Despite its influence on many of today’s most popular music genres, jazz has decreased in popularity, with only 13% of Americans under 30 listening regularly. This decline is unfortunate, as jazz offers many benefits, especially for those learning to play. The improvisational nature of jazz helps musicians develop their creativity and listening skills, abilities that easily transfer to other areas of life.
Due to its unique history as the bridge between woodwinds and brass, saxophones are one of the best instruments for playing jazz. Alto sax notes are rich and bright, even sultry. Some of history’s greatest jazz players have utilized the alto saxophone’s versatility to write classics revered to this day. Start your foray into this vibrant genre by learning about these four famous jazz saxophonists.
1. Gato Barbieri
Born Leandro Barbieri in Argentina, Gato Barbieri earned his nickname on the Buenos Aires scene in the 1950s. He primarily played Latin jazz, a unique fusion of sounds that started with the incorporation of Cuban habanera rhythms in New Orleans jazz. Over the years, the subgenre evolved as it spread through Central and South America. The mix of alto sax notes, Afro-Cuban percussion and big-band piano creates a diverse style perfect for dancing. Later in life, Barbieri brought his own gritty take on Latin jazz to the mainstream by composing movie scores, one of which won him a Grammy.
2. Charlie Parker
Also called “Yardbird” and “Bird,” Charlie Parker was an early jazz saxophonist who influenced countless musicians, including Gato Barbieri. Born in Kansas, Parker started his career early, dropping out of school at 15 to become a full-time musician. He’s best known for his pivotal role in developing bebop, a complex jazz subgenre that combines chord progressions, improvisation, intricate harmonies and fast tempos. Parker, a celebrated soloist, brought attention to the unique flair of alto sax notes with his daring improvisation.
3. Candy Dulfer
Though jazz was born in the U.S., it’s now enjoyed worldwide. In fact, one of today’s best jazz saxophone players is from Europe.
Born in the Netherlands, Candy Dulfer started playing professionally at age 12 — not surprising since she’s the daughter of Hans Dulfer, also a Dutch jazz saxophonist. She’s had a star-studded career, working with such legends as Prince, Madonna and Pink Floyd. She still tours today, spellbinding audiences with her smooth sound.
4. Paul Desmond
Born to a talented composer, Paul Desmond was interested in music from an early age. He originally learned to play the clarinet and didn’t become interested in the saxophone until college, when he began listening to Charlie Parker’s quick, vibrant use of alto sax notes in jazz solos.
Desmond primarily played cool jazz, which put a West Coast spin on bebop. The result was a more formal and softer sound, creating the subgenre’s beloved “laid-back” quality.
Improvisation is a core part of the jazz experience, but you must get comfortable playing compositions first. As you grow more confident in your skills, you can experiment with your own riffs. Fortunately, you can find sheet music for jazz songs at Musicnotes, including classics by the above legends.
Sources:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/230919/listeners-of-jazz-programs-usa/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/memory-medic/201404/what-jazz-music-can-do-the-brain
