its array of notes to choose from. Its slick curves and shiny texture gives the saxophone its royal look and respect as an air instrument.

Although people of African decent could most likely live with out the saxophone, the saxophone was a huge part of helping the African-American people express themselves through tough times and is a huge asset to jazz music. Without the saxophone I think the pain and love that is express through blues and jazz would not be the same.

Hear is some picture of some of Americas greatest saxophonist, with some jazz.

Enjoy