Gerry Rafferty - Baker Street

'Baker Street' is a ballad written and first recorded by Scottish singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty.

Released as a single in 1978, it reached number 3 in the UK Singles Chart and number 2 in the USA, number 1 in Australia and number 9 in the Netherlands.

The arrangement is famous for its saxophone solo, played by Raphael Ravenscroft.

In October 2010 the song was recognised by the BMI for surpassing 5 million performances worldwide.

Named after the famous London street of the same name, the song was included on Rafferty's second solo album, City to City, which was Rafferty's first release after the resolution of legal problems surrounding the formal breakup of his old band, Stealers Wheel in 1975.

In the intervening three years, Rafferty had been unable to release any material due to disputes about the band's remaining contractual recording obligations. In addition to a guitar solo, played by Hugh Burns, the song features a prominent eight-bar saxophone riff played as a break between verses, by Raphael Ravenscroft.

The solo had been intended for guitar. Ravenscroft was in the studio to record a brief soprano saxophone part and, when he heard that the guitarist would not be available to play the solo, suggested that he record it using the alto saxophone he had in his car. The solo led to what became known as "the 'Baker Street' phenomenon".

I know that this song is from the 70's but it is one of those songs that you just love. The saxophone solo is fantastic. I have always loved this song since first hearing it back in 1978. I also wanted to include the song here as, like Mick Karn, Gerry Rafferty also died on the 4th January 2011. Gerry had been ill with liver failure due to his heavy drinking and this is what finally killed him. So here is the beautiful song for all to enjoy

Click the link below to download the following:
Video
Single Version
Album (Extended) Version
Big Change In The Weather - B-Side

http://www.mediafire.com/?13cavtsca4r1m

Gerry Rafferty - Baker Street - Video