The saxophone, piano, cello, and double bass in jazz

The saxophone in jazz

The saxophone has played an essential role in the evolution of jazz, with its unique sound helping to define many eras and styles of the genre. Over time, the saxophone has become an iconic instrument in jazz, taking center stage in its development, from the swing and bebop eras to modern and avant-garde forms. With each generation, saxophonists have expanded the instrument’s expressive possibilities, keeping the saxophone at the heart of jazz innovation.

  1. Early Jazz (1910–1920)

The saxophone made its debut in jazz at the beginning of the 20th century. Though invented by Adolphe Sax in the 1840s, the instrument wasn’t widely adopted in jazz until the 1910s and 1920s. Initially, the clarinet and trumpet were the main solo instruments in jazz, but the saxophone began gaining popularity as dance bands and big bands rose to prominence. Early pioneers like Sidney Bechet, who mainly played the soprano saxophone, helped bring a new texture to the emerging sound of jazz.

  1. Swing Era (1930–1940)

The swing era solidified the saxophone’s role in jazz. Coleman Hawkins (tenor saxophone) became one of the first major saxophonists in jazz history, elevating the sax from a supporting role to a lead instrument. His 1939 recording of “Body and Soul” showcased the saxophone’s improvisational and emotional depth, positioning it as a key “voice” in jazz. Another giant of the swing era, Lester Young, was known for his smooth and flowing tenor sax tone, which contrasted with Hawkins’ more robust sound. Big bands led by musicians like Duke Ellington and Count Basie placed a strong emphasis on saxophone sections, creating harmonies and solos that defined the sound of the period.

  1. Bebop and Hard Bop (1940–1950)

The 1940s marked the birth of bebop, a fast and complex jazz style focused on improvisation and virtuosity. Charlie Parker, also known as “Bird,” revolutionized jazz with his alto saxophone playing, becoming one of the most influential musicians in jazz history. His innovative approach to harmony, phrasing, and rhythm redefined the saxophone’s role in jazz. In the 1950s, hard bop emerged as a response to bebop’s complexity, blending rhythm and blues, gospel, and blues with bop. Saxophonists like Cannonball Adderley (alto sax) and Sonny Rollins (tenor sax) were key figures during this period, bringing a deeper, more soulful sound to their improvisations.

  1. Cool Jazz and Modal Jazz (1950–1960)

The 1950s also saw the rise of cool jazz, a style characterized by smoother, more relaxed tones. Stan Getz (tenor saxophone) popularized the cool jazz sound, particularly through his influence on the bossa nova genre, with hits like “The Girl from Ipanema.” During the same period, modal jazz emerged, represented by John Coltrane, one of the most influential tenor saxophonists of all time. Coltrane explored harmonic and modal innovations, leaving a lasting legacy in jazz with albums like A Love Supreme and Giant Steps.

  1. Free Jazz and Avant-Garde (1960s)

In the 1960s, free jazz and avant-garde movements pushed the boundaries of traditional jazz structures. Saxophonists like Ornette Coleman (alto sax) and Albert Ayler (tenor sax) experimented with dissonance, unconventional scales, and atonality, breaking away from the harmonic and rhythmic norms of bebop and swing. In his later years, Coltrane also delved into avant-garde jazz, with works like Ascension, reflecting his spiritual and musical explorations.

  1. Jazz Fusion (1970–1980)

The 1970s saw the rise of jazz fusion, a genre that blended jazz with elements of rock, funk, and electronic music. Saxophonists like Wayne Shorter (tenor and soprano sax), a key collaborator with Miles Davis, became leading figures of the genre, particularly through his work with the band Weather Report. Fusion saxophonists often used electronic effects, such as amplification and distortion, experimenting with the saxophone’s sound in new ways.

  1. Contemporary Jazz (1990–present)

In contemporary jazz, the saxophone continues to evolve, with musicians exploring new forms, including neo-soul, smooth jazz, and jazz infused with electronic elements. Kenny G, despite criticism from jazz purists, became one of the best-selling instrumentalists of all time, bringing the soprano sax to mainstream attention. Meanwhile, modern musicians like Kamasi Washington blend jazz with hip-hop, funk, and classical music, continuing to push the boundaries of the saxophone’s role in jazz.

