Playing the saxophone Rubber Soul - which songs?

[mrblackbat]

I have a set for sax and bass at a local venue to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Rubber Soul being released. Question is, what songs to do from it? I have to arrange about 4, usual sort of jazz format - head solos/ head (or short chorus refrain.)

What would you pick?

 

[Saxlicker]

Norwegian wood is a great tune and maybe there is enough space in there to get creative and playful?

 

[Targa]

Drive my car.

 

[mrblackbat]

Norwegian Wood I’ve arranged before for Big band and sax orchestra. Would definitely work. Less sure about Drive My Car.

My Life, Michelle (even already in the real book), I’m Looking Through You and Girl I think all would work.

 

[mizmar]

As a thought, I tried listening to some backing tracks on youtube; drive my car and in my life seem quite usable. Maybe have a listen to other backings?

 

[Grumps]

Show George some love. You gotta have If I Needed Someone.

 

[MikeMorrell]

@mrblackbat, maybe I've completely missed the point of your question. If so, I aplogise.
I really don't mean to offend you, but I just wonder why you would ask on-line forum members about your 'Rubber Soul' setlist (other than the relative ease/difficulty of arranging).

IMHO, you should just go with your musicality, heart and instinct. Yes, on any set, you'll need some variation. Often between 'up-tempo' numbers and 'ballads'.

But IMHO, you should just chose the 4 songs that (musically) 'speak to you' the most.

 

[mrblackbat]

Show George some love. You gotta have If I Needed Someone.

I did think of that, but just as a sax/bass duo I’m not convinced it would work.

 

[mrblackbat]

@mrblackbat, maybe I've completely missed the point of your question. If so, I aplogise.
I really don't mean to offend you, but I just wonder why you would ask on-line forum members about your 'Rubber Soul' setlist (other than the relative ease/difficulty of arranging).

IMHO, you should just go with your musicality, heart and instinct. Yes, on any set, you'll need some variation. Often between 'up-tempo' numbers and 'ballads'.

But IMHO, you should just chose the 4 songs that (musically) 'speak to you' the most.

I guess you can say that about almost any topic on here: why ask an internet forum.

Conversation, perhaps someone will say something that will inspire me to a tune I hadn’t thought of. And curious just what people would pick; it’ll likely be the favourites and so they may go down better with a crowd.

 

[wakyct]

The Word -- could do a fun funky rendition.

 

[Colin the Bear]

Was Michelle on that album?
Norwegian wood is always interesting played as a jazz walz.

 

[mrblackbat]

Yes both Michelle and Norwegian Wood on there.

 

[Pete Thomas]

Yes both Michelle and Norwegian Wood on there.

The great thing about Michelle is you can play it in English and in French.

 

[Ivan]

I did think of that, but just as a sax/bass duo I’m not convinced it would work.

The pair of you listening out for each other's musical nuisances when playing a number that everyone in the audience will recognise...

How could it not work

 

[Ghr9204]

The great thing about Michelle is you can play it in English and in French.

So true, I can play it fluently on my American Bundy II and my French Beaugnier Vito altos. 😉

 

[LostCircuits]

In My Life, If I Needed Someone

Michelle and Norwegian Wood are just so overused. I mean, they are all good songs but especially for the 60th anniversary, In My Life kind of takes you back in time.

 

[PiccoloPirate]

I'd skip that album. 😜

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_9K9V_5fBQ

 

[mrblackbat]

The pair of you listening out for each other's musical nuisances when playing a number that everyone in the audience will recognise...

How could it not work

Because I think it needs the vocal harmonies to really get across what the song is about, in my opinion.

 

[Colin the Bear]

In My Life, If I Needed Someone

Michelle and Norwegian Wood are just so overused. I mean, they are all good songs but especially for the 60th anniversary, In My Life kind of takes you back in time.

In my life is currently being used in TV adverts.

The whole album is a cliche.

 

[LostCircuits]

In my life is currently being used in TV adverts.

The whole album is a cliche.

There is some truth to that... But in a way it is unavoidable. It was good music then and still is so it is not surprising that everybody jumps on the songs.

I remember being in the car with my dad driving and "Michelle" came on. He asked who that was (how embarrassing ..) and we kids filled him in. We got home, he sat down at the piano and played the song. Just to underscore how "tacky" - for lack of a better word- these songs are.

I can't say that any of the Rubber Soul songs are on my list of favorites but the album was a milestone in music.