The Saxophone History Podcast
Andrew D. Meyer
A thoughtful, researched, and slightly irreverent look at the most interesting players in our history. Join us as we bring to life the stories of some of the most important people, events, and pieces of repertoire from the history of our instrument. This podcast will go deep into the lives of players from all different styles and look critically at players as diverse as Sigurd Rascher and Clarence Clemons. Sources, links, and other info can be found at http://www.andrewdmeyer.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 4min
Sonny Rollins -- Part 3 -- The Cure, Triumphant Homecoming, and Tenor Madness
In this episode we'll examine Rollins' efforts to get clean and his remarkable triumph over his addiction. We'll also look at his time with the Clifford Brown/Max Roach group as well as some of his most classic albums.
Dec 6, 2025 • 1h 6min
Sonny Rollins -- Part 2 -- Goof Square Heroin, Newk, and Rikers Island
In part two I cover Rollins' ascent in jazz greatness and his fall into the depravity of addiction.
Dec 5, 2025 • 51min
Sonny Rollins -- Part 1 -- Caribbean Roots, Growing up in Harlem, and Early Musical Influences
I this first episode of my series on Sonny Rollins we'll look at his early life and family roots in the Caribbean as well as his earliest musical influences and formative playing experiences.
Nov 9, 2024 • 49min
Sigurd Raschèr -- High Notes, New Works, and Big Ole' Mouthpieces
In this episode I'll examine the life and times of Sigurd Raschèr, one of the first major soloists on the saxophone. I'll dive into his legacy in terms of the repertoire he generated, his advances to the altissimo register, and his general "school of playing," as well as some really interesting facts along the way. Sources and links at http://www.andrewdmeyer.com
Aug 19, 2024 • 46min
Lester Young -- Part 2 -- Commercial Success, Military Woes, Alcoholism, and Lasting Legacy
In the second part of the Lester Young story I'll take you through the highs of commercial and critical success as well as the the lows of military service and alcoholism. Lester Young lived a hard life with a less than pleasant end but left a lasting musical legacy that is easily found in many players today.
Aug 18, 2024 • 1h 5min
Lester Young -- Part 1 -- Teenage Runaway, Territory Bands, and the Kansas City Sound
In this first episode on Lester Young I'll look at Young's early life and career, including his work in territory bands and his role in the development of the Kansas City Sound. Also, his time with Fletcher Henderson and early recordings with Basie and lifelong friend Billie Holiday.
Mar 28, 2024 • 1h 20min
Paul Desmond -- Part 3 -- Take Five, Life at Ground Zero, and the Mystery of His Sound
In this third and final episode on the life and times of Paul Desmond, I'll look at the explosion of fame for the Brubeck Quartet, largely because of Take Five, Life after Brubeck, and Desmond's final years.
Jan 7, 2024 • 1h 11min
Paul Desmond -- Part 2 -- Operation Paradise, A Surfing Accident, and the Classic Quartet
In this episode I look at how Desmond methodically weaseled his way back into Brubeck's good graces, got scammed by a woman claiming to be very wealthy, got run out of Reno, and recorded his first sides as a leader. Also, I'll discuss the formation of the classic Brubeck Quartet and the early Colombia recordings.
Nov 25, 2023 • 1h 19min
Paul Desmond -- Part 1
In the first episode of this three part look at the life of Paul Desmond I'll dive into Paul's somewhat unusual upbringing, his struggles to fit in in the military, early career as a saxophonist, and his fraught relationship with Dave Brubeck. Desmond was such an interesting character and his early playing was quite different from the style we mostly associate with him. I think it's really interesting to dive deep into what made him into the alto icon that we know him as!
Nov 10, 2023 • 1h 26min
Johnny Hodges -- Rabbit, Jeep, and Squatty Roo!
Meet Johnny Hodges, the influential saxophonist who topped Downbeat polls for a decade! Dive into his fascinating life, from hiring and firing John Coltrane to owning a pet monkey. Explore his unique sound, collaborations, and legacy within Duke Ellington's orchestra.
