I played sax from age 8 until my early 20s. Haven’t touched a horn in about 10 years, but I still love the way it sounds in a pair of competent hands.
Among rocks guitarists, Clarence Clemmons ranks as THE definition of excellence. His articulation, timing and tone are what ever rock sax player I’ve ever known has tried to hit. His work on “Born to Run” both eh album and the track is the touchstone.
Alto Reed, who played with Bob Seger’s Silver Bullet Band is another amazing player, as is Billy Joel’s Mark Rivera.
I’ve never been all that crazy about the sax work on Pink Floyd’s stuff. It’s solid, but it’s not particularly unique or (pardon the pun) instrumental to the songs. Then again, I really dislike Pink Floyd; so there may be an element of bias there, although in my defense, I did learn the sax parts on lots of popular Floyd songs and they weren’t all that tough.
“Baker Street”'s sax solo is probably the most integral to any rock song I’ve heard. While I liked how Foo Fighters (I think it was) tried to modernize the song when they covered it a few years ago, it really sucked having the sax part filled in by guitar.
Not exactly a rock classic, but there is some pretty catchy sax work on “Your Momma don’t dance…” by (I think) Loggins and Messina. Early 70s.
I also like a lot of the sax work in INXS songs…“What you need”, “Beautiful Girl”, “Never tear us apart” are a few that come to mind. Kirk Pengilly, right?
FallenAngel, a guy I work with who is a semi-pro sax player has nothing but contempt for Clemons and Reed. He is definitely a jazz snob, though. He has little use for rock music at all.
As digs mentioned, Van Morrison plays sax himself sometimes – I esp. like what he does on Poetic Champions Compose (my favorite of his albums, although I realize it’s not his best).
Garth Hudson’s solo on “It Makes No Difference” from the Band’s “The Last Waltz”. Mike Brecker on Paul Simon’s “Still Crazy After All These Years” from the album of the same name. It goes by quickly, but it sure is beautiful. Finally, all of the sax on Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Long As I Can See the Light”.
The wildest sax solos were by Jimmy Wright. His was the band for most 50’s NYC doowop groups. Check out the musical bridge on Woo Woo Train by the Valentines-1955-Rama label. Jimmy blows his brains out, so to speak.
Ahem How can a thread get this far into sax and not mention the incredible Rindy Ross of Quarterflash? Not only was she the lead singer, but she played dynamite sax. “Harden My Heart” was huge in 1981, reaching #3, and the followup, “Find Another Fool” hit the top 20. Their albums were packed with great music, both kickin’ and mellow.
Of course, Rindy and her guitarist husband Marv hail from the great Northwest and happen to be fine people personally as well. They recently played a gig in our small town and put on a killer show.
They also gave me an hour-long interview for the newspaper where I work, so I may be slightly prejudiced.