Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
The Devil's Horn
The Devil's Horn: The Story of the Saxophone, from Noisy Novelty to King of Cool | Michael Segell
2 posts | 3 read
In The Devil's Horn, Michael Segell traces the 160-year history of the saxophone-a horn that created a sound never before heard in nature, and that from the moment it debuted has aroused both positive and negative passions among all who hear it. The saxophone has insinuated itself into virtually every musical idiom that has come along since its birth as well as into music with traditions thousands of years old. But it has also been controversial, viewed as a symbol of decadence, immorality and lasciviousness: it was banned in Japan, saxophonists have been sent to Siberian lockdown by Communist officials, and a pope even indicted it. Segell outlines the saxophone's fascinating history while he highlights many of its legendary players, including Benny Carter, Illinois Jacquet, Sonny Rollins, Lee Konitz, Phil Woods, Branford Marsalis, and Michael Brecker. The Devil's Horn explores the saxophone's intersections with social movement and change, the innovative acoustical science behind the instrument, its struggles in the world of "legit" music, and the mystical properties that seduce all who fall under its influence. Colorful, evocative, and richly informed, The Devil's Horn is an ingenious portrait of one of the most popular instruments in the world.
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
quote
zoewejko
post image

"'The alto was like a first love affair and soprano like a first marriage. Now playing tenor is an extension of my personality. It's up to me what I want to project-happiness, sorrow, existential dread, whatever. It shows me all my limitations and strengths.'" The Devils Horn - Michael Segell

blurb
6JazzyJudd9

Whether or not you play the saxophone it's a enjoyable read. It enlightened me about the the instrument's journey as told by professional players & the beginner student author. Never knew how much influence it had on music history nor the widespread opposition it faced by various music communities, critics & audiences. The popularity it amassed proves its resilience to external pressures. A greatly misunderstood instrument & origin story.

1 like1 stack add