Today, let's talk about the origins of Ibiza sax – how it went from describing saxophone played alongside Ibiza house music, to being a more general term for sax played alongside a DJ or pre-recorded tracks.
The saxophone was invented by Belgian inventor and musician Adolphe Sax in the early 1840s, with the patent approved in 1846. Considered one of the more modern classical instruments, it came about when Adolphe was improving bass clarinets – wanting something louder and more projective like a brass instrument, but with the agility of a woodwind.
The sax exploded in popularity in the early 20th century – from John Coltrane's sultry jazz to Charlie Parker's bebop. Move through the Yakety Sax era of the 60s into the 70s and 80s pop and rock era, and the sax had cemented itself in nearly every popular genre. It was only a matter of time before it landed in Ibiza.
In the 1960s, Ibiza was a bohemian paradise for artists. Rock and roll took hold in the 70s, dance music in the 80s, and by the 90s the 'Balearic Beat' sound (sometimes called Ibiza House or Ibizan Chillout) had truly exploded.
The sound spread into UK clubs through DJs like Paul Oakenfold. Live music played alongside DJs and electronic tracks became popular thanks to artists like Safri Duo. Saxophone (and percussion) became a popular way to add live improvisation to DJ sets.
Sax players like Lovely Laura and Ellie Sax popularised the modern Ibiza Sax sound in the 2010s, performing at clubs, weddings and festivals worldwide.
Originally it meant sax players over Balearic beat. Now it broadly means sax played live with DJ music – everything from 'Freed From Desire' and 'Show Me Love' to 'Jubel', 'Mr Saxobeat' and 'This Girl'.
A key part of the Ibiza sax style is interactivity. For weddings, parties and corporate events, I love getting on the dance floor with guests – often as a surprise sax, jumping out from behind the DJ booth to get the party started.
Ibiza Chill is the daytime cousin – the music you'd hear at Ibiza bars or watching the sunset at Café del Mar. Cocktail in hand, sunbathing by the pool. It's a popular choice for wedding breakfasts, drinks receptions and sunset terrace drinks.
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