The Greatest Rock Saxophone Solo: "Baker Street" vs. "Turn the Page"

When discussing iconic rock saxophone solos, two legendary tracks immediately stand out: Bob Seger’s "Turn the Page" and Gerry Rafferty’s "Baker Street." Both feature unforgettable sax performances, but one clearly rises above as the greatest.

Ⅰ. "Turn the Page" – The Soulful Companion

Saxophonist: Alto Reed (Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band)

Style: Mournful, bluesy, and perfectly matched to Seger’s weary vocals.

Impact: The sax riff doesn’t dominate but instead echoes the song’s emotional weight, almost mimicking Seger’s voice in its longing tone.

Legacy: A staple of classic rock radio, proving that sometimes less is more.

Ⅱ. "Baker Street" – The Unstoppable Explosion

Saxophonist: Raphael Ravenscroft (session musician)

Style: Blues-inspired, nostalgic, and electrifying—bursting in after a mellow flute/oboe intro.

The Story Behind the Solo:

Ravenscroft was originally hired to play soprano sax, but when a guitarist didn’t show, he suggested using his alto sax instead.

The solo was improvised on the spot—Rafferty gave him minimal guidance, and Ravenscroft relied on an old blues riff he knew.

The sax erupts every 30 measures, defining the entire song.

Tragic Irony: Despite making the song legendary, Ravenscroft was only paid £27 (about $40 at the time), and the check bounced. He never earned royalties.

Why "Baker Street" Wins

While "Turn the Page" is a masterclass in subtle emotion, "Baker Street" delivers one of the most explosive, instantly recognizable sax solos in rock history. It wasn’t just a background element—it was the song. The fact that it was improvised in one take with no preparation makes it even more legendary.

Final Verdict If we’re judging purely on impact, memorability, and raw power, Raphael Ravenscroft’s solo in "Baker Street" stands as the greatest rock saxophone performance of all time. It’s a bluesy, emotional eruption that defined an era—and did so almost by accident.

This article is provided by Mansdone Saxophone Product Promotion Department!