Category: News

Just in time for what would have been Cecil Payne’s 94th birthday we have another transcription from the bop master. Thanks yet again to Fred Koch, a new Cecil Payne transcription in the repository. The song is “Dexterity”. Fred even provided a YouTube video of the song (labeled incorrectly). Check it out!

Some very exciting news in the world of the baritone saxophone has developed. Harry Carney was a longtime member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, and by longtime I mean from age 17 until his death at 64 (just months after Duke passed). In addition to his work with that band his sound is considered one of the most beautiful and richest of all baritone sounds, and I personally have never encountered a baritonist who didn’t admire Mr. Carney’s playing.

Carney was an artist for Conn saxophones and endorsed and played their horns throughout his entire career. Towards the end of his career Carney actually played a low A Conn – they are somewhat rare but do exist. They have a somewhat different design than most modern low A horns and a much bigger bell. Carney performed on this horn on his last recording, Continuum, which featured him with the Duke Ellington Orchestra led by Mercer Ellington. You can even see Carney holding the horn in the album cover. (See image to the left).

The really interesting bit of baritone related history is that Deval Patrick, the former Governor of Massachusetts is actually the son of Pat Patrick, the famed baritone saxophonist often heard with the Sun Ra Arkestra. Through a series of events Deval has ended up with Carney’s horn and will actually be gifting the horn to the Berklee school of music in Boston. A brand new book about his father is just being published: Pat Patrick: American Musician and Cultural Visionary (African American Cultural Theory and Heritage)

Danny Harrington with Harry Carney’s horn, standing in front of a photo of Pat Patrick

Longtime Berklee faculty member and fantastic baritone saxophonist, Danny Harrington will actually be performing on Harry Carney’s horn in the reception to celebrate the gifting of the horn this week in Boston. Check out this great photo of Danny holding the horn! He has had the opportunity to play the horn and speaks highly of it. Check back soon for a full interview with Danny about the horn, how it plays, its history and where its going.

I’m glad to know that Harry Carney’s final horn will be finding a great permanent home in Boston.

Fans of the somewhat underground low-note based band Morphine that included baritone saxophonist Dana Colley have something new to be excited for. The band is going on tour, including a few dates in the US and a number of dates in Europe. Including Saturday October 15th in Brooklyn NY!

This band is the most authentic Morphine cover band possible since it includes 2 of the 3 original members. Check out their tour page for a complete list of shows.

Cincinnati based baritone saxophonist, Larry Dickson sent us another album, . Much like the first one, this album has an excellent mix of songs. About half originals and a mix of standards, lesser known composers, and a Strayhorn-Ellington piece. The arrangements are very swinging and tasteful, the band’s playing and the recording quality is quite professional. I especially enjoyed Larry’s originals compositions. They have the feeling of classic swinging tunes, but are completely new to the ear.

Trombonist, Bill Gemmer has a number of really great solo moments as well, with an excellent mix of beautiful tone and plenty of agility on the trombone. Larry’s playing at times reminds me very favorably of Ronnie Cuber, especially on Weep. Mulligan fans will recognize this tune as one of the more memorable from the Gerry Mulligan Concert Jazz Band. And other times I am reminded of Gary Smulyan’s deep edged tone, but really what we’re hearing is Larry’s sound that has been honed through years of dedication to the baritone saxophone in a jazz setting. And for that we are grateful. If you get a chance, I’d recommend getting a copy of “Summergold Promises” for yourself and any fan of the jazz baritone sax.

Baritone Saxophonist, Tim Stocker (currently residing in Singapore) has a new website and a new lesson series he is just starting up on YouTube. He includes some great daily exercises and tips for the baritone. Check out the first video below!

Eden Bareket  has released a new album titled “Choice”. It features his trio (baritone, drums, bass) on the Fresh Sound label. Its full of original music and is a great listen. A bit about Eden:

“Although a relative newcomer to New York’s scene, the Argentina-born Israeli baritone saxophonist Eden Bareket quickly gained notice and esteem as an in-demand Sideman. Indeed Bareket’s collaborative projects show an eclectic streak, as is horn playing ranges from modern classic Eyal Vilner Big-Band, to the adventurous Ari Hoenig Nonet, to even the Ethiopian jazz inspired grooves of Anbessa Orchestra. As his star has continued to rise, Bareket has also woven these disparate musical strands together in his own leader project , a trio featuring bassist Or Bareket and drummer Felix Lecaros. This notably minimalist and unfussy instrumentation is utilized to the group’s advantage as the trio unveils a set of sparsely funky, often dark-hued to grooves, all while stretching out their positions into very open territory.” – Hot House Jazz Guide

Check out his website, or get the album here!

Instrument stand companies often neglect the baritone saxophone, but there is some good news.

A woodwind accessory designer in the Netherlands has developed a new incredibly light weight and promising stand for the baritone saxophone – both for low A and low Bb models! The wait time is currently 4 months and the price is a hefty 250 EURO, but it looks promising. And considering the cost of carbon fiber raw material, the cost may be justified. We’ve ordered one and hope to do a full review and demonstration when it arrives!

Check out the site here:
http://www.woodwinddesign.nl/en/product/1699154/baritone-saxophone-stand