If you are a fan of jazz, then you will be familiar with the essential role the sound of the saxophone played in its success. The saxophone has been called the heart and soul of jazz music and has millions of enthusiasts worldwide.   

Yet would the instrument have reached these heights without the musicians who mastered it? We’re not sure that it would have and as a result we have compiled who we think are the top three saxophonists of all time.
​
We believe that the top two musicians on our list can be placed interchangeably as the greatest saxophone player of all time. So, without further delay, here are (in our opinion!) the top three saxophone players of all time.

​One of the great things about the Saxophone is its’ versatile sound. We offer a service that can really give you the best of both worlds. Lively, upbeat tunes with the smooth overlay of a sax. If this is something that you like the sound of, then book us in for your event today! To help you create your dream combo, we have compiled some useful questions that you can ask your DJ before making the decision to hire.

​Having a wedding band to play at your wedding reception adds so much excitement to the evening and is becoming more and more popular these days. Not only are you providing music for guests to dance to but also you are giving them the live music experience that no DJ can offer. There are so many factors to consider when looking for a wedding band so here is a helpful list of do's and don'ts to help you with this arduous task!

​If you’re a pub landlord/landlady in the process of thinking about re-opening, once lockdown measures are eased further – you may want to consider how to put bums back on seats. If you’ve never thought about hiring live entertainment as part of your offerings – keep reading this blog for an overview of what to do.

The provision of live music is widespread and can produce great nights to draw in new customers and encourage repeat business from regulars. Check that your licence allows live music and if not, apply for a variation. Keep the night(s) regular i.e. every Friday night or every first Sunday of the month - whichever night(s) you choose stick to it.

The saxophone is a wonderful instrument that adds depth and variety to many pieces of music. It is a woodwind instrument and it uses a single reed attached to its mouthpiece. The reed vibrates as the air passes through it to allowing the saxophone to produce its great sound.

In the early 1800's, Adolphe Sax noticed that there was a bit of a gap between the brass and woodwind sections of the orchestra. The gap was produced because of the relatively quiet sounds produced by the woodwinds and the lack of versatility of pitch range among the brass instruments. Therefore, he developed the saxophone which gave strength of voice to the woodwinds and flexibility to the brass.

He developed the instrument in 1841 and actually developed two different groups of the instruments. Between the Sopranino saxophone and the Contrabass saxophone, the one group of these instruments could span the entire range offered by a piano. Many of these are transposing instruments which lend a whole different set of abilities to the saxophones.

The patent that was given to Mr. Sax in 1846 expired in 1866. After the patent expired, numerous other musicians and instrument makers adjusted and added to Mr. Sax's original invention until it has evolved into the smooth handling instrument we have today.

The original saxophone keys were very basic and simple but that made some of the passages difficult to play because of the way the fingering worked on the keys of the saxophone. Therefore, those improvements have added quality and simplicity to the instrument allowing saxophonists to be able to play difficult passages of music with relative ease.

The timbre of the saxophone, while originally intended as an orchestral instrument, lends itself, however, to many different types of music. Because of its intended and achieved musical versatility, the sax is a great instrument for jazz and blues music as well as rock and roll and big band music. Its size also makes it very easy for instrumentalists in marching bands to handle.

The military band personnel play for many different functions and ceremonies including military funerals, welcoming dignitaries, swearing in of various political leaders, etc. This requires the versatility to be able to play those different types of music. The saxophone family of instruments actually has a "military band family" of saxophones such as the Subcontrabass saxophone, the baritone saxophone all the way to the sopranino saxophone.

Many of these are used in orchestral pieces and particularly jazz pieces. Famous instrumentalists such as Kenny G have albums that feature his ability to play several different instruments in the saxophone family including the soprano sax primarily but also the alto and tenor sax, as well.

Students in grade school begin to learn to play the saxophone in about the fourth or fifth grades when they join the band at school. Because of size issues, most learn to play the alto sax because it is the right size for their fingers and their stature.

The soprano saxophone, though much lighter, is considered a solo instrument and is more expensive that either the also or tenor sax. It is therefore not offered by most schools. However, alto saxophones and some tenor saxophones are can be purchased relatively inexpensively so many schools have both available.

Once a student has learned to play the alto or tenor saxophone, it is usually fairly simple to move between the instruments in the saxophone family provided you understand the theory of transposition instruments and how that functions between the kinds of saxophones available.
 
If you want a smooth sounding instrument that lends itself to many different musical styles, you will not go wrong in learning to play the saxophone. Start with the alto or tenor sax, learn the notes and the way to hold and play the instrument. From there, you will be able to move to other types of saxophones, should you desire to do so.

As it is, when you learn to play the sax, you will have an ability that will wow your friends and give you great pleasure at being able to pick up and play some of your favourite orchestral, jazz, or blues tunes anytime you wish.
​
Article Source 

The sound of the Sax can cater for all of your musical needs. Are you thinking, 'where can I find a great Saxophonist near me?' but don't know where to start? Call us today on 020 8088 0945 or read more about what types of events we cater for today.

Music provides a beautiful, emotional element to your wedding and reception. Moreover, the music and songs you select will also help make your wedding uniquely your own. Here are some tips on how to enhance the different phases of your wedding with music.

