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Forum » Jazz Saxophone » what makes a good slow song?


by chiamac
(586 posts)
20 years ago

what makes a good slow song?

so this has been on my mind for a while... what makes a good slow song? Take Madian Voyage (spelling) for example... that song is really simple, but yet it (to me) dosn't get boring to play or listen to. another one (on the radio) is Maps by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs... it's a really simple song, but for some reason I find it really intresting. So I ask you guys... what sets these songs apart?

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  2. by YanagisawA-901
    (312 posts)
    20 years ago

    Re: what makes a good slow song?

    true, true... i kinda like time for a change..its not too slow, but its slow, hank levey?? anyone?? haha i like him..

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  3. by Jack Cici
    (87 posts)
    20 years ago

    Re: what makes a good slow song?

    I WOULD RECOMMEND SUMMERTIME ITSPRETTY SLOW.ALSO TRY DESAFINADO

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    1. by Hexaclon
      (90 posts)
      20 years ago

      Re: what makes a good slow song?

      I belive it's the feeling man. Maybe the notes on that melody fit in so perfectly, it doesn't mater how much notes you play, I guess what really maters is what notes you play.

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      1. by YanagisawA-901
        (312 posts)
        20 years ago

        Re: what makes a good slow song?

        im studying this in college level theory right now.. its all in the emotion that you play the song with.. theres a difference between pressing your keys down and getting the notes out, and playing absolutely beautifully.. some of that is trying to get a 3d sound even tho the sax is monophonic.. some is vibrato, crecendos, decresendos, support, depth, emotion, memorable "tunes" that someone can keep playing over and over in their head cuz they thought " hey, that was pretty damn cool " so they keep playin over in theyre head.. all of that i believe makes a good slow song

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        1. by golferguy675
          (600 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          Ironically, 901's post here was the only one that was even close.

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        2. by Spike
          (248 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          huh, i agree. odd... my favorite ballad is "dear lord" by trane

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        3. by sax_maniac
          (984 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          The way to tell a good slow song from a bad slow song is whether ladies' panties or beer bottles are being thrown to the stage.

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        4. by chiamac
          (586 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          I was going more for groove and feeling... something that creats tenson and release. but I think Sax_manaic came the closest! =)

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        5. by Spike
          (248 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          sax_maniac nailed it... that could be taken more than one way^_^

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        6. by golferguy675
          (600 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          A little correction on 901's post... A sax isn't neccessarily a monophonic instrument. Primarily it is, but you can play multiphonics.

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        7. by chiamac
          (586 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          "sax_maniac nailed it... that could be taken more than one way^_^" only if they were hot women, and sexy panties.

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        8. by Spike
          (248 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          hahahahaha, right on. you can *sort of* play multiphonics on a sax. it's physicaly different that the true multiphics on a brass though, and it sounds like crap.

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        9. by golferguy675
          (600 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          I like My Favorite Things with John Coltrane, Blue Bossa with JJ Johnson, and My Funny Valentine. Blue Bossa's usually not really that slow, but I think it sounds better that way.

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        10. by Jack Cici
          (87 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          yeah,my funny valetines a great song

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        11. by Hexaclon
          (90 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          Yeah!! I have a Blue Bossa version by JJ and Joe Pass. It's awesome!!!

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        12. by SelmerParisPassion
          (59 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          Once Upon a Summertime, Harlem Nocturne, & All that Jazz (playing with feeling makes the song)

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        13. by Spike
          (248 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          Yeah, it's playing with feeling. Golferguy- sorry, i just enjoy trying to counter all your points. it's a sign of respect if anything(socrates would agree)

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        14. by chiamac
          (586 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          oh btw david, I wasn't looking for "good slow songs" I was ASKING about what makes a good slow song.

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        15. by SelmerParisPassion
          (59 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          Well, to me, I think that feeling makes a slow song. Of course, it has to be "pretty", but I think that it depends on the tone and the sound... it's hard to describe, but I'mm sure you can kinda get my drift. You play a song straight, it sounds ok, but with lots of dynamics, feeling, and the perfect "pretty" chords/harmonies- it'll make Aunt Sally cry. lol! Very nice, chiamac. Christie J

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        16. by Jack Cici
          (87 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          p.s chiamac the way you labeled the thread made it sound like what are good slow songs, so next time pick a better name for a thread

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        17. by chiamac
          (586 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          back on topic: I think the "groove" and baseline have a lot to do with making a slow song.

