Why homeless people play the saxophone.
The United States in the 1980’s was a vastly different place, burgeoning economic prosperity and an increased focus on drug prevention and domestic warfare created the perfect mix of tension and liberty to allow the saxophone to break loose. Like a wild horse running free, the saxophone was soon tamed just enough to give the people a taste of its passion and beauty without compromising its integrity or bowing to its master. The saxophone player would soon be riding high, sporting sunglasses and getting laid constantly. Saxophone solos dominated the airwaves and thus a new swan song of glory was laid at the checkered vans of society.
“Rio” by Duran Duran
“Take Me Home Tonight” by Eddie Money
“Urgent” by Foreigner
“Who Can It Be Now” by Men at Work
“The Heat is On” Glenn Frey
“I Know What Boys Like” by The Waitresses
Most Debbie Gibson Songs, Every English Beat song.
From St. Elmo’s Fire to the Dirty Dancing Soundtrack, Saxophones were riding high. Then the 90’s … and Kenny G. The stand by pick up line for any sax player (“hey, I play sax”) was once answered with “wow, wanna bone?” but was now being met with “like Kenny G?”. It was the beginning of the end. The sound was hushed out the back door of music and promised a phone call it would never receive. Saxophone players scrambled for work. Ska and Swing would float the former Brass Gods a bone here and there but it would never be as it once was.
Now they are all homeless (except for Branford Marsalis and the guy from the E street band). So, the next time you’re walking to the train or leaving the airport, remember that guy cranking out “The Ants Go Marching” or “The Simpsons Theme” probably got a BJ backstage from your Aunt 25 years ago. So give him some change but don’t you dare bring up Kenny G or you will die.
