Yakety Sax

As a sax player of 35 years myself, I know all that Boots has put into his sax playing artistry. For all the years of days of hours I have spent trying to cop some of Boots playing licks; when it comes to describing the respect, admiration I have for Boots and his music, there is never adequate wording. It's not just that Boots Randolph is literally the greatest sax player thats ever been or ever will be. Its not just that Boots has set the standard of excellence for peak sax playing in any styles of music. Maybe part of it is the humanity, the emotion and the impeccable style, incredible multi-faceted techniques and peak delivery Boots Randolph puts into every song or performance I've ever heard him play. I've had this album a long time, bought it new on vinyl way back in the late 60's. This album captures in great digital CD sound, Boots' early recording work in Nashville for the RCA label. He recorded for RCA just before signing with Monument in the early...Read more

This album made Boots a household name. Having already been a studio musician for the likes of Elvis and Brenda to name just a few, he released this major album. The first 6 selections are yakety tunes and the remainder are slow melodies. Outstanding are 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes' and 'I Really Don't Want To Know'. He surely crossed over from country to pop very very well. A companion to this album would be Boots with Knightbridge Strings. Great sax on both.

I've been listening to Boots for over 40 yrs. I had the honor to talk with him at his once owned resturant/stage in Printers Alley, Nashville. Boots was a down to earth person who spoke of his inspiration to play the horn at age 17. he told me that Earl Bostic's style impressed him and to my surprise the styles of Earl can be detected with Boots, However, Boots is tops and having played the tenor sax myself, I can feel the tremendous soul searhing Boots puts into his play. I personally enjoy his ballads, each and every one is played with 100% of what Boots, has to offer. Boots was born in 1927---somebody needs to advertise his music and give him the host of appreciation he deserves.