The article
below accompanied a presentation I gave outlining some of the challenges in playing the saxophone in a variety of musical
settings. Some of the highlights include equipment, concepts, technical considerations and a few recommended method
books.
The Saxophone From Bach to Bop
A Fundamental Approach to Classical and Jazz Saxophone
By
Joe
Eckert, M.M.
Professor of Saxophone
Texas Christian University
INTRODUCTION
This presentation is intended to clarify some basic concepts on playing
the saxophone in the classical and jazz idiom. The playing of these two styles does not need to be mutually exclusive!
In fact, understanding both styles and actually attempting to perform in this versatile manner will enhance the ability of
any classical or jazz player, regardless of whether or not he/she ever intends to become truly proficient in both areas.
After all, we are dealing with many aspects of musical interpretation, which are universal, no matter what the style may be.
Application of these "universal" aspects needs much study and practice (phrasing, articulation, vibrato, etc.).
The first item(s) on our agenda is to determine which equipment (horn, mouthpiece) will best suit the requirements
of the style being played.
EQUIPMENT
This is perhaps the most personal yet controversial subject we
will cover. The equipment used by the classical/jazz saxophonist should be such that it enhances his/her ability to
make an authentic presentation of the style that is attempted. The player's ability must be supported by the proper
combination of instrument, mouthpiece and reed. Even the best player cannot expect to give a good performance if he/she
is using the wrong equipment!
THE INSTRUMENT
Not much needs to be said about choosing a good instrument.
At one time, the choice was very easy. If you wanted the best possible instrument, you bought a Selmer Mark VI.
Today there are many choices for the saxophonist and the choice of instrument should be a very well thought out procedure.
Selmer, Yamaha, Keilwerth and Yanagisawa are just several of the quality names in saxophones today. Some still prefer
the older varieties of Selmers, Kings, etc., but overall the bottom line remains the same. You choose the saxophone
which will enable you to perform at the highest level, whether you're playing a Bach transcription or from the Charlie
Parker Omnibook!
THE MOUTHPIECE
Definitely a more difficult quest than finding a good instrument,
it seems that everyone from the beginner to the professional is constantly looking for the "magic mouthpiece" that
will solve all of his or her problems. As we all know, that mouthpiece does not yet exist, but there are several guidelines
for choosing the correct mouthpiece. My recommendation is that the student first plays on a set-up (reed-mouthpiece
combination), which is not too extreme (that is, extremely open on the jazz side or closed on the classical side). Good
middle of the road mouthpieces for starters on alto are the Selmer C or C* (or something comparable) for classical and the
Meyer 5M (or something comparable) for jazz. These choices should provide the student with a reasonably characteristic
sound in both idioms. Reed choice may vary according to personal preference or this week's quality control standards,
but something in the range of a Vandoren #3 for classical and Vandoren Java #3 or Rico Jazz Select 3S should work for jazz.
The regular Vandoren reed provides a somewhat "cleaner" sound for classical while the Java and/or Rico Jazz Select
give the sound the "buzz" or "bite" that may be desired in jazz. On tenor, a good place to start
with a classical set-up would be a Selmer C* or C** with a Vandoren 2 ½ or 3 reed and an Otto Link 5 or 5* or Meyer
6 for jazz with Vandoren Java #2 ½ or 3 reeds. For baritone, once again I would recommend the standard Selmer
C* or C** for classical with Vandoren #2 ½ or 3 reeds and Berg Larsen 95 or 100/0 with Vandoren Java #3 reeds for jazz.
For soprano, the Selmer C** with a Vandoren #3 reed would be a reasonable place to start for classical and an Otto Link 5*
or 6 with a Vandoren Java 2 ½ or 3 should work well for jazz. These mouthpiece/reed suggestions are not meant
to be the "bottom line" but merely serve as a guideline on where to start as mouthpieces will differ and each player's
physical make up may dictate the use of a "softer" (more free-blowing) or "harder" (more resistant) reed/mouthpiece
combination.
TONE PRODUCTION
The basics of tone production remain the same no matter what the idiom.
Without a vivid tonal imagination or "tonal concept" one cannot ever expect to produce the sound that is desired.
Listening to recordings of professional saxophonists can always help to reaffirm the student's own tonal imagination,
but listening to a good tonal quality produced by other instruments as well can help the student understand what lies at the
foundation of a good sound. For wind instrumentalists, this foundation consists of correct balance and posture, a functional
embouchure and breath support.
BALANCE/POSTURE
Balancing the saxophone properly and playing with good
posture are items not to be overlooked in the production of a quality tone. I regularly stress the "three points
of balance" to all of my saxophone students. The first point is the most obvious - the neck strap. It is
my preference to use a standard necks strap or harness versus one the more "elastic" variety as this will give the
instrument AND the embouchure more stability during performance. Although the elastic variety may seem more comfortable
at first, it does not reinforce the stability needed in forming the correct embouchure. The second point of balance
is the right thumb under the thumb rest. The final "point of balance" is the point at which the top teeth
rest on the mouthpiece. This concept stresses the importance of keeping the corners firm and the lower lip cushioned.
As mentioned earlier, this balance point will be easier to achieve with a standard neck strap versus an elastic type.
It has been my experience that students playing with the elastic type of neck strap tend to "grab on" to the mouthpiece
in a vertical manner rather than using the corners of the mouth to provide stability horizontally. With regards to standing
or sitting, the saxophone should be held in the same position to promote consistency in the playing technique. Some
adjustments may need to be made for the larger saxophones, but the playing position should generally be the same whether sitting
or standing.
BREATH SUPPORT
Sermons preaching the virtues of good breath support will continue to echo
throughout teaching studios and practice rooms all over the world, but the fact remains that without it nothing else matters!
