New life breathed into rare sax (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Charlie's angels

8:03am Monday 12th January 2009 in Local Video By Kathie Griffiths

A rare white Grafton saxophone, a model played by the late jazz legend Charlie Parker, is to “sing” again.

The sax – made of acrylic plastic, not brass, and now a design icon – is being restored by its owner, flautist Sharron Stolarczyk.

Mrs Stolarczyk’s model is one of three vintage saxophones, made in the 1930s, once owned by her late father, Eric Pollard, who played in jazz bands. He died in 1992, at 72.

She is now hoping to hear the Grafton, an alto sax, and the two others – another alto and a tenor – played in the Dales Jam jazz band.

Mrs Stolarczyk, of Cross Hills, near Keighley, plays flute in the outfit. Her friend, saxophonist Steph-anie Wheelhouse, of Cononley, near Skipton, is playing the tenor from the collection.

“It’s wonderful that dad’s instruments are to be played again,” said archaeologist Mrs Stolarczyk.

“The Grafton is a bit special because of its links with the great Charlie Parker, my dad’s idol.”

Dales Jam musical director Richard Ormerod said it was great to see the instruments being given new life.

Anyone interested in joining Dales Jam should go to Skipton Mart Theatre on Mondays at 7pm, or call 07766 490233.