Ace Cannon

[sax maniac]

I went to see this guy last night and he was great, anyone who has heard him play knows this. Does anyone on here know who he is? he is located mainly in the memphis and the midsouth area, but i'm sure he goes to other cities on tour too. Just thought i'd add my two cents :wink:

[Big Jim]

Ace Cannon is really a great Sax Player. Sorta my Mentor.. ( I only hope to play this good) I can remember him form back in the late 50's or early 60's. Tuff is still in my mind. Everytime I play it I hear Ace playing it. Also there is a Gospel Sax player, Dan Traxler that ACE is also his Mentor. Check out Traxlers web site. Now, my favorite Sax players.... Big Jay McNeely, Boots Randolph, Ace Cannon and then Dan Traxler. Of course, there are a bunch more, but, this is my style. have a great day. Warmest Regards,
Big Jim

[Mike Ruhl]

Does anyone on here know who he is?
Ace Cannon is a living legend. If you haven't heard him, you must be under 40 years of age, and are not to be trusted. :wink:

[sax maniac]

ohh but i am 15 and have heard him though :lol:

[Mike Ruhl]

ohh but i am 15 and have heard him though :lol:
Consider yourself blessed. And trusted. :wink:

Seriously, though, even back in the day relatively few folks actually knew who Ace Cannon was. Boots Randolph got all the glory.

[John Laughter]

sax, here is some info that might be of interest;

Ace Cannon is a saxophone virtuoso and quality musician whose records have consistently appeared on Billboard’s and Cashbox’s charts.
Ace Cannon started his career in Memphis, Tennessee, recording on many of the 1950s hits on SUN RECORDS. As Sam Phillips once remarked, “Ace Cannon is the greatest saxophone player who ever lived, but then he came out of the same stables as Carl Perkins, Elvis, Jerry Lee, Bill Justice, etc.” In 1959 Cannon started performing in the Bill Black Combo, one of the most popular instrumental groups of their era. He traveled on all concert dates and played the lead saxophone on all the original recordings. The Bill Black Combo appeared on the most prominent TV shows of their era, including The Ed Sullivan Show, The Merv Griffin Show, Dick Clark's American Bandstand, and The Buddy Dean Show in Baltimore, Maryland.

In 1962 Cannon recorded the instrumental smash “Tuff.” Since that time he has recorded 52 albums and 37 singles, including several Grammy Award-nominated songs such as his recording of “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain,” and million selling TV albums such as Golden Classics and The Entertainer. His pairing with trumpeter legend Al Hirt produced a historic duet TV album of country classics that could be one of the biggest TV albums in history.

In 1986, he performed on The Class of ‘55 album which brought together Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Roy Orbison. This collaboration led Ace and Carl Perkins to perform together for the entire year of 1986, playing show dates all over the U.S.; a tour of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark; and the World’s Fair in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Presently considered one of the top artists for TV sales, Ace Cannon has made numerous appearances on Nashville Now, New Country, Charlie Daniel’s Jam, and Fan Fair. In 1986, he was asked by Dick Clark to join the All Star Band for the Country Music Academy TV Special.
Ace is considered a musical genius even as far away as the Caribbean, where more than 10,000 people recently showed up for two sold-out shows at The Spectakula Forum in tiny Port of Spain, Trinidad. This popularity has been the main reason Ace was asked to return on at least a dozen tours in the Caribbean which included the islands of Barbados, Trinidad, Tobago, and British Guyana, South America, Hamilton, and Bermuda since 1975.

Ace Cannon has always appeared as either a solo artist or with a full band. He is an artist that is on the rise again. His wide and varied repertoire includes everything from rock and roll to country standards to pop, and he is no stranger to jazz and blues, which makes his music appeal to audiences of all ages and musical preferences.
The 1990s have been great for Cannon as he has recorded two new CDs for WIRL records located in Barbados, entitled Music For Lovers and Sweet Dreams. They have also been distributed in the U.S. with tremendous response. He has also overdubbed his terrific horn on some record tracks on the late and great Ivory Joe Hunter.

