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From: "Barry B. Bean"
Date: Tue, 27 Aug 96 10:47:23 -0500
Subject: Re: Sax & Harp

On Tue, 27 Aug 1996 07:59:26 -0700, Michael Will wrote:

>I've been thinking about how the sax is used to convey a sexy mood, if
>you know what I mean. There's that style of play that makes you look up
>'cause you know a babe has just walked in. Is that style something that
>can be simulated on the Mississippi Saxophone?

Its very true certain instruments, songs, and styles have assumed
cross-cultural status as icons: When you hear a tenor sax launch into
Harlem Nocturne, there's probably a "dame" somewhere close by,
possibly in a state of undress (Are you there, Ms. Norton?).
Likewise, play Oh Suzannah on harp, (that would be first position,
puckered, unvalved, unsoaked, with a wood comb) and everyone is
looking for a 12 year old barefoot boy in overalls.

While the conventions are fairly specific, I think a good Harlem
Nocturne on harp with a healthy dose of reverb could get the same
smoky-room-with-redhead-strutting-in-a-tight-dress effect.

>
>One other thing. I was told that playing Sax has much similarity to
>playing harp. I don't play any horns, but I'm skeptical. Thoughts?

Yes and no (But you knew that much already, didn't you). Tone control
is very similar. The same throat muscles, tongue waggles, and
diaghram shakes that work for you on harp will work with very little
modification on sax. Also, like harp, its fairly easy to acheive
mediocrity on sax, but then takes years to progress to the next
level.

However, given that the sax is far more pianistic in its layout than
harp, I tend to think about solos, scales, chords, etc. much
differently. I find that the sax lends itself more to fast runs,
arpeggios, and fairly "technical" playing, whereas on harp I tend to
go for a earthier, tone-is-the-thing, simpler approach. To put it in
harp player terms, I think the sax lends itself well to what John
Popper tries to do, whereas the harp is more perfectly suited to the
SBWII vocal-like crying, shouting, and wailing.

Another major difference is that I can compete with deaf guitarists
and drummers much easier on sax. It may wear me out by the end of the
night, but I can play sans mike if I want to. That's no minor
cinsideration when getting ready for a gig. Its also nice for
sit-ins, because I can simply pull out the horn, do my thing, throw
it in the case and be out the door if I want to. No worries about
amps, alternate keys, much less hassling with the PA, etc. with the
New York harmonica.

BBB
- -
B.B. Bean - Have horn. Will travel.
http://www.cris.com/~Bbbean