Careless Whisper – Harness a simple lick & a Phrygian Mode in Pop
Carless Whisper is a timeless classic that has captivated music lovers for decades. However, one particular aspect that stands out in this iconic song is the saxophone solo. The soulful, sensual, and melancholic saxophone solo in Careless Whisper has become a cultural touchstone and continues to inspire artists and listeners alike.
The saxophone solo in Carless Whisper is a masterclass in melodic phrasing, tone, and technique. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest saxophone solos in the history of popular music. The solo is a perfect example of how the saxophone can express deep emotions through its warm, expressive sound.
I wanted to start our Pop Sax course with Careless Whisper to show you how simple musical ideas can create great music. You need a good knowledge of your scales and arpeggios, but that’s a given…
George Michael admits to writing ‘Careless Whisper’ while on a London bus! He was young and was seeing a girl, but then he started seeing another girl, so he cheated and felt guilty about it. George then wrote the entire song on a bus ride. The sax solo went through many different versions, but the original, released recording was recorded by London-based saxophonist Steve Gregory on a cold, wet February evening in 1983. Steve told me the story about the recording, which I expand on more in this video…(https://youtu.be/6UvoRqBDwsI) – the main thing to remember is despite claims to the contrary, it was recorded on tenor sax, down a semitone as Steve didn’t have a top F# key on his 50’s Selmer Mark VI!
Whether you are a fan of 80s music or not, the saxophone solo in Carless Whisper is a must-listen. It’s a beautiful and emotive piece of music that has stood the test of time. And with the rise of digital streaming, it’s now easier than ever to experience this legendary saxophone solo in all its glory.
Aims
- Play the Carless Whisper Sax Solo in the original key on the 1984 recording…
- Understand how the ‘Cry Me a River’ lick fits into the Carless Whisper solo.
- Perform the solo in different keys, using the ‘Cry Me a River’ lick as your ‘frame’