In the tradition of some of Bobby Dukoff’s other albums I’ve noted to date, Tender Sax features a woman on the cover. However, unlike on Sax In Silk and Sax In Satin, where the woman is enjoying the pleasure of a playerless sax while wearing a negligee, on Tender Sax, she is wearing an evening dress while attentively watching a saxophone player.
Source: quality4u/estate-finds
Like Silk and Satin, Tender is a product of the 1950s. As a matter of fact, it is most likely the follow-up album to Sax In Satin. Tender Sax was released in 1957. (To read more about the earlier albums, check out my July 19 article about Bobby Dukoff’s 1954 and 1956 LPs.)
Since Dukoff mouthpieces are stereotypically known for their loud and screaming qualities, as a loyal Dukoff user, it is nice to see this album because it does counter the stereotype. I think if people really got to know what a Dukoff mouthpiece could do, and how lush and rich it could sound, these pieces would not be as stereotyped as they are.
Personally, I have not played a more versatile piece. Sure, for the rocker in me it screams, but I do play jazz too. (I just don’t admit it very often.) 😉 The rich, lush, warm, and yes, tender tone that a Dukoff can produce when a player is truly familiar with it, is in IMO second to none.
No one mouthpiece is right for everyone, and I certainly never advocate everyone switch to mouthpiece X, reed Y, or lig Z. I only know that for me, and many of the pros that I’ve worked with over the years, Dukoffs really can be extremely tender, as well as being their stereotypical selves. Hey, even bad boys have their soft side. Right? 😉
