No, it's not really Django on the sax. But on one of my Django CDs, there is a 1935 recording of Crazy Rhythm that features the Hot Club Quintet backing an uncredited tenor sax player, whose opening solo is amazingly Django-like.
After a good deal of research, I was able to determine that the saxman is Alix Combelle, a highly-regarded French player. Not only that, but the clarinet solo immediately following is also Combelle. Fast hands on the switch!
Anyway, I thought it would be fun to try Combelle's solo on the guitar. It actually works quite well. Here's my attempt at a transcription (thanks to Power Tab and Amazing Slow Downer). I think it's reasonably accurate, with the following caveats:
- The chord progressions are mine and reflect the way I play the song, not the chords on the recording.
- The beamed 1/8th notes are meant to be played in swing rhythm.
- The transcription is an octave higher than he plays it. Seems to work better on guitar.
- Combelle rips into a rapid up-and-down arpeggio in bar 24, which I didn't attempt. You're on your own.
Anyway, I hope some of you have fun with this. I apologize for any shortcomings, being a Power Tab newbie.
Benny
"It's a great feeling to be dealing with material which is better than yourself, that you know you can never live up to."
-- Orson Welles