This column is all about the Sax Men. Previously, I wrote about Paul Desmond, the great alto with Dave Brubeck back in the ’50s and ’60s. Other greats included Zoot Sims, Jerry Mulligan, and the Yakety Sax man, Boots Randolph. Take the time to check out these outstanding players on YouTube. Today, we have several notable players, but I’m going to focus on just three of them. Before I do that, a reminder to find some quiet time to take this column to your computer and tag along with me while we get lost in performances by great artists.
Let’s start with Kenneth Bruce Gorelick, better known by his stage name Kenny G, a contemporary and smooth jazz saxophonist. He is easily recognized by the sound of his soprano sax, the instrument he brought to the forefront as a solo instrument, primarily on ballads. Most musicians, especially other saxophonists, aren’t excited about Kenny’s style of play but can’t argue with his international success.
He has had several top selling CDs featuring his romantic renditions of the standards. My main reason for including him in this column is that before he came upon the scene, most listeners of pop music didn’t know what a soprano sax was, looked like, or sounded like. Kick back and relax to his music by typing in Kenny G – Songbird. His holiday music CD is a huge seller.
Saxophonist Phil Ciancio (center) performs with Blue Skies, a Sun City jazz trio. (Photo provided)
Next up, Eric Marienthal. This guy is one of my favorites, yet relatively unknown by non-musicians. I especially like his work on alto sax. A great example of his contemporary magic can be seen and heard on YouTube by typing in Eric Marienthal Performs “New York State of Mind” Live at Spaghettini’s. Once on that site, you will have access to many wonderful performances by a great player.
Saving the best for last, there’s only one David Sanborn, and he is so special. Dave has appeared on TV with many of the late night show bands, such as Paul Shaffer’s band on Letterman. He is one of the most sought after musicians in the recording industry. Rather than write about him, I would rather let his playing speak for his ability to move us musically. On YouTube, you can enjoy him at his best by typing in Top Tracks for David Sanborn. Once there, you will have an abundance of selections from which to choose, but be sure to check out the following selections: “Chicago Song,” “David Sanborn & Al Jarreau – Since I fell for you,” “Pearls,” and “Georgia on my mind.”
Finally, speaking of moving us musically, I want to pay homage to one of our locally loved saxophone/flute/vocal performers, Mr. Phil Ciancio. I’ve had the good fortune to have Phil as part of my trio, Blue Skies. Phil also is a member of Let’s Dance!, Sun City’s big swing band, as well as our Sun City Concert Band.
If you haven’t heard Phil play and sing, watch for plugs in my future columns. I hope that many of you are able to attend one of the upcoming performances by the SC Concert Band on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. or Saturday, Dec. 8 at 1 p.m., both at Drendel Hall. Tickets are available at the CAM desk, still only $10 for adults and $3 for children. Both performances will feature seasonal music and selections by some of the great composers of all time. Be sure to check out the percussion section, which has grown to include four of the zaniest percussionists in Sun City. Happy Holidays!
