
EVOLUTION of the SAXOPHONE
Evolution of the Saxophone is a video montage, which displays a chronological history of the instrument using star performers from each musical era. Originally invented as a classical and military band instrument, this innovative addition to the orchestra gradually made its way into virtually every style of music. The video begins in 1844 with its Belgian inventor Adolph Sax and goes through its evolution from European classical to an 80 year history as the iconic instrument in American jazz. From Adolph Sax to John Phillip Sousa to Coleman Hawkins to Charlie Parker to former U.S. President Bill Clinton the saxophone continues to be one of the worlds most popular instruments. Through this video students get a real taste of ethno-musicology (musical anthropology). They also get to hear my tenor saxophone on Charlie Parkers Donna Lee throughout the piece. It swings despite what the “be-bop police” might have to say about it.