You'll most likely choose two different types of music for your ceremony and reception - softer, romantic music to be played or sung before, during, and after the ceremony, and entertaining or dancing music for the reception. In some cases, the same musicians are able to provide both. As an alternative, you might choose to have the church organist or soloist, or one set of musicians for the ceremony, and a band or entertaining DJ for your reception.

Should you wish to have music playing before the ceremony, instrumentals can establish an atmosphere for your guests and may include mood-setting pieces that your early-to-arrive guests can enjoy as they wait for the show to begin.

For example, in traditional Jewish ceremonies, it is common to have a pre-ceremony reception or cocktail hour during which the bride and groom have separate chambers in which to greet guests, in addition to a common area where hors d'oeuvres and drinks are served. It is festive to have musicians and possibly a singer in the common area at this time to "warm up" the guests with some soft or lively music. Even chamber music wouldn't be out of place.

For the ceremony, be sure to check with your site coordinator or officiant regarding any restrictions or limitations that might be in place on music selections. Some places of worship limit the music selections to whatever their own organist can play. However, there are numerous other options for your ceremony music, when allowed, including a harpist, violinist, string quartet, trumpeter, saxophonist, classical guitarist, keyboardist, flutist, and vocals or choir.

Your reception music can range from a refined background element during dinner to music for dancing. For example, a saxophonist, string quartet, violin or harp is a polished backdrop for your celebration, while a saxophonist, rock band or twelve-piece orchestra can provide a wider range of lively tunes. If you and your fiancé are strong music aficionados, you may even opt for different group of musicians or even a DJ alternating with a band that specializes in your favorite style(s) throughout the reception - whether it's jazz, rap or pop.

Your style choices can also reflect your ethnic heritage, such as Latin, Klezmer or Irish step. Remember that good bands, DJs and Saxophonists book up early, so you'll need to start researching your options from nine to 12 months in advance. And, of course, be sure you have the chance to hear them in action before you decide to hire them.

While a live band might seem like the ultimate in wedding reception entertainment, keep in mind that some won't have the same range of selection that a DJ might. There could also be "dead air" when the band takes their scheduled breaks, so be sure to make arrangements for something to be played during that time. If you opt for a DJ, make sure you choose one who is both experienced and fun and can play a variety of songs, from slower traditional to 50's to rock and roll to faster contemporary music for dancing.

If you'd like to give guests a performance they'll always remember, consider staging a humorous dance and/or lip-sync number to a popular tune with your fiancé and perhaps a couple of members of the wedding party. Keep it tasteful - remember, this may show up on your wedding video! But it is your wedding, so it's OK to have fun and let your hair down a little. If you and your fiancé have taken dance lessons and are proud of what you can do, go on out there and strut your stuff!
 
 Article Source 

If you're still unsure about what sounds you'd like to have at your wedding or special event - look no further! We travel across the following counties: Saxophonist Essex | Saxophonist  London | Saxophonist Kent | Saxophonist Surrey | Saxophonist Sussex

If you are planning a wedding, no doubt you are thinking about the music for you big day, whether that's the songs you want to dance to, or the music that will play throughout the day.

You’ll remember the music and songs played at your wedding for years to come. From the moment you walk down the aisle through to your first dance, your wedding songs should reflect your personalities as a couple and hold great meaning for you both.

Whether you want to hire external musicians to play live music at your wedding, or you pt for a DJ  you’ll always associate these songs with your special day. If you're feeling a little stuck on song choices, here are a few to inspire you.

​Bride Entrance Songs
At Last – Etta James
Songbird – Fleetwood Mac
Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
Lucky – Jason Mraz ft. Colbie Caillat
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
Your Song – Ellie Goulding
I’m Kissing You – Des’ree
Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good) – Quindon Tarver
From This Moment On – Shania Twain & Bryan White
What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
The Secret Wedding (From “Braveheart”) – David Arkenstone ft. Kathleen Fisher
Make You Feel My Love – Adele
Just the Way You Are – Bruno Mars
Glasgow Love Theme – Craig Armstrong

Last Dance Songs
(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
Never Forget – Take That
Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen
I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – Marvin Gaye
All You Need Is Love – The Beatles
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Diana Ross & The Supremes
Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
Daydream Believer – The Monkees
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
Walking On Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves
How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
Make You Feel My Love – Adele
This Kind of Love – Sister Hazel
At Last – Etta James
Champagne Supernova – Oasis
God Only Knows – The Beach Boys
Hey Jude – The Beatles

Live sax music for your party
We love helping you celebrate your special occasion. And with our live saxophone music, we can create an amazing atmosphere for your guests. Whatever the celebration, people will be in good spirits. At Essex Saxophonists for Hire we adding to your event and creating special memories.

If you are looking for live sax music for your party or event, we cover:

• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Pub gigs

 
You can hire a saxophonist, who can play independently or to backing tracks, or hire us to play live alongside a DJ. If you are looking for a sax band with live singing, we can cover that too.
 
If your evening is going to start with a drinks reception before the real party starts, we can play easy listening tracks upon the guests’ arrival. Later in the evening, we can switch to a more upbeat sound. These include playing the classics, to playing the latest tunes that will satisfy all age groups. We guarantee that your guests will be up on their feet having a blast.
 
We get booked up very quickly, so book your live band early to avoid disappointment. Contact Essex Saxophonists for Hire on 020 8088 0945. Our saxophonists travel throughout Essex, London and the other Home Counties too.