Learning from the masters
As saxophone players it’s really important to check out all different styles and players. That way we are prepared for any performing situation and can confidently get the sound needed for the gig.
I’m always doing this. And just this week I’ve been checking out Clarence Clemons.
Who is Clarence Clemons?
You might have heard him called the “big man of sax” – Clarence Clemons was the sax player with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. He recorded the iconic 80s solos on “Born to Run” and “Jungleland“.
Clemons also played the solo on “Freeway of Love” with Aretha Franklin – mega.
And, he recorded a bunch of solo albums – they’re a bit cheesy, but the playing is brilliant and this is a style I think we should all check out.
Just this week I added a new series of lessons inside the Sax School Members Area, to help decode Clarence Clemons’ sound, so we can get elements of his style in our own playing.
I called it the Clarence Clemons Sound Formula.
Why are these fall-offs different?
Most commonly fall-offs are done with our fingers – we use a chromatic run down to get the effect.
Clarence Clemons did it a bit differently, and that’s a big part of his sound.
In the video above I show you how to get that sound on your saxophone by breaking it down into 3 important elements.
This way you can quickly get that “rock god” sound on your saxophone, and use this technique next time you need it!
I hope this helps you!
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