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The Saxophone History Podcast

The Saxophone History Podcast

by Andrew D. Meyer

Performing Arts Music History

Season 1

Elise Hall -- with Erika Durham

In the very first episode, we trace the history of Elise Hall, a 19th century socialite and amateur saxophonist who commissioned many of the pieces that became the foundation for our repertoire. Andrew is Joined by Erika Durham for this discussion.

Original Ultimate Sax Battle -- With Erika Durham

In this episode we learn about the original ultimate sax battle between Adolphe Sax and Michele Carafa at the Champs de Mars in Paris. This one was for all the marbles and lead to the saxophone's adoption worldwide. We also look at the early life of Adolphe Sax and close the loop with episode one, explaining just how the saxophone got to the West Coast of America in the 19th Century. With Erika Durham.

David Sanborn

In this episode I'll be looking at the life and times of David Sanborn. He's a player that we all know but I'll go deep into the sides of Sanborn that many people might not yet know about.

Joe Henderson -- The Phantom

Did you know that Joe Henderson anonymously recorded film music in the late 60’s to get around legal restrictions? Did you know that he quit a lucrative gig with Horace Silver onstage at the Jazz Workshop in San Francisco? How about his all-female band? In this episode we’ll take a very deep dive into the life and times of the Phantom — Joe Henderson. As always, sources and more information available at my website, http://www.andrewdmeyer.com

Mercy, Mercy, Mercy! -- Cannonball Adderley Quintet Not Quite Live at The Club

In this episode, we'll go through the true story of the classic Cannonball Adderley Quintet album, Mercy, Mercy, Mercy! Live at The Club. It's a quick but interesting story. Deception! Secrets! Cloak and Dagger! Enjoy!

Johnny Hodges -- Rabbit, Jeep, and Squatty Roo!

Rabbit, Jeep, and Squatty Roo! Did you know that Johnny Hodges topped the alto category in the Downbeat polls for ten years straight? Did you know that he hired and fired a young John Coltrane? Did you know he owned a pet monkey? In this episode we look at the life and career of Johnny Hodges, which also means taking a close look at Duke Ellington and his orchestra. Johnny Hodges was one of the most influential and most popular saxophonists of all time and left a huge legacy.

Paul Desmond -- Part 1

In the first episode of this three part look at the life of Paul Desmond I'll dive into Paul's somewhat unusual upbringing, his struggles to fit in in the military, early career as a saxophonist, and his fraught relationship with Dave Brubeck. Desmond was such an interesting character and his early playing was quite different from the style we mostly associate with him. I think it's really interesting to dive deep into what made him into the alto icon that we know him as!

Paul Desmond -- Part 2 -- Operation Paradise, A Surfing Accident, and the Classic Quartet

In this episode I look at how Desmond methodically weaseled his way back into Brubeck's good graces, got scammed by a woman claiming to be very wealthy, got run out of Reno, and recorded his first sides as a leader. Also, I'll discuss the formation of the classic Brubeck Quartet and the early Colombia recordings.

Paul Desmond -- Part 3 -- Take Five, Life at Ground Zero, and the Mystery of His Sound

In this third and final episode on the life and times of Paul Desmond, I'll look at the explosion of fame for the Brubeck Quartet, largely because of Take Five, Life after Brubeck, and Desmond's final years.

Lester Young -- Part 1 -- Teenage Runaway, Territory Bands, and the Kansas City Sound

In this first episode on Lester Young I'll look at Young's early life and career, including his work in territory bands and his role in the development of the Kansas City Sound. Also, his time with Fletcher Henderson and early recordings with Basie and lifelong friend Billie Holiday.

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