Saxophonists Trivia Quiz

Answer: Charlie Parker

Charlie "Bird" Parker (1920-1955), is considered one of the very greatest jazz musicians. He was one of the leading pioneers of the 'Be-bop' style. Parker had constant problems with substance addiction and often pawned or sold his saxophone to buy drugs. Though his death at 34 was caused by pneumonia, it was precipitated by his lifestyle.

The coroner examining his body estimated his age at between 50 and 60.

Answer: Marcel Mule

Marcel Mule's (1901-2001) elegant, refined playing can be heard in a handful of available recordings. He was also an important teacher and he became saxophone teacher at the Paris Conservatoire in 1944, re-opening the saxophone class that hadn't existed there since Adolphe Sax's tenure ended in 1870.

Answer: Julian "Cannonball" Adderley

"Cannonball" (1928-1975) was almost as beloved for his gentle manner, articulate words and giving nature as he was for his beautiful alto playing. Unfortunately, because he was early on branded as a Charlie Parker imitator, he often doesn't quite get the credit he deserves. Albums such as "Somethin' Else" (with Miles Davis), "The Cannonball Adderley Quintet in San Francisco" and "Know What I Mean?" (with Bill Evans) demonstrate his wonderful playing.

Answer: John Zorn

John Zorn (b. 1953) is a New York-based saxophonist and composer whose music is very difficult to simply categorize. He draws from various styles and genres according to the project at hand. Possibly his most famous release was an album of music by Ennio Morricone, "The Big Gundown" (1985).

Answer: John Coltrane

The Saint John Coltrane African Orthodox Church in San Francisco regards Coltrane (1926-1967) as a saint. Their services incorporate his music and lyrics. Coltrane albums such as "My Favorite Things", "Giant Steps", "A Love Supreme", "Crescent" and "Blue Train" are considered jazz classics.

Answer: World Saxophone Quartet

The saxophone quartet as a standard classical ensemble has existed since Adolphe Sax's time. Classical players such as Marcel Mule, Daniel Deffayet, Claude Delangle, Sigurd Rascher, Arno Bornkamp and others front(ed) their own quartets. In the jazz world, groups of saxophones playing together unaccompanied are a little less common and often reflect big band sax sections, ie. are quintets.

The World Saxophone Quartet is one of a very few well-known jazz sax quartets. Their 1987 album, "Dances and Ballads" is a great example of their talents.

Answer: Sidney Bechet

Sidney Bechet (1897-1959) is regarded as one of the true pioneers of jazz. Although his bright soprano sax tone and wide vibrato wouldn't be considered appropriate today, they reflect his times and the fact that he was primarily a clarinettist. He recorded and performed with other pioneering greats such as Louis Armstrong.

Answer: Lenny Pickett

During his time with 'Tower of Power', Lenny Pickett became famous for his high, altissimo playing. Albums such as "Live and in Living Color" and "In the Slot" showcase his abilities. His own album, "Lenny Pickett With the Borneo Horns" features 'LP' playing clarinets as well as saxophones.

Answer: Ornette Coleman

Ornette Coleman (b. 1930) has always been an incredibly innovative musician. Albums such as "The Shape of Jazz to Come", "Free Jazz", "Dancing in Your Head", "Song X" (with Pat Metheny) and "Virgin Beauty" reflect his various explorations of jazz music.

His so-called 'harmolodic' style reflects an interest in free harmonic-melodic improvisation. In other words, improvising musicians improvise not only melodically (over fixed harmonic bases) but also freely explore harmonic patterns and relationships.

Answer: Percy Grainger

Though born in Melbourne, Victoria, Grainger (1882-1961) spent most of his life in England and the U.S.A. He was a champion of the saxophone for all his writing career and took it up himself. He was particularly fond of the soprano. Grainger came to resent that his 'Danny Boy' arrangements had become so famous, eclipsing all his other music.

His life was extremely controversial with constant accusations of incest and sexual perversion. Grainger had frank and open-minded views regarding sex which he often freely discussed with his mother, to whom he was devoted.

His mother committed suicide due to these allegations and Grainger kept her 'goodbye note' in a small cylinder around his neck.