15 Saxophone Versions of Harlem Nocturne – Which is Your Favorite?
Harlem Nocturne is one of the most popular tunes for the saxophone. Written in 1939 this tune is considered a jazz standard and has been recorded by a lot of different musicians, not just saxophonists of course, but you have to admit, it sure sounds good on the sax!
1. Big Jay McNeely
2. Earl Bostic
3. King Curtis (alto)
4. King Curtis (tenor)
5. Nuclear Whales Saxophone Quartet
6. Sam Butera
Long time saxophonist for Louis Prima
7. Sam “The Man” Taylor
8. Sil Austin
9. David Sanborn
10. Spike Jones
11. Johnny Otis Band
12. The Lounge lizards
13. The Viscounts
14. Willis “Gator Tail” Jackson
15. Boots Randolph
Johnny: Great stuff here! Big Jays and Kings Tenor are my favorites so far on your post. I have the Earl Hagen music written in F. It is the same as I hear, except for the improvising. However, there all nice! Thanks for posting. Tim
Thanks for posting all of this here on your blog Johnny 🙂 I think this could well be one of THE biggest Saxophone tunes of all time–if not the biggest….I’m hoping it would be worth your time financially to make it available on your music selection to buy….NO ONE is going to make a backing track/Sax version of this fantastic song as good as you. Got to give this awesome, awesome song the respect the deserves ! 🙂
Of the ones you have listed here; I would have to say Big Jay’s! King Curtis’ version on Tenor is fantastic too–the beat to his version has a rhythm to it like it belongs on the old movies of “The Pink Panther” and Inspector Clouseau somewhere in france LOL
My personal favorite version of Harlem Nocturne is by The Viscounts that was featured on the movie “Christine:
http://youtu.be/hkCuhJ1L92g
Ya, Big Jay’s really modern sounding, I think his recording was made in the 80’s so I guess that’s pretty modern compared to the others!
I’m pretty sure the Viscounts version is on my CD as well.
As for doing a backing track, I guess I nailed myself into a corner on this one! I gotta do it but no idea yet on which version…I may just take some ideas from a few and make my own.
Hey Johnny! Thanks for this. I look forward to the rest of the collection. I enjoyed all of the tracks. Although I’m a tenor player, I feel Earl Bostc’s version has the most taste and polish. He has a tasty vibrato and an expressive edginess that just grabs my ear and takes me to that era. The keyboard, vibes and minimal drumming create a great mood. Big Jay’s presence was compelling as well. NW Quartet has a nice mix of sax voicing. Cheers, Mark
When I first heard Earl Bostic I thought he was playing a tenor! He has the biggest and nastiest alto sound I ever heard… and I love it.
Johnny: I have the transcribed music for the Viscounts version. I got it from, saxsolos. If you want it? I will scan and send it to you.Hmmm? I may of sent it already? Tim
Tim, I have the music for Harlem but I would love to have a look at that version as well. I don’t know if you sent it, I’ll check my email going how far back though?
Hey, Johnny
King Curtis (TS ver.) is the one that caught my ear and soul.
Thanks for posting the different versions of Harlem Nocturne.
I feel like a kid again listing to King Curtis’ version reminds me of the theme music of Mike Hammer of the 80’s when I would watched with my Dad.
I can’t believe that Earl Bostic was playing this on the Alto! I didn’t even know it till I looked at the pic; that’s ludicrous. But I guess that’s where years of playing can get you–so much for that old saying of the Saxophone being “easy” to play. Nothing could be more misleading and further from the truth…which is probably one of the things that can cause someone to get discouraged and give up?
Take all the time you need Johnny to make a release available for this mega tune; I really appreciate how you do take your time….the end result is WAY worth it. I’ve had several family/friends who that I had somehow used my cpu. to eliminate the vocals from the song and just play along with my Saxophone instead LOL They couldn’t tell the difference between your backing track and the real thing 🙂 By the way: Isn’t it illegal to do and post on youtube–eliminating the vocals from someone’s song, play along with it and posting it on the internet?
You may remember a commercial years ago for a product that would remove the vocals from a record so you could sing over your favorite song…
this is not what I do. I record all the instruments and all the tracks from the ground up so am not using anyone’s tracks but my own. Even the songs I do that sound very close to the original, you’ll notice upon closer listening that they are still different.
Johnny: Don’t take all that time. I’ll send it in the morning! Tim
i’ve deleted some of my uploads on youtube.
it managed to identify backing tracks that are protected by copyrights,
Big Jay McNeely – sounds natural & relaxed
Earl Bostic – sounds with suspense & sexy
King Curtis Alto – sounds so sad
King Curtis Tenor – sounds sad but you want to move with it
Nuclear whales – would send me to sleep, too supermaket for me
Johnny,
Any way we could download the mp3s so that we could practice against the versions? Thanks.
http://www.clipconverter.cc/mobile/
This website will allow you to copy the URL address from youtube and convert it into an mp3 file for you. Copy and paste the URL address from youtube where it says “paste the URL” and then just select “mp3” and then click “start” Once it’s converted to an mp3 file, then you can download it to your cpu., pretty easy to do.
