Reed Squeal.

[compound]

Just wondering if any of you RnR and RnB player's out there ever use the Reed Squeal.It was used by Jnr Walker a lot, and is performed by placing your bottom teeth gently on the reed and blowing, you can get some really interesting result's. If you've never tried it give it a go, should be interesting.Rob.

 

[thomsax]

I just know/use a few altissimo tones, hard to hit the tones rihgt, so I don't use reed squeal that much. I'm also using plasticcover reeds so the reeds don't last as long if I place my teeths on the reed.

Listen to the song "Memphis Soul Stew" by King Curtis. He is blowing a very tasy reed squeal on that song. I think I heard Sax Gordon using reed squeal on stage as well.

John Laughters book "Rock & Roll Saxophone cover most Rocksax effects. The books comes with CD (I have CCs!!!!).

 

[dooce]

Yes, but only in extreme situations - my old band occassionally used to finish gigs with a raucous version of My Way a la Sex Pistols and squealing the reed in the last chord (which could go on for half a minute or more) was the only way I could compete with the thrashing drums and guitar. If you vary the pressure on the reed you can almost play a tune using the technique, but it's a horrible noise - I wouldn't recommend using it too often.

 

[rhysonsax]

Just wondering if any of you RnR and RnB player's out there ever use the Reed Squeal.It was used by Jnr Walker a lot

Can you give examples of where Jr Walker used reed squeal ?

He was an absolute master of altissimo playing, but that is different, extending the normal range of the instrument using "unusual" fingerings and great control of the airstream and embouchure. I can reed squeal quite easily, but have difficulty in playing altissimo reliably.

In "What Does it Take", Jr Walker starts on an altissimo A and plays quite a few altissimo Gs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0xzcavGrj4

Rhys

 

[compound]

The number Sweet Soul has it on amongst other's, i asked my music teacher year's ago how Jnr Walker could get so high. He said he's doing reed squeal's, and proceded to demonstrate. Exactly the same sound, he used altissimo fingering's as far as i'm aware.
Rob.

 

[rhysonsax]

That "Sweet Soul" certainly gets very high ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnAn8WmMysI

I can't tell which bits are altissimo and which are reed squeals. Can anyone tell ?

For me, you don't have to do any fingerings at all for reed squeal - it's just about forcing a different mode of vibration on the reed. It also tends to ruin the reed for me, so I leave it to the end of a gig and won't do it with my best reeds.

Rhys

 

[zootsaxenberger]

That "Sweet Soul" certainly gets very high ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnAn8WmMysI

I can't tell which bits are altissimo and which are reed squeals. Can anyone tell ?

For me, you don't have to do any fingerings at all for reed squeal - it's just about forcing a different mode of vibration on the reed. It also tends to ruin the reed for me, so I leave it to the end of a gig and won't do it with my best reeds.

Rhys

I think that reed squeal like any effect is fine as long as it is not over used. like Rhys, I tend to save it for the last part of the gig when we are doing something really punchy the punters love it.

 

[thomsax]

I don't think Jr Walker s playing with reed squeal on Sweet Soul. The reed squeal is a hazzard, at least for me. I can't say what tone that pops out.

 

[Jules]

My name is Jules & I'm a squeak-aholic..... far too attached to silly noises- partly due to the fact I can produce a 'feedback' blowout to rival any electric guitarist without having an amp and partly due to being a huge fan of Pharoah Sanders/ Davey Payne/ James Chance.......

 

[thomsax]

Here is a Youtube clip with the young Matthew Stubbs and two honkers , Sax Gordon and Terry Hank. In the end of Gordons solo I think I can hear some reed squeal. Great music and some wild honking.

Thomas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osdTlRslN-k

 

[compound]

Nice one Thomas, that's my kinda music.Rob.

 

[thomsax]

Rob and other members, Come over to Sweden/Scania for a Rocksax weeekend. Andrew Clark, Boston, is coming over for for gigs and teaching. On Friday 17/9 Blues- and Rock-jam with the sax in focus. Saturday 18/9 AC is playing ROCK, BLUES, FUNK, OLDTIME R&B, SOUL , Sunday 19/9 Rocksax workshop; Five Common Styles in Rock.

There are great books and internet sites that help the saxplayer to get into Rocksax effects but to be have a teacher/person who shows and help you is much better.

Thomas