In 1997, Scotty Moore and D. J. Fontana, two of the original Elvis Presley Band, recorded an album entitled All The Kings Men, which consisted of eleven songs by various artists, such as Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Jeff Beck, Steve Earl, Ronnie McDowell, and The Bill Black Combo. Of all the songs on the record, The Bill Black Combo selection was the only nominated for a Grammy Award. This was an exciting honor for Cannon, as this was a group he started his career with forty years ago.

[amalfitano_hamilton]

O.K....Ace Cannon is an icon. But if anyone calls him a virtuoso, then I'd have to object to the loose usage of that term. I've seen him play a couple of times and he has never struck me as anything more than "decent" as professional sax players go. Now, this is just my opinon, but of the "country sax" genre, Boots Randolph should've gotten all the glory. He's 10 times the player that Ace is/was yet only 1/2 the player that the "giants" of sax are.

[amalfitano_hamilton]

Well, I must say. I've just gone to the Dan Traxler site and he's terrible. I'd say he was inspired by Ace Cannon. The technical aspect of his playing is high school inspired and his pitch is gosh-awful.

Hear for yourselveshttp://www.geocities.com/~gospelsaxman/PAGE2.html

[John Laughter]

Ace Cannon is a saxophone virtuoso and quality musician whose records have consistently appeared on Billboard’s and Cashbox’s charts.

O.K....Ace Cannon is an icon. But if anyone calls him a virtuoso, then I'd have to object to the loose usage of that term

amalfitano, let me say that the above was taken word for word from his web page and given to me to use in a book.

[amalfitano_hamilton]

Hey, there's alot to read out there, and I gues virtuosity is objective. But, if you've ever listened to Ace Cannon and then maybe put on a Sonny Stitt LP (insert any other great player here), I would have to wonder how anyone could draw a favorable comparison for Ace.

And, incidentally, Barbados is the perfect place for Ace Cannon! :lol:

And, becasue I believe in objectivity, here's alink to the Ace Cannon Online Juke Box

http://www.acecannon.com/music.html

[Kosma]

Well, I must say. I've just gone to the Dan Traxler site and he's terrible.

That's an understatement!


The technical aspect of his playing is high school inspired and his pitch is gosh-awful.

By far the worst I've ever heard by someone who actually puts their music out there.

However I have heard several high school players through this forum who are 100 times better than this guy.

[amalfitano_hamilton]

However I have heard several high school players through this forum who are 100 times better than this guy.

My apologies to any high school players that I may have offended!

[Mike W]

In my opinion, Ace Cannon is most certainly one of the great sax players of all time--as is Boots Randolph. Sonny Stitt is also great, but he doesn't bring the excitment to his music that Ace often does. Ace's version of Yakety Sax is amazing! Ace plays one of the best honkey-tonk altos (and tenors) I have ever heard. But then, I am past 40.

[John Laughter]

But, if you've ever listened to Ace Cannon

amalfitano, actually, I did do a lot of listening to Ace when I first started playing nightclubs and proms. His hits are listed below. I was about 15 and some of Ace’s hits were required in order to play with any local band along with the hits of those “lessor” talents like The Champs, Johnny & The Hurricanes, Bill Justis, Wailers, and the Viscounts to name a few. Rock & Roll and R&B was sweeping the nation and sax players were a vital part of a band. The jukeboxes played “Tuff” in just about every dive and bar that I performed in and helped to make the sax one of the most popular instruments of the day. I also listened to Coltrane, Desmond, Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis and so many more but that was not where the money and gigs were in those days. Boots also did a lot to spread the good word about the saxophone with his own country technique. Music for the “average Joe” on the street.

Many of us on SOTW made a living playing the clubs and smoky beer joints that catered to a lot of people who enjoyed this music. I have played “Tuff” more times than I care to recall and it always got them on the dance floor and brought a smile to many a face. Nothing complicated. Just good old simple music for the masses, many of whom went out to a club to relax and get away from the daily grind and pressures of the job. “Commercial” if you will. So my hat is off to Ace and all of those 50s/60s players who inspired this high school kid in a time when music, people and gigs where a lot of fun…..and, I am still having a lot of fun. I do not play “Tuff” any more (but would if requested) and I do not listen to Coltrane or Stitt. The gigs that I play these days call for recent dance music but I will always thank those of “lessor talent” for helping to encourage many of us to pick up the sax in the first place. The Ace’s of the country, along with the fine jazz and classical performers, have all helped to keep the sax in the ears and faces of people all over the world.

