Album Notes

Rob Verdi's Prose and CONNversations featuring the rare Conn-O-Sax


THE CONN-0-SAX

From approximately 1915 to 1925, there existed a saxophone craze that brought unprecedented popularity to the instrument. The saxophone could be heard in popular Vaudeville acts, military ensembles, community bands, theater orchestras, and society dance bands. Performers such as the 6 Brown Brothers and Rudy Weideoft gave this mid 19th century Adolf Sax creation credibility while exposing it's versatility to millions.

The popularity of the saxophone began to diminish in the mid to late 20's, in part, due to the growth of radio and the movie industry, combined with the decline of Vaudeville. In response to slumping sales, saxophone manufacturers begin creativity conjuring up unusual new designs in the hopes of rejuvenating the market. One such invention was the Conn-O-Sax. Manufactured by Conn in 1928, the Conn-O-Sax had extraodarinary features such as a straight body and a "bubble" as the bell. It was pitched in the key of "F" (as opposed to the standard Bb and Eb) and had an extended key range of nearly 3 octaves from low "A" to high "G". It's musical qualities produced a beautiful mello tone somewhat reminiscent of an English Horn or a Heckelphone.

The Conn-0-Sax, along with it's sister instrument, the "F" Mezzo Soprano, were unveiled by the prestigious Conn Company with fanfare and big expectation. Despite heavy advertising and dealer promotion, the idea never caught on. Manufacturing ceased after just one year and many of these fine instruments were intentionally destroyed by Conn. The "F" Mezzo's and perhaps some of the Conn-O-Saxes were bashed with sledge hammers and then given to young repair personnel in Conn's repair training facility as a means of allowing them to develop their skills in removing dents from instruments. Surely an undeserved fate for such a distinctive class of saxophones.

I am delighted to have the opportunity of sharing this beautiful instrument with you and helping to preserve it;s place in the rich history of the saxophone. Enjoy- Rob Verdi

SELECTIONS:

Autumn Leaves J. Mercer 6:43
This I Dig Of You H. Mobley 5:01
The Nearness Of You H. Carmichael 4:31
Oasis E. Bockemüehl 5:00
All The Things You Are Kern/Hammerstein 8:25
Caravan Ellington, Tizol, Mills 7:06
My One And Only Love G. Wood, R. Mellin 4:29
Si Tu Vois Ma Mere S. Bechet 4:41
Love Letters E. Heyman, V. Young 5:29
There Will Never Be Another You H. Warren, M. Gordon 4:15
When You Wish Upon A Star N. Washington, L. Harline 4:35 (arr. Rusty Stiers) Fly Me To The Moon B. Howard 6:42
Total Running Time: 67:20

REVIEWS:

"Your musicianship really shines through."
Gary Foster, Professional woodwind player & Educator

"He brings to life the beautiful tone of this unusual instrument."
Jazz Scene Review ****1/2 Stars (out of 5)

"BRAVO! On an excellent CD."
Joseph Lulloff Professor of Saxophone, Michigan State University

"I particularly dug Caravan-nicely adventurous playing. The horn sounds great" Scott Robinson, NY based free lance sax player

THIS RECORDING FEATURES:

Rob Verdi: Conn-O-Sax
Mark Massy: Piano
Paul Johnson: Drums
Bruce Lett: Bass
Anders Swanson: Bass
Vince Verdi: Clarinet
Greg Varlotta: Trumpet and Flügelhorn
Roger Bissell: Trombone