Jake Clemons Plays “Jungleland”

Jake Clemons Jungleland

A previous post discussed the news that Eddie Manion will be playing saxophone along with Jake Clemons on the upcoming tour with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. It will be interesting to see how the two trade off on the solos, how often they play together, and whether they fill different parts on different nights.

Although nobody can replace Clarence Clemons, the previous post showed how Manion is able to tackle the epic “Jungleland” solo. If you are curious about Jake Clemons’s chops, here is his take on “Jungleland.” Note, though, that the guy who kind of looks like Bruce is not Bruce but Robert Philippi of the European cover band BruceBand. (Video starts at sax solo.)

Jake Clemons has the music in his blood, being the nephew of Clarence Clemons. Springsteen’s decision to include both the experienced Manion and the talented young Clemons seems like an inspired choice. But then again, the Boss usually does not let down his fans. And the inclusion of Jake Clemons, and Jake’s decision to join the band, seem consistent with the message of the new single, “We Take Care of Our Own.”

29 July 2012 Update
: Jake Clemons played “Jungleland” with the E Street Band in Sweden last night.

What do you think of the addition of Jake Clemons to the band? Leave your two cents in the comments.

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    New E Street Band Sax Player: Eddie Manion?

    southside johnny Yesterday, in The Record, Southside Johnny talked about his friendship with Bruce Springsteen, adding, “He’s stealing my saxophone players to replace Clarence, so we steal from each other’s bands occasionally.” Southside did not mention a saxophone player by name — and he did use the plural “players” unless that was a misprint. But one may assume that the theft at least includes Eddie “Kingfish” Manion. Manion played with Springsteen as part of The Sessions Band when Springsteen was touring to promote The Seeger Sessions. In addition to being an original member of Southside’s Asbury Jukes, Manion also played with The Miami Horns and Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul. He also was part of the backing horns when Springsteen played the Super Bowl halftime in 2009, and he played baritone sax with the E Street Band in the Carousel House video shoot for songs from The Promise in December 2010. So, considering the long relationship, the rumor seems like it could be true. [Feb. 9, 2012 Update: As noted below, it has been confirmed now that Manion will be playing saxophone on the upcoming tour — with another saxophonist.]

    If you are wondering what will happen to “Jungleland” on tour, here is Manion playing a tribute to Clarence Clemons after the Big Man passed away.

    And here is Manion with Springsteen and The Sessions Band playing “Pay Me My Money Down” (video set to start at a Manion solo):

    Assuming Manion is part of the tour, it is unclear whether Manion will be a full-fledged permanent member of the E Street Band or whether he is just filling in for the upcoming tour or whether he will be one part of a larger horn section. Of course, Southside’s comment is not official and Springsteen has not made any announcements yet. Nobody can replace Clarence and those are some mighty big shoes to fill, but the music must go on. Welcome, Kingfish.

    Update: Blogness on the Edge of Town speculates on the addition of a horn section while noting that we may not know the makeup of the touring band until the first rehearsal show.

    Update 2 (Feb. 9, 2012): Bruce Springsteen’s website has now confirmed that Eddie Manion will be playing saxophone on the new tour along with another saxophonist, Jake Clemons — the nephew of Clarence. The tour will also feature singers Cindy Mizelle and Curtis King, trombonist Clark Gayton, and trumpeters Curt Ramm and Barry Danielian.

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