Before Dan was born in 1974, I worked in the Office of Revisor of Statutes at the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. I was used to hallways of senators and representatives wearing boots and vests and cowboy hats. But I was surprised at at least one form of entertainment in the rotunda one day–a musical saw.
I was drawn by the eerie euphony of the saw. Could my baby–due in a few months–(we didn’t know whether we’d have a boy or girl) hear the music? He or she squirmed and danced the entire time!
Parenting Science says that “in the last trimester of pregnancy, babies become increasingly capable of hearing a range of musical tones, and studies confirm that babies react — in the womb — to the sounds they hear.” I can certainly attest to that.
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” played on a musical saw.
This is just mesmerizing.
Did it help Dan become musical? He didn’t play a musical saw but he took piano lessons during grade school, then was in nearly every chorus or choir his high school offered.
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By the way, there’s even a website called Saw Notes for enthusiasts.
I remember often hearing people play the saw when I was a kid. I thought it was just a “hillbilly” thing, but if it was practiced in the halls of Colorado government, I guess not! Your comment about your unborn baby squirming upon hearing the music of the saw made me think of how John the Baptist, then in the womb of Elizabeth, leaped upon hearing the voice of Mary when she announced the imminent birth of Jesus. (Quite appropriate, I think, considering the season we’re about to celebrate!)
Thanks for reminding me about Elizabeth and her unborn baby!
Mesmerizing – yes! Thanks, Joy! 🥰
I just listened to the two songs. The second fellow was jiggling his leg to get a nice vibrato! Very impressive!!
I’ve heard OF this, but not sure I’ve ever heard on before. Amazing!
This brought back memories from my childhood.
There was a traveling evangelist in the late 60’s-early 70’s named, Tommy Stone. The church we attended had him for a week each summer. He was super talented. A comic, a songwriter, dynamic preacher, piano, trumpet, and harmonica player, singer, and saw player. He used a violin bow on the smooth edge and would bend the blade for the pitches. A most unusual sound. But he could make that thing sing. He often sang along with his saw as well, when he wasn’t at the piano. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. God’s Grip – Alan
Thanks for your winsome memory, Alan. A blessed Thanksgiving to you and your family as well.
There was a saw festival in NYC which ran annually for 11 years. It got into the Guinness Book of records for the largest musical saw ensemble: http://www.MusicalSawFestival.org It was organized by the Saw Lady, who’s playing is on many movie soundtracks. I recommend ‘Dummy’ with Adrian Brody, or ‘Another Earth’ with Brit Marling. Great saw playing scenes.
Wow, Thanh you!
Saw music is so eerie, it’s spooky. Your son probably was influenced by what you listened to if it inspired him to break dance in your womb. 🙂
Break dance–what fun!
It’s really quite remarkable that anyone can play the saw 🙂
Yes!
That is absolutely incredible! 🙂