Roy Montrell was one of the busiest sessionmen, and one of the most influential guitarists in New Orleans for more than 20 years, playing with everyone from Bobby Mitchell to Roy Milton and Lloyd Price, as well as being a fixture in Fats Domino's band for years--along the way, he even found time to give guitar lessons to a youthful Mac Rebennack. The New Orleans answer to Steve Cropper in Memphis, Montrell was always booked somewhere on somebody's session, with the result that in more than 20 years in music, he only ever cut two singles of his own, one for Specialty: "(Everytime I Hear) That Mellow Saxophone" and one for Minit: "Mudd."
He played on hundreds, possibly thousands of recordings, some of them among the most famous recordings ever to come out of New Orleans--by the likes of Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint, Paul Gayten, Art Neville et al--and was also in heavy demand as a live musician, usually on tour as part of somebody's band. He died in Amsterdam while on a concert tour of Europe.
"(Everytime I Hear) That Mellow Saxophone" has been widely covered by acts including The Stray Cats and Imelda May. It was chosen by Bob Dylan for the "Musical Instruments" episode of his Theme Time Radio Hour series and is featured on the 2-CD set of tracks from the show.
That Mellow Saxophone
Roy Montrell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hold my baby all the summer
Every time I hear that mellow saxophone
I wanna rip it, rock it, really bop it
Flip it, flop it, Davy Crockett
Every time I hear that mellow saxophone
I wanna rock, rock, rock
Roll, roll, roll
I wanna rip it, rock it, really bop it
Whooo, Davy Crockett
Every time I hear that mellow saxophone
I wanna rock, rock, rock
Roll, roll, roll
Bop, bop, bop
I wanna mambo, snambo, do my number
Hold my baby all the summer
Every time I hear that mellow saxophone
I wanna rip it, rock it, really bop it
Flip it, flop it, Davy Crockett
Every time I hear that mellow saxophone
I wanna rock, rock, rock
Roll, roll, roll
Bop, bop, bop
I wanna rip it, rock it, really bop it
Flip it, flop it, Davy Crockett
Every time I hear that mellow saxophone
Every time I hear that mellow saxophone
Every time I hear that mellow saxophone
Roy Montrell's song That Mellow Saxophone is a classic example of early rock and roll music. The lyrics are simple and repetitive, with a focus on the joy and excitement that comes from listening to a saxophone play. The singer of the song is almost transported to another world when they hear the instrument, as they imagine themselves dancing and holding their lover all summer long.
The repeated refrain of "I wanna rip it, rock it, really bop it, flip it, flop it, Davy Crockett" is a fun and energetic line that perfectly captures the spirit of rock and roll. It's not about making sense, but about feeling the rhythm and letting your body move to the music. The mention of Davy Crockett is a nod to the popular television show of the time, which featured a catchy theme song that everyone knew.
Line by Line Meaning
I wanna mambo, sambo, do my number
I want to dance and have fun with my friends, enjoying the warm weather of summer.
Hold my baby all the summer
I want to spend some quality time with my partner, enjoying the summer together.
Every time I hear that mellow saxophone
The sound of a mellow saxophone brings me joy and makes me want to move my body to the rhythm.
I wanna rip it, rock it, really bop it
I want to move my body to the beat of the music, feeling the energy and excitement of the saxophone.
Flip it, flop it, Davy Crockett
I want to dance wildly and without abandon, like the legendary adventurer and folk hero, Davy Crockett.
I wanna rock, rock, rock
Roll, roll, roll
Bop, bop, bop
I want to dance in a variety of styles and tempos, embracing the versatility of the saxophone and its ability to make me move.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN MARASCALCO, ROBERT BLACKWELL, ROY MONTRELL, ROY E. MONTRELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lt1eg6
I'm no dancer, I'm awward and have the balance of a crab on a vertical incline, but this came on and I was jamming like a goat on a downhill adventure down a mountain! THis is so beyond funky I think my heart might just explode!
@barrympls
Quite simply one of the top 20 or 25 ALL TIME wildest records in all rock 'n roll/R&B. Simply outstanding, anyway you look at it.
@joshmontrell9016
That's my grandpa
@redbosox
Your grandfather was pure GENIUS on this one, along with another classic of his called Oooh Wow! This is REAL music, my friend!
@PrimeBallard
lucky
@thepaulhenderson
Can you tell us about him. When and where was he born? Recording history, etc.?
@davidheafield1436
Josh Montrell ....well your Grandads memory is getting played here in the U.K. on the 1st of Jan , 2020 , ...bloody brilliant
@frankiehandsome8707
Magic!
@hilmarwensorra1215
In very loving memory of Mr. Roy Eutis Montrell (1928 - 1979 R.I.P. // gone but NOT forgotten).
@elmud
Lee Allen is one of my heroes but here Red Tyler gives me the goosebumps!