Evolution of the Saxophone

[badger2]

This digeridoo MIDI controller video is only superimposing the didj-synth sound over preset rhythms. The method already described in this thread plays a different synth line over an actual didj rhythm, with the option of switching to sax-synth lines over an actual didj rhythm line.

Didgeridoo MIDI Controller

 

[badger2]

 

[badger2]

The video can be retrieved at youtube: 'Didgeridoo MIDI Controller.'

 

[badger2]

This Toto sheet music video can be transcribed to amino acid music, and amino music of the future may solve the timing-symbol problem in such a manner as shown in the video. Note that an electric sax or didgeridoo will also be able to play the music at time-point 1:13 in the video. That is to say, it will produce all three notes as a chord simultaneously, just as the keyboard does in the video. In our particular system, that would implicate both hands as chord producers instead of the mainly-used right hand:

Toto Africa Sheet Music

 

[badger2]

With an electric didgeridoo, there is no need to record the didg first and then walk over to the synth because the switching harness controlling the synth is on the didg and both can be played simultaneously. That is the challenge:

After Party Dr. Didg Live at the 8X10

 

[badger2]

Here Brecker shows that the modern MIDI controllers have eliminated the palm keys that are on a standard saxophone. This change may be defined as a mistake. One major reason for retaining palm keys is for chord production, which no MIDI controller yet gives to the player, including Michael Brecker.

EWI Controller

 

[badger2]

Another MIDI controller that eliminates palm keys and only offers one sound at a time with no chord-making capability, nor singing-while-playing capability:

Roland AE-10 Aerophone

 

[badger2]

What's interesting with the piezo barrel is that it can be played on an actual electric sax that we have basically described, and play a synth line simultaneously, which this video does not show, because it has not yet been done. Note especially at time-point 5:27:

Sax Piezo Barrel

 

[badger2]

PiezoBarrel.com also offers a pickup for the didj. This means that coupled to a synth switching harness (previously described) mounted on the didgeridoo, a synth line can be produced simultaneously with any piezo didj sounds. This was one of the first electric didgeridoos:

Electric Didge



Strobe Didj at Time-Point 9:29

 

[badger2]

Tommy Doggett Electric Sax (2014)

 

[badger2]

No chord production, though the concept is obvious:

MIDI Electric Sax

 

[badger2]

For those contemplating a switching harness for sax or didgeridoo, mechanical switches are recommended over membrane switches. The latter can even be home-made. Saxophone switching logic (low-note priority) can be accomplished with these switches. At time-point 1:15 in the video, the internal working mechanism is shown:

Mechanical Switches: Why Are They Better?

 

[badger2]

Should be 'the former can even be home-made.'

 

[whoisit]

Benefits of the Electric Sax

The sound of a real saxophone can be superimposed over synth sounds

The player can add vocals and backup vocals while simultaneously producing music from their instrument

Electric sax on a stand helps to prevent fatigue

Fingering exercises for chord and melody production is as challenging as it can get when amino acids are substituted for the musical names of the notes. This approach gives as much variation possibility as a Moog One can give variety of sound patches.

Yep take the soul out of the music too.

Hows this fro soul and Kenny G playign his sax.

 

[whoisit]

Does it get better than this, I don't think so.

 

[badger2]

Surprisingly, the haunting sax ride in Baker Street may be attributed to Gary Burton's influence, a vibraphonist who played with Stan Getz. The reader can decide for themselves:

Baker Street
Baker Street (song) - Wikipedia

Gary Burton
Gary Burton - Wikipedia

 

[badger2]

An actual saxophone superimposed over a keyboard synth as has been described in this thread sounds much like the Burton and Ozone video, where Burton and the bass are in synch:

Gary Burton and Makoto Ozone -- Bags' Groove (Live at Montreux, 2002)

 

[badger2]

The saxophonist who played the riff in Baker Street was Raphael Ravenscroft:

Raphael Ravenscroft
Raphael Ravenscroft - Wikipedia

Raphael Ravenscroft

 

[badger2]

Just before death, Ravenscroft went to Belgium in 2014 to set up a project with Adolphe Sax & Co.. Adolphe Sax was the inventor of the saxophone. We will retain all of the keys from the original instrument (especially the palm keys) with which to further evolve the electric sax and eventually free the woodwind player to explore the world of chord production.

 

[badger2]

But the actual riff seems to have come from Steve Marcus, placing the origin in American jazz. Ravenscroft's sound, however, was what the people wanted in conjunction with Rafferty's lyrics.

Steve Marcus, Half a Heart