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

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 Six Brown Brothers and Rudy Weideoft gave this mid-19th century Adolphe Sax creation credibility while exposing its versatility to millions.

The popularity of the saxophone began to diminish in the mid-to-late 1920s, 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 began creatively conjuring up unusual new designs with the hope of rejuvenating the market. One such invention was the Conn-O-Sax.

Manufactured by Conn in 1928, the Conn-O-Sax had extraordinary 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 range of nearly three octaves, from low A to high G. Its musical qualities produced a beautiful mellow tone somewhat reminiscent of an English Horn or a Heckelphone (a very rare baritone oboe).

The Conn-O-Sax, along with its sister instrument, the F Mezzo Soprano, was unveiled by the prestigious Conn Company with great fanfare and big expectations. Despite heavy advertising and dealer promotion, the idea never caught on and manufacturing ceased after just one year.

I am delighted to have the opportunity of sharing this beautiful instrument with you and helping to preserve its place in the rich history of the saxophone. Below you will find information on how to order a copy of this unique and beautiful recording.

Rob Verdi

Gary Foster, Professional woodwind player & Educator

                     Jazz Scene Review  ****1/2 Stars (out of 5)

Joseph Lulloff
Professor of Saxophone, Michigan State University