There are many popular songs, and saxophone solos make them more special.
A solo on saxophone adds a different and romantic flavor to the song, which is always a pleasure to listen to.
So, here is the list of songs with my favorite solos played on saxophone.
1. Giant Steps – John Coltrane
John Coltrane is one of the greatest saxophone players and his Giant Steps is an exceptional jazz saxophone solo that remains a timeless masterpiece. When Coltrane starts soloing, I’m transported into a world of intricate musicality. The brilliance comes from its complex harmonies and Coltrane’s impressive technical skills.
This sax solo is not just a musical interlude but it’s a sonic journey that enhances the entire composition. It showcases Coltrane’s genius and solidifies this piece as one of the greatest saxophone solos in jazz history.
2. Money – Pink Floyd
This is one of my favorite saxophone solos and it was the inspiration for me to learn saxophone. The whole song is a sonic masterpiece enhanced by Dick Parry’s soulful solo. When I hear the smooth and bluesy tones of the saxophone, I can’t help but appreciate the added depth it brings to the song.
Parry’s solo, perfectly meshed with the iconic cash register sound effects, becomes the very essence of this song. I think everyone will agree that this is a great song for saxophone.
3. Jungleland – Bruce Springsteen
Jungleland by Bruce Springsteen is an epic song, and the sax solo by the late Clarence Clemons is nothing short of legendary. Clemons’ saxophone takes center stage with an emotive force that tugs at the heartstrings. It’s a great saxophone recording in music history.
The solo is a sonic manifestation of the song’s themes – raw, intense, and filled with longing. He doesn’t just play the saxophone but he tells a story, creating a musical landscape that mirrors the lyrical depth of Jungleland.
4. Smooth Operator – Sade
Although I’m not a big fan of this song, Smooth Operator has one of the best saxophone solos ever. It’s played by Stuart Matthewman and is full of melody, musicality, and elegance.
The saxophone becomes the voice of smooth romance, seamlessly blending with Sade’s vocals to create an unforgettable sonic experience. In the realm of smooth jazz-pop, this saxophone solo stands out as one of the finest.
5. Baker Street – Gerry Rafferty
What can I say about Gerry Rafferty’s song Baker Street that is not has been said already? It’s a great song but what caught my attention the first time is the solo on saxophone which starts with a unique riff that immediately grabs your ear.
Ravenscroft’s solo brings a sense of sadness and nostalgia to the story of Baker Street and the solo feels like a musical conversation. In the world of classic rock, this sax solo is considered one of the best and leaves a lasting impression on the listener’s mind.
Conclusion
In my opinion, these are the best sax solos you can listen to all day and never get bored. Although, some songs not be my favorite, solos played on sax are amazing and filled with talent and musicality. If you have never heard any of these, I recommend listening from start to finish and even trying to learn them.