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        18. by Armstrong Alto!
          (19 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          I really like Harlem Nocturne. I have not yet had the opportunity to play it as of yet, but hopefully the time will come eventually.

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        19. by sax_maniac
          (984 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          Funny Valentine on bari. I call it my "two tons of fun" version.

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        20. by golferguy675
          (600 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          Thanks, Mark.

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        21. by John Dirt
          (2 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          I am new to the saxquest site and I didn't know which 'thread" to go on to, so I picked this one. Anyway, I would like to know what kind of saxophone i should buy? I am interested in learning the saxophone but I don't know what brand or size I should buy. I really like the baritone saxophone though, because I'm a Simpsons fan and I've always wanted to play their theme song on baritone saxophone, like Lisa does. Thanks

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        22. by John Dirt
          (2 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          Also, does anyone know if any good jazz books for beginners. Thanks , John

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        23. by golferguy675
          (600 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          Lisa played a tenor. I don't especially like them, but Lennie Neihaus books seem to be very popular as well as Rubank method books for beginners.

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        24. by Jack Cici
          (87 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          Thanks dude. I had to change my account name because I actuaaly spelled my last name wrong! J wasn't looking when I was typing I guess. Anyway, are you sure Lisa played a tenor? I can almost swear she played the barirone sax. Do you know which saxophone I should play and what brand I should get? I lookede on ebay and saw the Helmke brand for $180. Is that a good brand? Is there any other good brands that are within a budget of $1300? Thats what I've saved up to buy a saxophone but I might not use it if I buy a Helmke. Thanks, John

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        25. by Jack Cici
          (87 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          Thanks dude. I had to change my account name because I actuaaly spelled my last name wrong! J wasn't looking when I was typing I guess. Anyway, are you sure Lisa played a tenor? I can almost swear she played the barirone sax. Do you know which saxophone I should play and what brand I should get? I lookede on ebay and saw the Helmke brand for $180. Is that a good brand? Is there any other good brands that are within a budget of $1300? Thats what I've saved up to buy a saxophone but I might not use it if I buy a Helmke. Thanks, John

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        26. by tenor562
          (297 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          Any new sax for 180 isn't going to do the job. Expecially if it's a tenor. If you have 1300, look into the Jupiter Artist Series. I tried one, and it was nice, except for my hands were too small to reach the bottom keys, so I stuck to the Yamahas (62) Selmer, Yamaha, Yanagisawa, and Keilwerths are good brands to stick too. Don't buy a helmke, they are a piece of junk, and repair techs will refuse to fix them, and they break easily. They might look nice, but a used sax of a dependable brand will do a lot better. Good Luck

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        27. by golferguy675
          (600 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          Yeah, it's definetly a tenor. Hemke has a TERRIBLE reputation, it probably wouldn't last you more than a year. It would be best to stay away from Ebay, because unless you're an expert on brands and know what to look for, you'll get taken. What state do you live in? It's best to buy from a shop. If you can go up to 1500 I would strongly recommend the Yamaha 62II. It's a pro sax and will definetly last. The reason I recommend it is because it's the best sax for it's money. If that's too much, look at the YAS-475, or some older pro saxes. Start a new discussion, so you'll get more responses. There's an icon towards the top that says start new discussion.

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        28. by tenor562
          (297 posts)
          20 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          I love my 62II it's a great sax for the money. The 475 is basically the same thing with less engraving, less tone quality, and less ease of playing in the high registers. yes, start a new discussion, this is a good topic

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        29. by kelsey
          (930 posts)
          14 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          I think the 6211 is a much better horn............
          Barry Kelsey

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        30. by cuber
          (653 posts)
          14 years ago

          Re: what makes a good slow song?

          475s vary in quality. I like my 475 over 62 and 82z, but it really doesnt compare well to my ref 54 or an 875

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