Stories
New York Sax Quartet playing La Blues
22/04/09 13:18
Gene DiNovi Talk about writing La Blues
The sax quartet "La Blues" was recorded in 1958 by the New York Saxophone Quartet. The original quartet featured Ray Beckenstein, (soprano sax) Eddie Caine (alto sax), Al Young (tenor sax) and danny Bank (baritone sax. If you have followed jazz and popular music from the 30's on you have heard these four great players on at least 20,000 records.
I was honored by their recording my piece a couple of years back, I had the opportunity to play with a sensational string quartet from the Netherlands called Zapp; another great quartet. I transcribed La Blues for them and they have recorded it as well; 50 years later!
I have wonderful memories attached to this piece in both versions.
As a young man I listened to the the New York Saxophone Quartet play "La Blues along with the great arranger Ralph Burns-- at the completion; he turned to me and said keep doing what you're doing "That's Great!". Inspiring words for a young compser.
50 years later "La Blues gave me another wonderful happening. Zapp stopped by my house (on their way to the airport) brought their instruments in -and played the string version "by heart" truly!- so I hope your Sax and Sting quartet will enjoy playing "La Blues"
Thanks, Gene
The sax quartet "La Blues" was recorded in 1958 by the New York Saxophone Quartet. The original quartet featured Ray Beckenstein, (soprano sax) Eddie Caine (alto sax), Al Young (tenor sax) and danny Bank (baritone sax. If you have followed jazz and popular music from the 30's on you have heard these four great players on at least 20,000 records.
I was honored by their recording my piece a couple of years back, I had the opportunity to play with a sensational string quartet from the Netherlands called Zapp; another great quartet. I transcribed La Blues for them and they have recorded it as well; 50 years later!
I have wonderful memories attached to this piece in both versions.
As a young man I listened to the the New York Saxophone Quartet play "La Blues along with the great arranger Ralph Burns-- at the completion; he turned to me and said keep doing what you're doing "That's Great!". Inspiring words for a young compser.
50 years later "La Blues gave me another wonderful happening. Zapp stopped by my house (on their way to the airport) brought their instruments in -and played the string version "by heart" truly!- so I hope your Sax and Sting quartet will enjoy playing "La Blues"
Thanks, Gene