Sidney Bechet, Chicago, c. 1916.

Courtesy of the Frank Driggs Collection.

 

“Maple Leaf Rag”

Sidney Bechet

1932

This highly syncopated version of Joplin’s famous rag highlights Bechet’s powerful tone, virtuosic technique, and improvisational prowess. Listen for the slides, smears, trills, breaks, and clear melodies of this pioneer of the soprano saxophone.