 

The Exquisite Architecture of Steinway:

 

Wippen Spoons and springs of the world’s most successful and renowned piano manufacturer, Steinway. These finely tuned mechanisms power the keys of a line of pianos that have been played by more great pianists than any other. These remarkable instruments are an extraordinary feat of engineering, with each piano crafted from more than 11’000 individual parts. Shot with a Lumix S1R and a Laowa Probe lens, 106 images at various focal distances have been stacked together, giving this photo an almost Kubrickesque quality that appears more science fiction than classical music.

 

The Cello Once Hit by a Train:

 

This is an instrument with an exceptional story. Built in Germany in the late 1800s, it was sent to New Zealand sometime prior to 1911. In the late 1920s it was strapped to the roof of a car which became stuck on a level-crossing, resulting in a car-train collision (all the passengers escaped unharmed). Usually this would be enough to write off an instrument, but since it was the depression, and fine instruments were not readily available, it was painstakingly restored. It has since been through the hands of many luthiers, most of whom have signed their work. We can see signatures inside from 1911, 1930, and 1988, documenting generations of repairs from New Zealand craftsmen. The heavy grain of the wood, cleats over the snaking fractures, and many patches, start to resemble the hull of an ancient wooden ship.

 

1942 CG Conn C-Melody Saxophone:

 

The interior of a stunning CG Conn C-Melody Saxophone, made in 1924. Unlike most saxophones, the C Melody saxophone (which is bigger than an alto, but smaller than a tenor) plays in concert pitch. This has some obvious practical advantages, such as being able to play from music written for piano, flute, or violin without having to transpose. Despite this, the instrument has all but fallen out of use since its heyday in the early years of the 20th century. In this instrument, the green oxidation from almost a century of concerts is clearly visible, transforming the space into a shimmering tunnel of green and gold. This patina is the instrument’s own legacy, where the breath from every practice session and performance has fused with the brass at a molecular level, permanently transforming the saxophone.

 

Double Bass – history, facts, cool facts

HISTORY:
The double bass, also known as the string bass or upright bass, has a long and varied history, evolving from classical music to becoming an essential part of jazz. This instrument has undergone many transformations over time, making it one of the most versatile and influential musical instruments.

The double bass is the largest and lowest-pitched member of the string family. Its origins trace back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with its design evolving from bowed string instruments like the viol or bass viola. In its early forms, the double bass varied in size, tuning, and body design.

During the Baroque period, the instrument began to find its place in orchestras, but its shape and tuning were not standardized, and versions with three or five strings existed. By the 18th century, the double bass adopted a four-string design and a flat back, improving its sound projection and solidifying its harmonic role in orchestras.

In the Classical period, composers such as Mozart and Haydn used the double bass to strengthen the rhythmic structure and add harmonic depth to orchestral music. Although often considered a supporting instrument, the double bass was crucial for maintaining the ensemble’s stability. In the Romantic period, with composers like Berlioz, Wagner, and Mahler, the double bass took on more expressive and dramatic roles. Virtuosos such as Domenico Dragonetti and Giovanni Bottesini demonstrated the soloistic value of the double bass, showing its capacity for remarkable technical and lyrical passages.

FACTS:
The double bass operates on the same principles as other string instruments, but its size and tuning give it unique characteristics.

The double bass has a large, hollow wooden body that acts as a resonating chamber. The body is typically made from spruce for the top and maple for the back and sides. The size and shape of the body greatly influence the instrument’s sound quality and volume.

The neck extends from the body and supports the fingerboard, where the player presses the strings to change the pitch. The fingerboard of the double bass is long, allowing for a wide range of notes.

The double bass typically has four strings, although variations with three, five, or even six strings exist. These strings are tuned to E1, A1, D2, and G2, from low to high. String tension is crucial for sound production and is adjusted with tuning mechanisms located at the top of the instrument.

The bridge is a wooden piece that supports the strings and transmits their vibrations to the body of the double bass. The strings rest on the bridge and are anchored to the tailpiece, which helps maintain the proper string tension and contributes to the instrument’s overall tone.

