Full name: The Devil's Horn: The Story of the Saxophone, from Noisy Novelty to King of Cool

Author: Michael Segell Rank: Rating: Original Rating: Pop Rating: Genres/categories: Music, History, Non Fiction Purchase/reserch links: Goodreads Amazon LibraryThing ISBNs: 9780374159382 0312425570 0374159386

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. Similar books: Deep Blues by Robert Palmer Rip it Up and Start Again by Simon Reynolds Last Night a DJ Saved My Life by Bill Brewster Bass Culture by Lloyd Bradley Language of the Spirit by Jan Swafford Altamont by Joel Selvin The Romantic Generation by Charles Rosen Swedish Death Metal by Daniel Ekeroth Black Metal by Dayal Patterson The Land Where the Blues Began by Alan Lomax I Want My MTV by Craig Marks Mad World by Lori Majewski Bossa Nova by Ruy Castro American Hardcore by Steven Blush Soulsville, U.S.A. by Rob Bowman Black Noise by Tricia Rose Generation Ecstasy by Simon Reynolds The Chitlin' Circuit by Preston Lauterbach The Sound Of The City by Charlie Gillett The Violin Maker by John Marchese