The development of the rhythm and blues saxophone style

Abstract

The purpose of this document is to provide an historical and performance based guide for the rhythm and blues saxophone style. Localized technical and stylistic innovations in Chicago, New Orleans, Memphis, New York, Cincinnati, and the West Coast area contributed to the development and codification of a standard R&B saxophone style. The intent of this document is to function as a guide to important R&B saxophonists, their respective contributions to the style, and to present annotated transcriptions completed by the author. Eighteen of the artists and transcriptions were selected from the 1940s through the 1960s with specific performances and or works chosen based on the historical significance and usage of the specific R&B saxophone technique. Transcriptions nineteen and twenty are from 1973 and 1995 respectively and display the preservation and persistence of the R&B saxophone style. Each transcription includes the solo for the saxophone performer. Each annotation includes, but is not limited to the title of the work, original artist and biographical information on the saxophone soloist, related dates, specific recording, theoretical analysis, extended techniques, and dramatic devices. Chapter I is entitled ÒOrganizational Plan and Review of Literature.Ó Chapter II, entitled ÒA Performers Guide to Rhythm and Blues Saxophone,Ó consists of the annotated analyses of selected transcriptions. The transcriptions appear in the transposed saxophone key providing the reader with an accurate account of the techniques employed by the performer. Chapter III, entitled ÒConclusion,Ó explores the contribution of individualized R&B saxophone innovations to the fully developed style, contains a final summary of the document, and suggests areas for further study.