The double bass has two f-shaped sound holes on the top of the body, which allow the sound produced by the vibrating strings to project outward.

The metal rod extending from the base of the instrument that rests on the floor is called the endpin. It helps support the double bass and allows the player to adjust its height.

The sound is produced by string vibrations. When a string is plucked – pizzicato – or drawn with the bow – arco – it vibrates, creating sound waves. The pitch of the note is determined by the string’s length, thickness, and tension. Thinner, tighter strings produce higher notes, while thicker, looser strings produce lower notes.

The bow is made from horsehair and coated with rosin to help it grip the strings.

COOL FACTS:
The double bass is a very large instrument. While most string instruments are relatively easy to hold, the double bass is much larger, being the most sizable string instrument in an orchestra.

The double bass goes by many names. While its official name is “double bass,” it is often referred to by other names. Orchestra members may simply call it the “bass,” but you may also hear it called the “upright bass,” “string bass,” or “stand-up bass.”

The double bass isn’t just used in orchestral music. The double bass is likely one of the most versatile instruments in an orchestra, as it appears in many other genres of music. It’s commonly found in jazz, rockabilly, blues, swing, rock, bluegrass, country, tango, and more. It’s one of the most flexible instruments, appreciated by musicians across various styles.

The largest double bass is absolutely massive. Built by Erwin Lustenberger in 2006, the largest known double bass, called the Octobass, stands over 5 meters tall and 2 meters wide. However, its size makes it practically unplayable.

Orchestras need multiple bass players. The double bass is one of the standard instruments in a well-respected orchestra. To produce the necessary harmonies for a concert, the conductor relies on bass players. However, since double basses are relatively “quiet,” orchestras need between four and eight bassists in the string section. Without this, the audience might not hear the bass clearly, and the music may sound flat, missing a key element. Moreover, for bass solos, the player often needs more microphones than other soloists who play higher-pitched instruments.

The oldest piece written for the double bass has been lost to time. While it’s known that Joseph Haydn wrote the earliest composition for double bass in 1763, no one knows how the piece sounded. Unfortunately, the library in Eisenstadt, Austria, where the piece was kept, was destroyed during wars and fires, along with many of Haydn’s works. As a result, the oldest surviving composition for the double bass was written by Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf, a successful Austrian composer from the 18th century and a friend of both Haydn and Mozart.

The double bass led to the modern bass guitar. Invented by Paul Tutmarc in the 1930s, the first bass guitar was made as a portable, lighter, and cheaper version of the upright double bass. This version became particularly attractive to many bluegrass and dance ensembles at the time. In a short time, the bass guitar surpassed the double bass in popularity by a large margin.

Without animal intestines, we wouldn’t have the double bass. In the early 17th century, double bass strings were extremely difficult to make. Like other early string instruments, the strings were made from animal intestines, but due to their thickness, double bass strings were particularly hard to maintain, and replacing them with metal strings was prohibitively expensive for most musicians at the time. As a result, the use of the double bass declined in popularity. However, the development of wound strings made from bovine or sheep intestines likely saved the double bass.

There are two types of bows for the double bass. Depending on the style of music a bassist plays, they might use their fingers to pluck the strings – pizzicato – or a bow – arco. For the latter, there are two different types of bows depending on how the bassist holds it: German and French. The German style is older, and its supporters say they can apply more weight to the strings, while players of the French style claim their bow is much more maneuverable.

 

Cello – history, facts and cool facts

HISTORY:
The history of the cello dates back to the 16th century when it evolved from the family of string instruments, such as the viola da gamba. Originating in Italy, the cello was initially developed to complement chamber ensembles and orchestras, playing a more modest role at first. The early instruments were smaller and produced a less resonant sound compared to modern cellos.

In the 17th century, the cello began to gain prominence, especially in the works of Baroque composers like Johann Sebastian Bach, who composed the famous Suites for Solo Cello. The technological evolution of the instrument in the 18th century, including the widening of the body and improvements in tuning mechanisms, contributed to its rich, expressive sound.

The 19th century brought the cello to the forefront of concert music, with works by composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven and Felix Mendelssohn. In the 20th century, the cello was adopted into a variety of musical genres, from jazz to chamber music, continuing to evolve and maintaining its central role in both classical and contemporary music.

