Happy Birthday, Mr. Sax

I have been known to mark the passing of musicians who had an affect on me, so I'd like to change things up a bit and acknowledge an important birth.


This week marks the 200th birthday of Adolphe Sax, inventor of a reed instrument that bears his name. The saxophone his become a mainstay of modern jazz and popular music, especially in the United States. My first exposure to Mr. Sax' instrument was the playing of one Johnny Paris on a record by his band, Johnny and the Hurricanes, that played a lot around the house when I was a kid.

Later, I found out that the saxophone played a huge role in the development of modern jazz and big band music as well. Most folks who think of the saxophone these days immediately think of the smooth jazz of Kenny G.'s soprano sax, or rock fans will remember the late great Clarence Clemons. Or, maybe this guy:

But the list of great saxophonists is long indeed. Just a few who come to mind off the top are the great alto player Paul Desmond, tenor players like John Coltrane, or the great baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan. Bop legend Charlie Parker played both alto and tenor; in fact, it's pretty common today for professional sax players to be proficient on several versions of the instrument.

So, next time you hear a smokin' sax solo on the radio, take a minute to stop and thank Adolphe Sax, who turns 200 this week.