Yesterday it was Ace and Boots who received some flack on occasion for what they did. In recent years it has been Kenny G and, to a lesser degree, Candy. Those of us who have been playing for a few years have seen it come and go but many of us also acknowledge what these performers have done to make the sax popular for the masses, which has, in turn, helped to keep many of us employed.

I always try to keep in mind that every style and level of music has it’s place and an audience. If it helps them to boogie or “helps them make it through the night”, then so be it. And I would imagine that if you were to ask Ace about his music he would tell you that he is proud of what he did and would also tell you that he has had a ball over the years! I would also bet you that he would agree that the term "virtuoso" is a bit much but.... what the heck.....go on and play some rock & roll and have some fun!

amalfitano, please do not take this reply as negative. And I am too old to be offended :lol: Just a few passing thoughts to consider.

1960
#16 BLUE TANGO-BILL BLACK’S COMBO ACE CANNON ALTO

#11 DON’T BE CRUEL-BILL BLACK’S COMBO ACE CANNON TENOR

#18 JOSEPHINE-BILL BLACK’S COMBO ACE CANNON TENOR

#9 WHITE SILVER SANDS-BILL BLACK’S COMBO ACE CANNON TENOR

1961
#20 HEARTS OF STONE-BILL BLACK’S COMBO ACE CANNON TENOR

#25 OLE BUTTERMILK SKY-BILL BLACK’S COMBO ACE CANNON TENOR

1962
#36 BLUES STAY AWAY FROM ME ACE CANNON ALTO

#17 TUFF ACE CANNON ALTO

#26 TWIST-HER-BILL BLACKS COMBO ACE CANNON TENOR

[amalfitano_hamilton]

I'm in no way offended! To each his own. My only real objection was to the term "virtuoso" being used to describe Ace. Nowhere in my posts did i say I disliked him! Man, I cut my teeth on "Cotton Fields" and "tuff" and boots Randolph is the reason that my country (Alabama) parents put a sax in my hand in the 4th grade. We had Ace on LP and Boots on LP and reel-to-reel and finally 8 track (The Yakin' Sax Man!). But even then, I understood them to be what they were...not great sax players, but "popular musicians."

And incidentally, I too am a Kenny G detracter. I can't stand his playing! Now, that's something that I won't say about Ace or Boots.

And Candy...who cares how she plays? :lol:

[John Laughter]

I know what you mean about Candy. Once in a while I will look down the line at our horn section and think to myself that it would be nice to have a lineup of good looking ladies!

At any rate, just a side note about the early players. When I was working on a project in 92, I wrote to David Liebman about participating. He did and in his letter he told me that one of his early inspirations was "Crossfire" by Johnny & the Hurricanes. I recall thinking that it was good to know that a musician of his caliber had not forgotten.

[amalfitano_hamilton]

In honor of the genre I've just put the cd "Yakety Madness" (Richi Cole/Boots Randolph) in my computer. Have you ever heard that? Yep, alot of great players, and I'd call Richie Cole a virtuoso, have not forgotten. This cd just 'ol Boots justice too. Richie matches Boots' style and they are true to the music.

[Subtone Sam]

If Ace Cannon is great,I must have THE wrong album of his.Its something like "Super Sax Country Style",an old vinyl album I have bought years ago used.On this album he plays tunes like "Love Me Tender",backed by strings and steel guitars etc., with thin and raspy tone.More proper name for this album would be "Country&Western Music for Elevators".I remember listening to this record and thinking that everything will be OK as long as I don't sound like this.

