Abstract
This paper studies the life and works of the famous saxophonist, Sidney Bechet. It details the reasons for his being a soloist and gives an historical overview of his personal life. It details his hard but successful life as a musician. It examines the major players influenced by Bechet such as Bob Wilder and Johnny Hughes. It concludes with quotes of things said about Bechet by famous musicians.

From the Paper
"Sidney Bechet truly led the life of a jazz musician. He was a supporter of Dixieland Jazz who played the clarinet and was the first person to play Jazz on a Soprano Saxophone. Domineering is a word frequently used to express his music. Various fights showed he had a short temper that reflects in his music. His solos were often soaring and passionate, endlessly inventive, direct rather than ornate. Throughout his life, he never had the discipline needed to play in a regular band; he always preferred to be a soloist and worked in many different bands. "

Tags:Sydney, Bechet, saxophonist, jazz, musician, Soprano, Bob, Wilder, Duke, Ellington

Abstract
This paper explores the life and works of Sidney Bechet, the great soprano saxophonist and one of the most innovative and original clarinetists in jazz. The author describes the key quality that Bechet brought to jazz was his musical freedom, his Creole heritage and the musical influence of his family. Bechet's music is all about singing and he truly seemed to find his voice when he mastered the sax and was a great improviser with a passion for life as well as music.

Table of Contents

About Sidney Bechet
Musical Style
Soprano Sax and Clarinet
Other Instruments
Comparing Styles through his Music
Literature Review
Summary
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Sidney Bechet was a pioneer jazz musician who changed the music of his time into a unique art form. Considered to be one of the greatest jazz musicians of New Orleans, Bechet was an innovator on both the clarinet and saxophone. His music changed jazz music forever and inspired countless musicians of all types.
Bechet was born in New Orleans in May 1897. He was of Creole ancestry and grew up in a middle class neighborhood. He was greatly influenced by music, as his father, a shoemaker, played the flute as a hobby, and his four brothers played various instruments, as well. (Chilton)"

Tags:new, orleans, soprano, saxophonist, clarinetist, musical, freedom, music, Creole, sing, singing, improviser