The Saxophone History Podcast

Mar 28 2024 1

The Saxophone History Podcast artwork

A thoughtful, researched, and slightly irreverent look at the most interesting players in our history. Join us as we bring to life the stories of some of the most important people, events, and pieces of repertoire from the history of our instrument. This podcast will go deep into the lives of players from all different styles and look critically at players as diverse as Sigurd Rascher and Clarence Clemons. Sources, links, and other info can be found at http://www.andrewdmeyer.com

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

Mar 28 2024 80 mins

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.

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

Jan 07 2024 70 mins

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 1

Nov 25 2023 79 mins

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'

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

Nov 10 2023 86 mins

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 w

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

Oct 29 2023 13 mins

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!

Joe Henderson -- The Phantom

Oct 03 2023 89 mins

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 m

David Sanborn

Sep 17 2023 26 mins

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.

Original Ultimate Sax Battle -- With Erika Durham

Sep 17 2023 48 mins

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 Centur

Elise Hall -- with Erika Durham

Sep 17 2023 94 mins

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.