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by jbroad572
(46 posts)
18 years ago

Good crowd pleaser songs to memorize and learn?

I have family coming in a few months and everyone I know will be wanting me to play something, but the thing is I don't have many songs memorized. I've been practicing scales, long tones, arpeggios, and church music. I know Misty and Breath of Heaven and that's about it. I know people will see my saxes and say "play us a tune or 2" SO, I want to be prepared. What are some good songs to get into my mental library that will impress people?

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  2. by Mactenor
    (102 posts)
    18 years ago

    Re: Good crowd pleaser songs to memorize and learn?

    The Shadow of Your Smile Moomlight in Vermont Harlem Nocturne Desifinado Best Regards Mactenor

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    1. by saxjunkie89
      (393 posts)
      18 years ago

      Re: Good crowd pleaser songs to memorize and learn?

      yup, got harlem nocturne in my memory banks, I learned it from a compy of the original composition.

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      1. by connsaxman_jim
        (2336 posts)
        18 years ago

        Re: Good crowd pleaser songs to memorize and learn?

        Tequila, Yakety Sax, Girl From Impanema, The Pink Panther Theme...just a few more suggestions. I can't even take my sax out of the case without someone asking for the first two!

        Reply To Post Yahoo!


        1. by golferguy675
          (600 posts)
          18 years ago

          Re: Good crowd pleaser songs to memorize and learn?

          Are you asking in terms of actual jazz tunes? Like songs other players would expect you to know at gigs?

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        2. by martysax
          (148 posts)
          18 years ago

          Re: Good crowd pleaser songs to memorize and learn?

          Four, As time goes by, YardBird suite, Pick up the pieces. Those are the warm-ups.

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        3. by Sax Mom
          (964 posts)
          18 years ago

          Re: Good crowd pleaser songs to memorize and learn?

          What do they know? What do they expect to hear? My favorites are not your families' favorites. I don't believe we are the right ones to answer your question.

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      2. by burns3c
        (7 posts)
        18 years ago

        Re: Good crowd pleaser songs to memorize and learn?

        Gimme some lovin', When sunny gets blue, Watermellon man, Lover Man, there's so many....

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        1. by golferguy675
          (600 posts)
          18 years ago

          Re: Good crowd pleaser songs to memorize and learn?

          When Sunny Gets Blue is my second favorite ballad...good song, but no one knows it. I'd say 1 out of 100 pros would know that melody, let alone the changes.

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          1. by connsaxman_jim
            (2336 posts)
            18 years ago

            Re: Good crowd pleaser songs to memorize and learn?

            Take Five is a good one for alto. There aren't too many songs in 5/4 time, which makes it a really fun song to play. It's not too hard either. What do you play? Tenor or alto?

            Reply To Post Yahoo!


            1. by jbroad572
              (46 posts)
              18 years ago

              Re: Good crowd pleaser songs to memorize and learn?

              I play them both. Thanks for all the suggestions guys. This gives me something to work on. Plus, I'll probably transcribe a few Motown hits, which I know they will love as well.

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