It's time again for Three Tune Tuesday, that day of the week where members of the Hive community shares three songs of their liking with the rest of the community.
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I take a slow, relaxing approach to Three Tune Tuesday: I like to share pre-1924 78rpm songs from my collection, and record them while playing on an appropriate time-period windup phonograph. I encourage you to take a few moments and slow down with me. Settle down, close your eyes, and take yourself back.. way back.. in time, to a distant uncle's parlour in the early 1920's. There are comfortable seats, pleasant conversation, and old music.
This week we're going to listen to some early saxophone music.
The saxophone was invented by Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in the 1840s and had, by the 1910s, become a staple in military bands and was beginning to make its mark in the world of popular music.
Valse Erica
"Valse Erica" was recorded in 1916 by "the Saxophone King," Rudy Wiedoeft, on the Aeolian Vocalion label. It was his recording of Valse Erica that led to him becoming a household name (at the time) and his Saxophone King moniker. His popularity was such that he even appeared in early sound films, introducing the saxophone to an even wider audience. Wiedoeft's influence extended beyond his performances; he also composed over 300 works for the saxophone, helping to establish a repertoire for this still-novel instrument.
All Blues Medley
"All Blues Medley," recorded in 1919 on the Columbia label, is a spirited performance by the Columbia Saxophone Sextet, a group that played a significant role in popularizing saxophone ensembles in the early 20th century. While we don't have confirmed names for all the members, we do know that the renowned Merle Johnston was a key player in the group. Johnston was known for his technical proficiency and would go on to become a highly sought-after session musician and teacher.
La Poloma
This piece, originally a Spanish habanera, was composed by Sebastián Iradier in the 1860s. By the time the Six Brown Brothers recorded it in 1914, it had become a popular standard, recorded by numerous artists. However, the Brown Brothers' saxophone arrangement brought something entirely new to this familiar tune.
The Six Brown Brothers were a Canadian-American saxophone sextet led by Tom Brown. The group actually consisted of five brothers - Tom, Alex, Percy, Vern, and Fred Brown - along with William Markwardt, who became an honorary "brother." Their story is one of family, innovation, and the power of a new musical sound.
The Brown brothers began their musical careers playing in circus bands, an environment that demanded both skill and showmanship. It was in this colorful world that they honed their craft, learning to captivate audiences with both their musical prowess and their stage presence. By 1914, when "La Paloma" was recorded, they had become one of the most popular vaudeville acts in North America.
Three Tune Tuesday (TTT) is initiated by @ablaze.
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