Model:  Special

Sax:  alto, tenor

Material:  hard rubber

Chamber: medium

Baffle: medium

Description:  The ‘Special’ model was made by the Woodwind Co for Dick Stabile. An alto model is shown on the left; a tenor model with a metal ring on the shank is pictured below.

Dick Stabile (1909-1980) was an American jazz saxophonist and band leader.  Stabile got his start playing in theater ensembles on Broadway in the 1950s. He joined Ben Bernie’s orchestra in 1928, where he remained for several years. In 1935 he started his own ensemble, recording with vocalists such as Bunny Berigan, Paula Kelly, Burt Shaw, and Gracie Barrie, the last of which he would go on to marry. During this time Stabile recorded for the labels Decca, Bluebird, ARC, and Vocalion/Okeh. His band worked often in hotels in New York City and was chosen to play at the New York World's Fair in 1959-60. During World War II Stabile led a band while serving in the Coast Guard; Gracie Barrie led his ensemble in his absence. After the war he moved to Los Angeles, where he began working with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis from 1949 up to his death. He was the leader of the orchestra on many of Martin's popular recordings. Additionally, he worked with Jimmy Dorsey and Vincent Lopez. Contrary to the assertions of some, Stabile did not play the alto solos in "So Rare," which was recorded by Jimmy Dorsey on November 11, 1956. Rather, Stabile was utilized for his alto in a session that occurred several days after Dorsey's death, and under the leadership of trumpeter Lee Castle. Stabile was known among saxophone players for playing in the upper altissimo range of the saxophone and for his own fingering system. After spending the latter 1960s leading dance bands at Los Angeles ballrooms, Stabile took a job at the Hotel Roosevelt in New Orleans, where he worked from the middle of the 1970s until his death in 1980. Dick Stabile mouthpieces were manufactured by the Woodwind Co, Martin, and Conn. He also commissioned Martin to make own saxophones stencils with his name engraved on the saxophone.

Dick Stabile

www.dickstabile.com