SOTM SOTM May 2026

[MikeMorrell]

Two years ago, I once heard our band vocalist sing this (Lady Gaga) song 'Always Remember Us This Way'. I'd never heard it before but I was truly captivated by it. So I've chosen it for the SOTM in May 2026. There are many solo sax (and other instrument/vocal) covers on YouTube. So below are are the 'original' and two sax covers.

My HUGE thanks to @sax panther for producing the notes and backing track for this SOTM!
You can find them HERE .

Just a note for relative beginners (like me 😉): as a transcription, the 'notes' are precise in their timing. But please don't get daunted by these! Use them - where useful - as a guideline. Feel free to simplify the melody and timing based on what you hear from the numerous examples, including:

View: https://youtu.be/yPitYBaRwpM?si=JootDGPb5c2XpJgb

View: https://youtu.be/1F_iT12VM7w?si=g0alHmjHKPN3z_Lr

View: https://youtu.be/bR3YGAslOtU?si=g6Dz794zf2atl0oC

 

[sax panther]

Hi @MikeMorrell - the link you've added is the website for one of my bands. Thankful for the free advertising but the backing track and lead sheets are actually in HERE 🙂

 

[MikeMorrell]

I should have added:
- there's absolutely no way that I could ever (as a complete amateur) try to 'emulate' either of these two - to me - 'semi-professional' sax versions (which IMHO) both try to emulate Lady Gaga's version
- I don't see any reason why any sax player (including these two) would ever try to emulate Lady Gaga's original version (including her improv)

For me. the SOTM challenge is simply about creating your own version of the basic melody. Ignoring any embellishments or 'emulated improvisions' you hear. The basic melody is pretty straight-forward. Any variations/embellishments/improvs you might want to add (or not!) are entirely up up to you!

Mike

 

[MikeMorrell]

Hi @MikeMorrell - the link you've added is the website for one of my bands. Thankful for the free advertising but the backing track and lead sheets are actually in HERE 🙂

Thanks for the correction @sax panther. I'll edit my original post.

 

[MikeMorrell]

Thanks for correction @sax panther. I'll edit my original post.

Done.

 

[rhysonsax]

Blimey, is it May already ?

Rhys

 

[MikeMorrell]

Blimey, is it May already ?

Rhys

No ,but I posted a bit early, for a reason. I had a cataract operation (on one eye) this afternoon. At the moment, my eyes work fine (with a hugely zoomed in screen!). They may not work so well tomorrow or the day after. If any (completely unexpected) complications arise, I'll be back in hospital.
So, since @sax panther's notes and backing track were ready, I just thought that I'd post my SOTM for May while my post-op eyesight was OK.

Mike

 

[rhysonsax]

Aha. Good luck with the recovery.

Rhys