I’m fortunate to work with the incredible corporate/party band, The Rock Steadies. I don’t do many of these kinds of gigs, but I love the lineup, song list (primarily 1970’s and 1980’s), and arrangements that Ed Lister has put together. Here are three recordings that I listen to on my way to these gigs, where I have to put my pop sax chops to good use.
- Prince – The Hits/The B-Sides – This compilation gets played the most in the car. I find that this set puts me in a great headspace to feel those grooves right away, as well as some beautiful tenor solos, and horn section parts.
2. Stevie Wonder – Anything in his catalog – When I started digging into solos over pop tunes, I listened to many saxophone players, but the sound that really drew me in on every solo was Stevie Wonder’s harmonica playing. His phrasing, rhythm, and note choice are really influential in my soloing over the songs that we’re performing.
3. Michael Blake – Red Hook Soul – Michael Blake is one of my favourite saxophonists. Red Hook Soul is a recording that blends rock, and R’n’B elements with extended solo sections where the band interacts. I love the way that Michael uses his tone expressively throughout this record to evoke different moods. This album keeps me thinking creatively when I’m soloing over four, or eight bar loops, and the band wants me to play a longer solo.
These are just three of the recordings/artists that I like to get my ears “tuned up” for the Rock Steadies gigs.
Do you listening to different music before you have a show in styles that you perform in less frequently?