Clarence Clemons
Tenor Sax Solo on
Ramrod

About

Clarence Clemons's tenor saxophone solo on "Ramrod" is the only solo on this driving, Chuck Berry-influenced rocker from The River. He takes one full chorus of the 24-bar blues form at 138 BPM in G-flat, a structure that gives the solo more space than the typical brief rock saxophone break. His playing channels the spirit of 1950s rock and roll through his powerful, full-bodied tone, honoring the rhythm and blues tradition that Springsteen's music draws upon. The extended blues form allows Clemons to develop his ideas across a complete structural arc.

Clarence Clemons was 36 to 37 years old at the time.