FACTS:

The creation of a cello begins with the selection of materials. Wood is essential for the instrument’s sound quality. The most commonly used types of wood are spruce for the soundboard and maple or hardwood for the back and sides. The wood is chosen based on its density and resonance, and is typically dried for several months to prevent warping over time.

The soundboard is the heart of the cello. It is made from carefully selected spruce, which is cut and dried. The wood is split into two pieces that are shaped and joined to create the board. The shaping process involves curving and finishing the wood to give it the desired form, which influences how vibrations are amplified and distributed.

The back and sides of the cello are made from denser wood, such as maple. These pieces are formed from thin layers of wood glued together and then bent using various pressures and special molds. This process shapes the body of the instrument and contributes to its acoustic quality. After shaping, the back and sides are sanded to ensure a smooth surface.

Once the soundboard, back, and sides are prepared, they are assembled to form the body of the cello.
The soundpost, a small wooden dowel mounted inside the body, helps transmit the vibrations from the soundboard to the rest of the instrument. Other essential metal parts, such as the tailpiece and tuning pegs, are also installed.

The strings of the cello are made of steel wire for the higher-pitched strings and a mixture of metals for the lower-pitched ones. The strings are measured, cut, and mounted on the tuning pegs. They are then tensioned to the correct pitch to ensure stable, accurate tonality.

The neck of the cello is made from special wood and attached to the body. The scroll, fixed at the top of the neck, holds the strings in place.
The finishing process includes applying a special varnish that protects the wood and enhances its appearance. The varnish is applied in thin layers, with intermediate sanding to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. This coating not only adds beauty to the instrument but also helps protect the wood from damage.

After assembly, the cello undergoes fine-tuning. This involves adjusting the strings and tuning mechanism to ensure consistent tone quality and comfortable use.

COOL FACTS:
The ancestor of the cello, the viola da gamba, was a popular string instrument during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The cello evolved from this older instrument, which had a similar shape but was held between the legs rather than resting on the knees.

The cello is the second-largest string instrument in the violin family, after the double bass. Despite its size, it has an impressive range, spanning over four octaves, from the lowest notes to the highest.

The cello is a remarkable instrument due to its ability to mimic the human voice. Its range and tone are similar to tenor and baritone voices, making it one of the most “vocal” instruments in the orchestra. This quality led composers like Beethoven and Brahms to write scores that highlight the expressive capabilities of the cello.

Some of the most famous cellists, such as Yo-Yo Ma, have played on historically significant cellos. Yo-Yo Ma’s primary cello, for example, is a Montagnana from 1712, one of the most prestigious cellos ever made.

The cello is often featured in unconventional contemporary compositions. For instance, John Cage, known for his avant-garde music, composed pieces that involve unconventional techniques for playing the cello.

The cello has even made its way into space. In 1998, astronaut Chris Hadfield brought his cello to the International Space Station and played it in zero gravity.

 

Saxophone – history, facts and cool facts

HISTORY:
The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax in the early 1840s. Born in 1814 in Dinant, Belgium, Sax was a talented instrument maker who sought to combine the power of brass instruments with the agility of woodwinds. In 1846, he patented the saxophone, which was initially available in various sizes, from soprano to contrabass. Although it was designed for orchestras and military bands, its potential quickly extended to other musical genres.

The saxophone gained rapid popularity in France, particularly within military bands, due to its powerful projection and ability to harmonize with other instruments. Composers like Hector Berlioz and Georges Bizet were among its earliest advocates, incorporating the saxophone into classical music.

However, the saxophone truly found its voice in the early 20th century with the emergence of jazz. Pioneering musicians such as Sidney Bechet, Coleman Hawkins, and Charlie Parker transformed the instrument into a cornerstone of jazz, showcasing its expressive range in improvisation and solo performances.

In the latter half of the 20th century, the saxophone expanded into rock, pop, and soul, with artists like King Curtis and Clarence Clemons bringing it to mainstream attention. It became an essential element in various genres, from funk to rock, featuring iconic solos in countless tracks.

