To Sax or Not To Sax...To Sax

For a while now I have been wanting to discuss my feelings towards a certain musical instrument, the saxophone. Normally, I absolutely hate the sound of them. They just sound ugly to me but there are certain bands that have, somehow, utilized this instrument in their music and have made it work for me. This is my list of the top 5 bands that use the sax and use it well.

5

Pink Floyd:

I am a huge fan of the Pink Floyd and they would probably make most of my top 5 lists. The only reason they are the bottom rung on this ladder is because they didn't use the sax all that much but one of their most iconic songs from their most successful album uses the instrument a great deal. Money is actually driven mostly by the saxophone playing of Dick Parry. The wails and trills that he produces sets the manic tone of the song and makes it one of their best singles.

4

Bob Seger:

Seger is another musician that would make many of my top 5 lists and on this one it is simply because "Turn the Page" is a totally BA song. Alto Reed's mournful sax riff tugs on the heart strings and really gets you in the mood to have a few drinks with Mr. Seger. Another example of Reed's awesomeness on the sax is his performance in "Old Time Rock and Roll".

3

David Bowie:

What can really be said about Bowie? The man is incredible. The list of instruments that he can play stretches into the double digits and the saxophone is among those. His songs "Modern Love" and "Changes" really exemplify why he is an incredible musician. Modern Love's underlying saxophone playing drives the frantic pacing of the song and makes you tap your feet and snap your fingers and then the solo breaks in and makes you feel giddy as Bowie starts singing again. Changes' sax playing has a funkier feel to it and shows how Bowie can change things up stylistically.

2

O|A|R:

Of A Revolution is simply an incredible band. All the guys are incredibly talented but for now I will focus on Mr. Jerry DePizzo. DePizzo's saxophone playing is a hallmark of the band just as much as Marc Roberge's voice. I have seen O|A|R live twice and loved every minute of it. As I stated before, I normally hate the saxophone but when DePizzo wails on the songs I find myself desiring to be able to play just like him. These feelings used to only show up for more typical instruments such as the drums, piano, and guitar. One of my favorite songs, "Black Rock" has an incredible driving saxophone part that completely overshadows the guitar for me. Perhaps the best part of watching this band play live is watching the respect that DePizzo gets for his mad talent.

1

Huey Lewis and the News:

The News was always going to be number one. In fact, it was while listening to "The Power of Love" that I decided to blog about this so it's only fair, right? Johnny Colla is the man behind the sax in The News. His riffs and trills make me sing out loud with Mr. Lewis and every time I do I wish that I was on a skateboard holding onto the back bumper of a car as I ride through town. Yes, my love for the Back to the Future movies aids in my love for the band but is that so wrong? "I Want A New Drug", "The Power of Love", "Heart and Soul", etc. Huey Lewis and the News are just fantastic.

Honorable Mentions:

-Lisa Simpson

-Bleeding Gums Murphy

-Dave Matthew's Band (I am simply just not a fan of them but can recognize the talent)

Well, that's my list. Let me know what you think.

Also, this is one of my absolute favorite sax songs of all time!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3ov78kAMNg