When it comes to saxophone in popular music, arguably some of the most, if not the most, epic saxophone solos ever played were done by Pink Floyd’s Dick Parry.
Parry’s work on both “Money” and “Us and Them”—the 2 singles from the English band’s 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon—was instrumental in the way the songs resonated with audiences.
However, it was in “Us and Them”, that the saxophone truly shined as a solo instrument, and told a critical piece of the nearly 8 minute musical story. Not only are Parry’s 2 solos an integral part of “Us and Them”, but so too are his melodic lines that he weaves throughout this musical epic.
In this performance released on video in 1995, you hear Parry’s haunting sax lines that help tell the tale of “Us and Them”.
Dick Parry is an English saxophonist who is likely best known for his work with Pink Floyd. He was a childhood friend of Pink Floyd’s guitar player David Gilmour, and has worked with Gilmour on numerous projects since the mid 1960s.
Besides his work with Pink Floyd on The Dark Side of the Moon and other albums, Parry is a session musician and has performed with others such as: Bloodstone, The Who, Banco de Gaia, John Entwistle and Rory Gallagher.¹
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