Saxophone Day falls on the birthday of Adolphe Sax, who was born on November 6, 1814 in Dinant, Belgium. His invention has since become the sound of jazz, and it has found a home in rock, pop and film music too.
About the saxophone
Sax was an instrument maker who wanted something that combined the power of brass with the agility of woodwinds. He patented the saxophone in Paris in 1846. Although it is made of brass, it counts as a woodwind instrument because the sound comes from a reed.
The instrument was slow to find a place in orchestras, but it became a favorite of military bands. In the 20th century, players such as Charlie Parker, John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins turned it into a star of American jazz.
How to celebrate Saxophone Day
- Put on John Coltrane's A Love Supreme or Charlie Parker's greatest hits
- Find a live jazz night near you
- Dig out your old school sax and give it a try, if the neighbors allow it
- Make a playlist of the best sax solos in pop songs