Johnny I have been playing Harlem Nocturne since the 60’s and love the Viscounts version.
Johnny Boots Randolph also has a nice version from his Night Train album.
Hey Royce, I believe both of those versions you mentioned are on the compilation cd I have so they’ll be up her shortly.
Extra cool stuff, my all time favorite saxs song! I like the Viscounts version which isn’t one here yet (I’m the guy who paid to have the saxsolos guy to figure it out!)
I think the Big Jay McNeely and Earl Bostic are the coolest versions so far…..i have never heard either one before, so thanks big time for posting them Johnny! Can’t wait for the rest!
Ed: I had Curtis do Viscounts for me also. Tim
Thanks Johnny i really do appreciate your web site
and introducing sax players unknown to some of us .
Big Jay Mc Neely , is one i never heard of , but because
of you , I am a fan man ,and your lessons are also a blessing to most of us,
Thank you
Russteesax
Thanks guys, Big Jay is awesome and probably the wildest of the screamers. I do, or used to have a lot of his stuff so haven’t checked whats on youtube but see if you can find some. He can get wild and crazy and actually a little much for some, but it’s a good example of those high screaming notes.
Let me know if you run across anything cause I can see what I got and maybe upload here.
Everyone. I grew up and was able to see Big Jay many times where we lived. He was from Compton and I was in Hermosa Beach CAL. Jay played in Manhattan Beach at a bar named Ciscos. This was in the early 60’S He and his band were great! Fun all the time. You can find many on you tube.. Deacons Hopp, 3 D, There’s Something On Your Mind are just some of his hits at the time. Deacons Hopp was done in 1948. He wrote, Somethings On Your Mind. Great memories for sure of a great place to grew up. Tim
It’s something how Johnny mentions that Big Jay was probably the wildest of the screamers…..in the book I have that came with the 4-part CD set of “The Big Horn” there’s a section called ‘The History of the Honkin’ and Screamin’ Saxophone’ they talk about Big Jay’s bio and how he was actually banned from playing at many Los Angeles venues because of his “musical tantrums” that drove his audience white, black and Chicano teenagers into “such delirium” with his 45 minute solos. Big Jay was even investigated by a psychiatric board to see if his act was having a detrimental effect on young audiences. In his bio, he’s referred to as “definitely one of the most frantic wild men of the R&B era” and that he would peel of his jacket and shirt while playing.
Michael: I never saw him lose his shirt. He was on the bar many times however. Great sounds and always entertaining! In the audience too!
OOPPS!! He did walk outside playing too. He got arrested in San Diego for doing it. The story goes, that a band member went and got him out, he came back and went on playing. Gotta love it!!
thats amazing Tim56, i know someone who was in
a pub in London in the 60’s with his future wife.
in walked the rolling stones and did a gig!
I’ve never been lucky enough to see famous
artists in their time!
Jay is amazing! He would sit and talk to the people in the bar during the breaks. He had as much fun as we did! I talked to him about 4 years ago. He would do lessons, but me being in Arizona and he in Cal, no skype then. So, we never got together. Real nice guy. He told me he had given his M-6 to a friend and was playing a Super 80 at the time. He has to be in his mid 80’S now. Still playing!
Oh yes……….Big Jay is STILL playing: Here he is in 2012, in his mid 80s as Tim56 says, taking his time out to play with some young “bloods” who are fans of his! How great is this guy? Sure looks like a super fun guy to hang around with 🙂
http://youtu.be/mo72TKmz84g
Sam Butera – absolutely beautiful, completely relaxed, such control, romantic
Sam “The MAN” Taylor – reminds me of Earl Bostic but slower
Sil Austin – sounds like the Pink Panther band backing, bit slow
David Sanborn – sounds like a karioke jazed up style of Earl Bostic
Spike Jones – sounds like a Disney Tiki room
It’s great to hear so many versions. Big Jay had some nice things going on in his version. But for pure nostalgia, I gotta go with the Viscounts. Used to play this version on a jukebox in little dive bar. Sounds like a soundtrack for some film noir.
I’m still voting for the Viscounts as my favorite.. the killer Big Jay McNeely version 2nd…the mega cool Willis “Gator Tail” Jackson for 3rd. And probably the semi strange Lounge lizards 4th.
All very cool and different…GREAT SONG!
Hey Johnny, Thanks again for this. Great tune and discussion. I’ve enjoyed reading the comments and perspectives. It’s challenging to pick one favorite since there’s many aspects – player,style, band contribution, interpretation and delivery. I had to pick a favorite tenor (my horn choice) and a favorite alto. For tenor, I like the Viscounts and Big Jay. For alto, hands down Earl Bostic. Second choice for alto was harder. Spike Lee, Johnny Otis and Lounge Lizards had style and tone that said “smokey Harlem burlesque club” Lot’s of ear candy.