FACTS:

Making a saxophone is a complex process that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create an instrument capable of producing a rich, expressive sound. This process begins with the instrument’s design, where every detail, from the overall shape to the placement of the keys, is carefully planned. The design influences not only the sound but also the functionality and aesthetics of the saxophone, playing a crucial role in its final performance.

The next stage involves selecting the right materials. Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is used for the body of the saxophone because of its acoustic properties and durability. The keys are often made of brass or silver, while the pads are crafted from felt and leather to ensure a perfect seal over the tone holes. The mouthpiece, the component through which the musician blows, is made from ebonite or plastic, each providing distinct sound characteristics.

Forming the body of the saxophone involves shaping a long brass tube, which is cut and bent with precision. The bending process, which uses water or resin to prevent collapse, gives the saxophone its characteristic shape. The tube is then soldered to form the main body of the instrument, ensuring a solid and airtight structure.

The bell, the flared end of the saxophone, is shaped either by spinning on a lathe or by hydroforming using water pressure. It is then soldered to the main body, contributing significantly to the amplification of the instrument’s sound. The soldering must be flawless to prevent air leaks, which would negatively impact the instrument’s acoustic performance.

Adding the tone holes is another crucial step, each hole being drilled with precision to ensure correct tuning and intonation. The tone hole chimneys, which provide a solid surface for the pads to seal, are soldered around each hole. Any error in this stage could compromise the saxophone’s sound quality.

The key mechanism is one of the most complex systems of the saxophone, involving a precise arrangement of rods, levers, and springs. Each key is equipped with a felt and leather pad to ensure a perfect seal. The mechanism must be finely adjusted to allow for smooth and fast key action.

After manufacturing the neck and mouthpiece, which are essential for tuning and sound production, the final assembly of the instrument takes place. At this stage, all components are brought together, and the keys are adjusted to function properly. Fine-tuning is crucial to ensure the saxophone produces a clear, well-balanced sound.

Finally, the saxophone undergoes a finishing process, which involves polishing and sometimes plating with gold or silver for protection and aesthetics.

COOL FACTS:
The largest saxophone ever built is the subcontrabass saxophone, standing at about 1.8 meters tall and producing a distinctive sound. Also known as the bourdon saxophone, it’s extremely rare and more of a curiosity due to its difficult-to-handle size.

Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, led a notoriously dangerous life with numerous close encounters with death. As a child, he fell from a three-story building, was accidentally poisoned, nearly drowned, and survived a gunpowder explosion.

In 1993, astronaut Story Musgrave took a soprano saxophone aboard the space shuttle Endeavour, making it the first saxophone to travel into space. Musgrave played the saxophone in zero gravity, demonstrating that the instrument’s sound isn’t affected by the lack of gravity.

In the 1940s and 1950s, the saxophone was temporarily banned in some European countries, including Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, where it was seen as a symbol of Western decadence. Jazz, in particular, was labeled as “degenerate music,” and the saxophone became a target in cultural repression.

One of the most unusual saxophones ever made was the Grafton saxophone, produced in the 1950s. It was made of plastic and became famous after Charlie Parker played one at a concert in 1953. The Grafton saxophone had a unique tonal quality but never became very popular due to its fragility.

One of the most famous saxophones in history belonged to legendary jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. His Selmer Mark VI tenor saxophone mysteriously disappeared after his death in 1967. It reappeared decades later and was sold at auction for nearly $200,000.

In 2014, the world record for the largest saxophone ensemble was set in Taiwan, with 6,125 saxophonists playing together. They performed the popular Taiwanese song The Moon Represents My Heart, creating a massive, harmonious sound that resonated throughout the city of Taipei.

The saxophone has also played a crucial role in some of the most memorable moments in pop music. For example, the sax solo in Baker Street by Gerry Rafferty is one of the most famous sax riffs of all time. Likewise, Clarence Clemons’ sax solos in Born to Run and Jungleland by Bruce Springsteen are iconic in rock music history.

 

Piano – history, facts and cool facts

HISTORY:
The history of the piano begins in the early 18th century when it was invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori in Italy around the year 1700. Cristofori, a skilled instrument maker, created the first version of the piano, called gravicembalo col piano e forte, a name that highlighted the instrument’s ability to produce both loud (forte) and soft (piano) sounds, unlike the harpsichord and clavichord, which had limited dynamics.