The perfect embouchure, virtuoso technique and most vivid tonal imagination are all for naught without this one vital element.
A good sound is not easy to achieve. It is demanding both mentally and physically; a concept that is sometimes hard
to understand for the younger student. The concept of breath support and its application need not change from classical
to jazz performance.
EMBOUCHURE
One variable that may change slightly from classical to jazz playing
is the embouchure. Referred to earlier as a "functional embouchure," this implies that the embouchure should
not get in the way of producing a decent sound. The traditional concept of "cushioned but firm" applies in
both instances, with the corners of the mouth firm and the lower lip acting as a cushion between the reed and the bottom teeth.
The idea of the embouchure being "horizontally focused" is essential in keeping the lower lip relaxed and maximizing
the vibration of the reed. Fine tonal control, as a result, consists of the ability to keep the corners of the embouchure
directed inward at all times. Perhaps the best way to illustrate this position is to imitate a small child "sucking
his/her thumb." The corners of the mouth move inward while the upper lip flexes and the bottom lip forms a cushion
over the bottom teeth. This is a very simple way to illustrate the correct saxophone embouchure.
For the
jazz saxophonist, the embouchure is traditionally a bit looser as a result of the greater flexibility demanded by certain
stylistic considerations and more open mouthpiece. The corners remain somewhat firm but the embouchure must not interfere
with the reed's vibration. This balance usually requires what may seem to be a greater volume of air to the classical
saxophonist, but it can be thought of as a wider airstream with the same amount of breath support. The main difference
in "feel" will be that there is less resistance in the jazz set-up.
STYLE/INTERPRETATION
Some
aspects of style and interpretation are universal between classical and jazz. There are other areas where there exists
quite a difference. This section will attempt to clarify these areas.
PHRASING
The concept of
"phrase" does not really change no matter what the style may be. Certain melodic and harmonic elements in
the music help govern the phrase length and overall phrase continuity. There are many elements within the phrase (rhythm,
articulation, vibrato), which differ depending on the style of music that is being performed.
RHYTHM
In
regards to rhythm in the classical style, what you see is what you get. The only rhythmic considerations that are left
up to the discretion of the performer are those involving tempo changes within a phrase. Note values (eighths, sixteenths,
etc.) are strictly interpreted as they are written with little room for discussion.
In the jazz idiom, the interpretation
of rhythm is dependent upon the performer's experience and familiarity with the style. In the "swing"
style, eighth notes are no longer played straight up and down but rather have more of a triplet feel to them. Even this
description of how the correct "swing" eighth note should feel is not truly accurate, since it cannot be effectively
notated. For this reason, it is necessary for the performer to be familiar with the proper "feel" and sound
that he/she is to produce when playing in the swing style. There is no better way than to listen to the jazz masters
(saxophonists, trumpeters, etc.) who have defined the style. There also exists occasions where the "straight"
eighth note is still the best way to interpret a different style within a jazz framework. Sambas, bossa novas, etc.
along with more contemporary fusion/funk tunes are interpreted rhythmically "straighter" than their swing counterparts.
Again, the best way to interpret this music is to become totally familiar with the style.
ARTICULATION
In the classical style, the desired articulation is almost always written at the same time a composition is conceived by
its author. The pattern of tonguing and slurring is usually determined well in advance of the performance of any piece.
Changes made be made to facilitate speed or cleanliness of attack, but the basic articulation will remain the same.
In
the jazz style, an aural tradition has been handed down over the years, which gives us some guidelines for articulation.
In a jazz piece it is not unusual for articulation not to be written at all but left up to the knowledge and discretion of
the performer. As a result, the performer should be familiar with some basic patterns that are found in jazz articulation.
Tonguing every off-beat of an eighth-note line is a very common practice as is tonguing the last note in any group of eighth
notes. Syncopations, changes in harmonic or melodic direction can all be highlighted with the tongue. These patterns
of articulation coupled with the rhythm discussed in the previous section are some of the key elements in jazz interpretation.
These may seem a bit vague, but since this is mainly an aural tradition, many of these concepts simply cannot be put into
words. You have to hear it to be able to play it!
VIBRATO
Perhaps the single most personal aspect
of any style is the concept of vibrato. Good "classical" vibrato, whether on the saxophone or any other instrument,
should be an integral part of the sound and help enhance the phrasing and interpretation of the performer. The speed
and width of the vibrato may change for musical considerations and for a more dramatic effect, but it should never distract
the listener or be in fact the only thing an audience will remember about your performance!
In jazz, while used somewhat
more as a coloring device, the vibrato still needs to support the musical line and is responsible for conveying a great deal
of emotion and musicality. As in the classical style, this takes much listening, practice and patience!
SUMMARY
In order for the performer to become proficient in any style of musical performance, he/she must be totally immersed
in the style being studied. It is not enough to listen to a few classical recordings or a few jazz recordings.
Make lists of your favorite performers in any style and on any instrument. Try to copy them - exactly! Your own
style will emerge out of your own concepts combined with the musical memory that you develop through listening. The
style becomes not only something that you do, but something that is a real part of your personality. Individuals who
are fortunate enough to be bilingual will tell you that they not only speak in more than one language, they can actually think
in more than one language. This is not an unheard of goal for the musician! It is essential to know the similarities
between these two styles, but it is imperative that eventually each style is approached as it's own means to achieve the
same end. That end is musical expression!
SOME SUGGESTED ETUDE/STUDY BOOKS
The Art of Saxophone
Playing Larry Teal
Summy-Birchard (The saxophonist's bible!)
Jazz Conception
Jim
Snidero Advance Music (Great style/articulation
demo)
Developing a Personal
Sax Sound David Liebman Dorn Publications (You must hear it to
play it!)
Developing Jazz Concepts
Lennie Niehaus Hal Leonard (The
original jazz concept method)
