The saxophone, flute, and clarinet make up to bulk of the woodwind section. And though they might not be as prevalent in contemporary music as, say, the guitar or even trumpet, they have certainly found their place in jazz and other enduring genres.
But because they aren’t found in modern music as much as some other instruments, the great performers of these woodwinds aren’t as well known as they deserve to be. That’s why, this week, we’re going to take the time to showcase 3 incredible performers from each of these three unforgettable instruments.
Stunning Saxophonists
Charlie Parker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-ZoZ3BeQ2U
One of the greatest, and perhaps most troubled, jazz musicians to ever pick up a sax was Charlie Parker. Born in 1920, he would only live to 34, dying as a result of cirrhosis of the liver. Despite dealing with serious addictions, Charlie was able to create revolutionary music that was warm and bright and was instrumental in the creation of bebop, an exciting alternative to swing in the early 1940s. He drew his inspiration from Latin and blues sources that can still be found in modern jazz today.
John Coltrane
Another well known name when it comes to saxophone and jazz is none other than John Coltrane. Though today his influence on the genre is undeniable and invaluable, his contributions’ worth has been debated as recently as the 1960s. Influenced by jazz greats like Dexter Gordon and Sonny Sitt, Coltrane was one of the most popular jazz musicians throughout the 1950s and ‘60s. Thanks to such iconic albums as A Love Supreme, My Favorite Things, and Giant Steps, Coltrane was launched into stardom, becoming an iconic figure in 20th century jazz and helping American jazz become a world-wide phenomenon.
Michael Brecker
A contemporary saxophonist, Michael Brecker is a veteran musician with experience in the worlds of both rock and jazz. A student of Coltrane’s language and sound, Becker was able to move from progressive jazz – with musicians like Herbie Hancock and Pat Metheny – to pop and rock sessions – with icons like Billy Joel and Aerosmith. Brecker was able to become a standard in modern sax performing, allowing other contemporary performers for follow in his footsteps.
Cool Clarinetists
Benny Goodman
Born into a poor Jewish immigrant family in 1909, Benny Goodman’s clarinet helped him become a household name, known to countless as the “King of Swing.” A master of both classical clarinet and jazz, Benny’s musical success helped him break down racial walls: a full ten years before Jackie Robinson broke the colour barrier in professional baseball, Benny hired Teddy Wilson, a superb African-American Jazz pianist, for his band. Benny toured Japan, South America, and Russia as the “jazz ambassador” from the USA. Eventually he was awarded the Kennedy Center Honor for lifetime achievement.
Artie Shaw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFZhAKoZvaQ
Considered to be among jazz’s finest clarinetists, Artie Shaw found success during the era of Big Bands and Swing. Born in 1910 and raised by Jewish immigrant parents, Artie would grow up to lead over a dozen different bands. He even volunteered for the US Navy, touring until he was physically unable to go on. Some days he averaged four performances, in active war zones! Yet, despite his dedication, he was apparently difficult to work and live with, which might have something to do with his eight marriages!
Sidney Bechet
Born into a middle-class New Orleans Creole family in 1897, Sidney Bechet developed a love for music early and experimented with a number of different instruments before deciding the clarinet was the right one for him. Known for the passion and domination with which he played his clarinet – it’s said trumpeters often had trouble playing next to him! – he had a rough go of things for a while before finally finding fame in 1950.
Fantastic Flutists
Jeanne Baxtresser
Mastering the flute at an early age, Jeanne Baxtresser made her orchestral debut with the Minnesota Orchestra at the ripe age of 14. With that in mind, it’s no wonder she’s considered one of the best female flutists in the world! Thanks to her masterful skill, Jeanne has been the featured flutists of world-famous orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, for 15 years
Bobbi Humphrey
Known as the First Lady of Flute, Bobbi Humphrey became the first female flute player to sign a recording deal with Blue Note Records in 1971. She became popular with her unique blend of fun and soul-jazz fusion, which saw her perform for million of fans all over the world. A highly talented, respected, and popular musician in her own right, Bobbi worked with other icons such as Dizzy Gillespie, Stevie Wonder, Lee Morgan, and many more.
Emmanuel Pahud
A well-known and respected Swiss flute player, Emmanuel Pahud has been studying and playing the flute since he was 6 years old. He earned orchestral experience with a variety of different groups before settling in at the Berliner Philharmoniker as a principle flute in 1993. He is a prolific performer, and has won several awards, including the remarkable Chevalier dansl’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, awarded by the French government for his role in music.
Bonus!
Eric Dolphy
Born in 1928, Eric Dolphy was destined to grow up and have a powerful impact on the free jazz movement – one that is still felt today. A talented musician, Eric not only helped establish the bass clarinet’s importance in the jazz world, he also made the flute a staple part of jazz.
Born in Los Angeles to Panamanian immigrants, Eric found a talent for improvisation – a talent that rocketed him to the forefront of the jazz world. While on top, he worked with other greats such as John Coltrane, trumpeter Miles Davis, and pianist Herbie Hancock
Want to join these ranks of greats? Or many you’re happy just learning to play for friends and family? Either way, The Music Studio has got interactive online & live saxophone, flute, and clarinet lessons available with professional teachers! Sign up today – it’s never too late to start!
