CLARENCE CLEMONS (1942 - 2011)


Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band - "Jungleland"

"And now we arrive at what is unquestionably Clarence Clemons' finest hour, his epic, extended saxophone solo from 'Jungleland'. It's useless to try describing this one; suffice to say, it showcases, in two minutes, all of the Big Man's greatest talents, particularly his passion. The solo comes at a point in the song when words are no longer of any use - Springsteen has set the stage, described the scene, put the players in position, and Clarence takes care of the rest. When the lyrics resume for the final few minutes, the story has skipped ahead; Springsteen doesn't need to sing about the connecting material, because Clarence and his Sax told the story through pure, raw emotion. 'Jungleland' is a masterpiece, and it wouldn't be nearly as good without Clarence's legendary solo - hell, since 'Jungleland' is the last track on the album, the solo is really the climax of Born to Run itself, the apex of Springsteen's most iconic work. If that doesn't speak to Clemons' importance in the E-Street Band, then nothing will". (aqui)

(2011)