Cheers, Mark
The spike jones version w/ sax and clarinet sounds great.
Was waiting for him to something silly with the une, but that never happened. His version kind of reminds one of a Night Club act or a Cabarett, strip joint like.
Willie ‘Gator Tail’ Jackson with his sultry licks then ending the survey with Boots Randolph twist melancoly
ya guys, it’s pretty hard to pick a favorite…so many things to consider, groove-wise, player etc.
To be honest, I’m gonna have to take a break from this tune cause I’ve been hearing it a lot from the editing and uploading etc. Then with fresh ears I’ll come back and get into it again. Gotta decide on a version for a backing track too. I think we can all agree that Harlem Nocturne is really a smokey-melancholy tune. It’s dramatic and it fits the sax soooo well. Looking forward to playing around with it soon.
Johnny Otis! Wow! I listened to him on the radio when I was in grade school through high school. I love his band sound! The Altos do not do it for me. This is a Tenor tune for sure! All great musicians! Viscounts is the one for me. Johnny Otis passed 2 years ago at 90. He got into California politics for much of his life. Did not hear too much of him after the early 60’S. Great work here Johnny! I have one more copy of music if you want it.?Tim
Johnny Otis – slow, sleepy jazz
Lounge Lizards – cool
The Viscounts – too hank martin for me
Willis – too supermarket
Boots Randolf – too difficult to follow
I’ve re-listened to all of them, and all the saxaphone players are outstanding players.
For a learner like me, i’ve listened to all the backings the players have, for my level of playing & the era i was born in, i would feel more comfortable playing along to something with a drum beat in it. Not loud overbearing sax playing – which i’m incapable of doing, and it’s got to have a bit of rock/blues movement. Something i would want to grooove to.
Out of all 15 there’s only 2 tracks that i could envisage playing along to as a backing track –
King Curtis Tenor or the Lounge Lizards
1st: No.1 Big Jay McNeely
2nd No 4 King Curtis on Tenor
3rd No 13 Viscounts (but too much whawha in the back!)
Also cool for me:
7,10,14,15
I am trying to play this song for a while and a agree with sxpoet that i need a slower beat driven backing. The tune is not very complicated except for the two chromatic hopping runs. I always get out of beat there because i need to much time reading the notes and hitting the keys. I need a lot more work on this!
Hello Again,
I would like to buy the Earl Bostic version of Harlem Nocturn you have on this list. I see the album cover “Jazz Time”. I can’t find this on ITunes. This version has a sultry feel that the versions I can find don’t have. My instructor has encouraged me to transcribe by ear so I’m not a “slave to the page”. I appreciate any help from you on this. Warm Regards, Mark
I liked the King Curts tenor version the best all the others are great! Thanks for all your hard work with this site.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_y3G9_pQpxQ&feature=youtu.be
King Curtis on Tenor is my favourite followed by his alto version. The Spike Jones version is interesting too with the clarinet, (I do like a bit of clarinet).
Hi Johnny,
Great range of styles in the list and Harlem Nocturne amazes me by how well it lends to a gritty and edgey or mooth and chilled style – can’t choose! What does everyone think of Illonois Jaquet’s version?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1yYJc1_LMU
Steve
Oh ya, I had checked that out earlier too. My list is basically from a CD another sax player gave me years ago and so I decided to share it. You can keep going and find many more as someone has done in the forum….it’s a popular tune!
Hey Johnny, Any chance of getting an mp3 copy of the Earl Bostic Harlem Nocturne from your CD this list came from?
Mark
Hey Mark, I’ll do you one better…
You can go to Youtube and convert any video to an mp3 simply by putting the video’s URL into this site:
http://www.youtube-mp3.org/
It strips the audio from any video and you’re left with an mp3 and you can get that version by Bostic (and the others) from youtube.
found another version of Harlem Nocturne I like a lot.
http://youtu.be/LoZG0qvxhlw
i like that version!
All we need now is a version set in the future,
like the music played in star wars!
Johnny – you’ve got your work cut out on this one!
Jackson or boots
Hi Johnny! Don’t ask me why but Boots Randolph caught my ear, and it had to be the last one, right? I’m only 48 but a bit old fashioned I guess when it comes to the music.
Anyway, thank you Johnny for all you have done and got out here, I’ve been playing since I was ten. Bounced around with a few instruments but enjoyed the sax and stayed with it all through grammar school and high school marching band and stage band. I still play but not like before and your site is a fantastic place to come back home to, thanks man!
Joe “sax”
Hi: Been awhile since a post to this subject but anyway here is a link to 42 versions of Harlem Nocturne….. Love Illinois Jaquet version, the one I use mostly but with more rhythm for dancing. http://blog.wfmu.org/freeform/2008/05/42-versions-of.html