Chazro is correct re the saxophone/trumpet “speed” issue. The comment about the mouthpiece/reed interface is only partly correct. However, talk to a trumpet player, particularly one who usually plays high section parts, and the stories about “chop problems” due to the incredible amount of stress that playing the trumpet in that range (and any range) puts on the face and lip muscles, not to mention the stress on the physical breathing apparatus due to all the resistance/back pressure will be endless. Additionally, all this has little to do with the mechanics of playing fast. The saxophone lends itself much more to fast playing for various reasons.
From a historical perspective, the choice of trumpet for the “Latin sound” goes back centuries and all the way back to Spain, Mexico and then the Caribbean. The saxophone is a relatively recent American creation and a sound that is not in the genetic fiber of Latin Music which came to it much more recently (for obvious reasons). Re the “speed” issue, it is very commonly used in the Dominican “Merengue” style playing precisely “very fast, repetitive rhythmic figures."
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i think it matters the music played and how played on the instrument, not the instrument itself. for instance, miles davis trumpet is not just a trumpet music, it is miles himself and his soul, like coltrain's saxophone. can you compare coltrain's or charls lloyd's saxophone with kenny g's one? |
Whichever one I happen to be listening to like right now its Freddie Hubbard whereas a few minutes ago it was George Coleman. Both are in the room with me as I listen to Herbie Hancock's Maiden Voyage album. |
Accordion or bagpipes, which way to go? |
"poorly played sax = camel in protracted labor"
LMAO!!!
Since I enjoy both when played well... I'm going to cast my vote for the contrabassoon. :p |
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Take listen to Freddie Hubbard and Joe Henderson on this live performance of Herbie Hancock's Cantaloupe Island and see if you can pick a favorite! https://youtu.be/2VN8zH366M8 |
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95dyna,
That was incredible. Freddie Hubbard was just breathtaking!
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The trumpet will be easier on the wallet, but the sax is easier to pick up and play.
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Agreed. However... either requires a good set of lungs... especially in the lower octaves.
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I fall in line with Frogman in that one instrument isn’t "easier" to play or master than another. Watching the above video displayed 5 truly superb musicians who’ve mastered their respective instrument, is it more difficult to play the drum kit to the level of Tony Williams or acoustic bass like Ron Carter? Herbie Hancock’s piano or Henderson’s tenor saxophone?
I believe it’s analogous to athletic talent in that people have very specific skill sets.Could Freddie Hubbard have been a great saxophonist or Henderson a great drummer? Tiger Woods beats Michael Jordan all day and any time on a golf course. Jordan over Tiger on the basketball court. Usain Bolt handles both of them with ease on the track. Some people were just born to be extraordinarily special at a specific task. Consider different skill sets on the same instrument. Theloneus Monk vs Oscar Peterson, both of them iconic jazz pianists yet so different.
Charles |
Sax
Much love for
Ben Webster
Charlie Parker
Gene Ammons
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charles1dad made a comment : " 5 truly superb musicians who’ve mastered their respective instrument ". I very well understand, that someone can enjoy the " sound of a particular instrument ", but instruments, require someone to play them." Any instrument, can be simply glorious, when played by a master. I enjoy, pretty much every musician mentioned above. I purchase / listen to them all, for the beauty of their " musicianship ". If I want to listen to instruments ( and I am talking live, non recorded ), I can do that, by visiting the local high school band ( and, I do not mean that in a derogatory way ). Enjoy ! MrD. |
I love the sound of a full throated Baritone sax. Some artists I enjoy
Ben Webster
Jimmy Forrest
Ike Quebec
Charlie Rouse
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Sax because it makes softer, more rounded music. Trumpets often sound harsh/strident to me.
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A lot of the classic Blue Note jazz records from the 50s and 60s had both instruments in the ensemble with the sax on one channel and the trumpet on the other channel- I'm talking about the stereo versions of course. They sound great together! A good system test is how well your system can highlight the timbres of both instruments as distinct from each other. Does your system tend to blend the sounds as a single "horn" sound or can you easily distinguish the tone of the sax and the tone of the trumpet when both are playing together? |
Rereading some of the posts and I noticed that I wrote something that is factually incorrect without meaning to. The saxophone is NOT an “American creation”. Its popularity can definitely be said to be an American phenomenon, but its inventor Adolf Sax was Belgian. Apology for that.
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I concur on the Sax. I have all the original master tape recordings of Stan Getzs' very best work. The number one selling jazz album of all time, as many are aware is "Kind of Blue" by Miles and an album that will stand the sands of time which we never get tired of, due to its hypnotic spell it puts you in. The number two selling jazz album of all time, "Jazz Samba" by Stan Getz. Stunning piece of work. Miles and Stan were at the top of the heap. Miles was asked in a interview in the early 60's what he thought about Stan Getz..his response was " If only we could play like Stan ". |
I like both in the hands of great musicians. |
I am biased - see my user image. That is my tuner screen-shot of me working on the "unobtainium" octave. Hey, I’m within 2 cents at 105 dB :) Here, listen to this soli section nugget by the Smokin Section - Steve Patrick on lead and Joe M. on sax. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA05dbvvmi4 |
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Trumpets are obnoxious instruments played by obnoxious people. Saxophones, tenor saxophones, are Sophia Loren.
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Trumpets are great when you're done with too much Sax. Flutes in jazz are really annoying.
Let's not forget Buddy Tate, Wallace Davenport, Erskin Hawkins, Sam Butera, Lester Young, Cootie Williams, Harry Edison, Scott Hamilton, Haywood Henry, John Handy, Stan Turrentine, King Curtis and Percy Humphry
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Jazz trumpeters playing ballads in the mid and low register of that magnificent instrument, utter musical beauty. Think Gene Tierney or Grace Kelly. I could be happy with Gene, Grace or Sophia. Different flavors, all good. Charles |
