Chops Horns, featuring saxophonists Darryl Dixon and Dave Watson, has been on the rebound. Following a stunning world tour with Alicia Keys, the duo just recorded the song “Impossible” on Christina Aguilera’s newest album. Alicia Keys’ 2002 tour ran from January 22 through November 15, encompassing 67 dates in the states and 35 overseas. She hit 13 countries in eight weeks on her European tour. The seasoned duo admits they’re looking ahead into potential tours with other acts such as Mariah Carey and Stevie Wonder, yet the next move remains to be seen.

“It’s a win-win situation. We got a chance to get out there again and Alicia got our expertise. She and the band obviously respect our experience. She has a young band full of great players. They call us the veterans. We are always on time…We’re the road dogs and we know what to do. Even the musical director would come to us for advice behind closed doors,” Dave said.

Darryl’s 15-year-old daughter has seen the Alicia Keys’ concert twice. “I fall into the category of ‘cool dad’ now. I’m hip again according to my daughter,” he said.

Presently, three trumpet players, two trombone players and one sax player complete the section at any given time.

Darryl Dixon and Dave Watson have been working together as Chops Horns since 1978, taking a somewhat unconventional path to success. They have seen the best and the worst of the music business in the past 25 years, yet they are on top once again.

….YOU CAN READ THIS COMPLETE INTERVIEW IN MAY/JUNE 2003 ISSUE OF SAXOPHONE JOURNAL. Contact dornpub.com for subscription information.

Used by permission.
© 2003 by Dorn Publications, Inc.
May/June 2003, Vol. 27, No. 5