Cristofori’s piano was equipped with a hammer mechanism that struck the strings, allowing for greater variation in volume and expression. Throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, the piano underwent numerous improvements, including expanding its note range and refining its action mechanism, developing into an instrument with richer sound and more durable construction.

In the 19th century, the piano became central to classical and Romantic music, with composers such as Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt writing essential works for the instrument. Since then, the piano has continued to evolve, becoming a key element in music across various genres and styles.

Today, one of the most famous and respected piano manufacturers in the world is Steinway & Sons, founded in 1853 in New York.

FACTS:
A standard piano is a complex instrument, made up of over 12,000 individual parts, including 88 keys and over 230 strings, each with a tension of approximately 72-90 kg. This creates a total tension of 18-20 tons across the piano’s structure, emphasizing the importance of regular tuning to maintain sound quality. Despite its complexity, a well-maintained piano usually requires tuning only once or twice a year.

Building a piano is a labor-intensive process that can take several months. Each part is carefully assembled, and the materials used are essential for durability and sound quality. The frame, made of cast iron, must withstand the immense tension of up to 20 tons from the strings. After casting, the frame is polished and painted to prepare for the installation of tuning pins and other components.

The soundboard, made from high-quality spruce, is vital for sound amplification. The wood is carefully selected, aged, and dried to prevent warping. The soundboard can measure up to 1.3 square meters, contributing to the rich, deep sound of the piano. The piano’s outer frame is made from layers of hardwood, such as maple or beech, which are glued and shaped using various molds, giving the instrument both form and structural integrity. After shaping, the frame is covered with a veneer of ebony or mahogany and polished for a fine finish.

The keys are made from spruce or limewood. The white keys are coated with plastic or faux ivory, and the black keys with ebony or stained wood. Each key is precisely balanced and weighted. The piano’s action mechanism, a complex system that transforms the pressing of a key into a hammer strike on a string, is made up of thousands of parts, including hammers, springs, and dampers, all manufactured to exact specifications.

The strings are made from high-tensile steel wire, with the bass strings wrapped in copper to achieve lower tones. The strings are measured, cut, and attached to tuning and hitch pins on the piano’s frame, then tensioned to the correct pitch. The strings are arranged so that the higher-frequency strings are shorter and thinner than the lower-frequency ones.

After assembling the soundboard, frame, and case, the mechanism and keyboard are installed. The bridge transfers the string vibrations to the soundboard, and the pin block holds the tuning pins in place. The hammers are adjusted to produce the desired tone, which involves shaping the felt and fine-tuning the mechanism. Once assembled, the piano undergoes an initial tuning, followed by further adjustments to stabilize the tone. Finally, the pedals and decorative elements are installed. High-quality pianos, with proper care, can last for decades or even longer, maintaining their sound integrity.

COOL FACTS:
The largest piano in the world was built in 2009 by a 15-year-old New Zealander named Adrian Mann. The piano measures 5.5 meters in length and weighs 1.4 tons! Known as the Alexander Piano, it took four years to build and produces a deep, resonant sound.

The most expensive piano ever sold is the Crystal Piano by Heintzman, which was sold for $3.22 million in 2008. This transparent piano was made of crystal and was used during the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The longest piece of music ever composed for the piano is Vexations by Erik Satie. The piece is only one page long but is meant to be repeated 840 times, which takes over 18 hours to perform! Pianists usually perform this work in shifts due to its length.

Yamaha introduced the first digital piano in the early 1980s, revolutionizing the way pianos could function. Unlike traditional pianos, digital pianos do not require tuning and can simulate a variety of instruments.

Studies have shown that playing the piano engages more areas of the brain than any other instrument. Pianists must coordinate their hands independently, read multiple lines of music simultaneously, and use their feet to control the pedals—all while interpreting and conveying emotions to the audience.

The first piano concert in space was performed in 2018 by astronaut Alexander Gerst aboard the International Space Station. He used a specially designed keyboard to play David Bowie’s Space Oddity.