Everything About the Saxophone

The first accessible, complete book about the saxophone in EnglishSurprisingly little has been written about the saxophone for a general audience. There are a number of academic works, but an accessible and complete book for the player who wants to know more than their lesson book tells them did not exist. Until now.Everything about the Saxophone tells the story of one of the world's most beloved instruments - from Adolphe Sax in his Parisian workshop in 1840 to the saxophone in the twenty-first century. It explains how the instrument is built, how it produces sound, and what mouthpiece, reed and ligature do. It covers the great names in jazz, daily practice, and the world of the amateur player.Throughout the book, practical advice is woven in that most players never find anywhere else: on breathing, reed selection, maintenance, intonation, and more. Knowledge that experienced saxophonists spend years picking up - brought together here in one place.What you will find in this book: - The history of the saxophone from 1840 to the present day- How the instrument works: acoustics, mechanics, construction- Mouthpiece, reed and ligature: what they do and how to choose- The great saxophonists: from Coleman Hawkins and Charlie Parker to John Coltrane, Stan Getz, Jan Garbarek and Candy Dulfer- Jazz, classical, wind band and street band: the saxophone in every world- Practical tips on maintenance, breathing, intonation and reed rotation- A list of essential recordings for alto, tenor, soprano and baritone saxophone- Glossary and guide for further reading- Fingering chart for all saxophones at the backWho is this book for?- The amateur saxophonist - alto, tenor, soprano or baritone - who wants to understand what they are doing- The beginner who wants to know what they are…