RIP Clarence Clemons

Well, the legendary sidekick of one of my favorite bands died on Saturday after suffering a major stroke.  I am glad I had the opportunity to see Clarence Clemons perform with the E-Street band on many the occasion, and friends and I even talked about if this was the last time they would be the powerhouse they were known for (no offense to keyboardist Danny Federici who died in 2008.)  Sadly, it appears 2009 might be the end of the legendary E Street band  that has made Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band the infamous  live performers that they were known to be.  In honor of the Big Man, I give you my 5 favorite Clemons solos:

5.  Badlands
A small solo, but huge in stature in a live performance.  When Clarence steps forward in the passionate sing along, it serves as an emphasis to "spit in the face of these Badlands!"

4.  Rosalita
Technically, not as impressive as many other solos, the swirling sounds of the tenor sax keeps this party in motion.  A classic show-stopper, and a great example of how Clemons saxophone helps to create the full sound of the E Street Band.

3.  Trapped
Not a Springsteen penned song (written by Reggae artist Jimmy Cliff) The solo served as a powerful attempt at escape.  It is one of my favorite live songs and the solo always gave me chills.

2.  Jungleland
Probably most people would rank this as #1, and that's because it is good.  Real good.  In one of Springsteen's better story-telling songs, the action seems to stop and clam down when Clarence pulls out this lengthy beautiful solo to change the mood of all that surrounds Jungleland.

1.  The Fever
A song that Springsteen was never fond of drips with sexuality like nothing I have ever heard before on record.  The sultry saxophone that continues throughout the song definitely  helps to create the mood of longing and wanting that Springsteen so passionately croons about.