[clem]

Does this happen to anyone else? After you tell someone that you're a saxophonist, they go "Oh! I just love the saxophone! My favorite song (or player) is "Tuff" (or Boots Randolph)." I just can't take these guys seriously because they are obviously playing for a generally unsophisticated (musically at least) audience. I think they will go the way of Perry Como or Jimmy Dorsey and fade with the generations that liked them. I don't know when was the last time anybody made a request to play something by the Bill Black Combo! But consider Otis Redding or Marvin Gaye or Chet Baker. Their music has already crossed over to another generation of listeners. Did you know that Chet Baker has about 100 cd's currently available? I overheard a girl in Border's Music dept. talking over her cell phone about all the Baker albums and which ones were the best!

[danmcb]

I love the tune 'Tuff' - as recorded by Hank Crawford and Jimmy McGriff on "On the blue side".

I was so knocked out by that cut that I went to check out Aces version (along with a few of his other tunes). I was underawed. Sorry, but that's how it is.

I have respect for ANYONE that manages to make a living out of music though, so long as they play in tune and in time and do their honest best.

It's a tuff world.

[SuperDave]

Holy Cow patties!! I went to that Dan Traxler website.....(if you can't say something nice don't say anything at all)..... :(

[Big Jim]

Dan Traxler is not only a Sax Player but a Pastor also. He has blessed many people with his Music, including me. Thanks and Merry Christmas,
Jim

[SuperDave]

I suppose he must be very busy pastoring...and not have must time to practice....

I'll bet he is a heck of a guy....but the music...welll....errrrrrrrr umm
I 'll bet he is a heck of a guy.

[GHawk]

My musical influences in order are: Boots, Bach and Brecker. I grew up listening to Boots and lifting his melodies off records while practicing the scales/etudes, etc. that make one a good legit player.

While in college I followed the mainstream "Boots haters" and played the "only" music....classical - which included LOTS of Bach transcriptions.

When I graduated undergrad, I continued with my daily routine of scales/etudes/exercises and at the same time really listened and analyzed the "magic" music - jazz. I threw myself at learning how to play those magical passages that I had never understood before....and this is a quest that I'm still happily pursuing - learning more every time that I pick up my horn.

As all three of the aforementioned creep into my playing, I think that I have a pretty good grasp of the definition of virtuosity - I have studied with a couple of virtuosos in the classical realm. Boots is a virtuoso, whether you like his style of music, or not. If you analyze his songs, you will hear some amazing things that he does with a saxophone - things that "ordinary" sax players can't do or at least, can't do consistently. Boots uses the "malleability" of the saxophone to create many "voices"....unbelievable control and creativity - and a technical master.

Ace Cannon, while having an undeniable appeal to lots of people, doesn't strike me as a virtuoso. Good at what he does - certainly. Virtuoso - no. Do I enjoy his music - yes, at times. One doesn't have to be a virtuoso to make enjoyable music.

Just MY thoughts.

ONE MORE THING - Candy CAN play some funk. It needs a little more power for my taste, but man, it's funky stuff.

[Saxmoe]

I guess I need to defend my name at this point since several of the experts have weighed in on my music i.e. SuperDave, amalfitano_hamilton and kosma with their dilike for my music.
You see what you fail to understand is that when Samson went out against the Philistines he did not have what it would take to be so forceful in attack. He did not look the part nor was he anything special to look upon; this was the reason the enemy was so confused and sought a reason for his strength (via Deliah). What he had was not great ability nor looks nor training but he had something no one else had "the approval and anointing of God" The anointing makes for an appeal the secular community and worldly minded individuals can not understand. So I will continue to play, I will continue to sale more cds than any of you probably do and I will probably continue to receive awards, play the Ryman, play the Opry, and be nominated by my peers for a 7th year out of 8 not because of anything other than what I have on my life; the anointing of God and His approval. I do not do what I do to please you. I will not stand in front of you on judgement day and ask if you were pleased; so long as I please God I am happy. My sales and my ministry are enough to validate my place as a sax player. If I need any other I will just ask God[/b]

[SuperDave]

I'm not an expert, no do I have to be to know what I like.
Kenny G. sells more than anyone...and I don't care for his music, he must be the 2nd oh never mind....
At least the people get a CD for their donation.


Anyway sorry if I offended.





OH crap! I feel like I just p.o'ed Ned Flanders!!!