This article is part 2 in a 2-part series covering the latest and greatest saxophone products shown at NAMM 2018. In case you missed it, click here for part 1. AM Mouthpieces I have been hearing more buzz around the AM mouthpieces made by Arnold Montgomery. While at the show, Arnold had me try the “Aras”, [read more…]
This article will cover the topic of auditions and the various job opportunities for saxophone players. I will touch on the military fleet, field and regional bands of the Navy, Army, Marines and Air Force. In addition I will discuss opportunities with the cruise lines via auditions with Pro Ship. Lastly I will discuss the [read more…]
One very important concept I work on with students (as well as work on myself) can be distilled down to three words. What I infer in this statement is that an instrumentalist might think of a way to formulate their playing, be it improvised or playing the theme, so that you can actually hear all [read more…]
Official Bio Saxophonist and composer, Andrew Gould, has established himself as one of the most in demand saxophonists on the NYC music scene. A graduate of both Manhattan School of Music and SUNY Purchase, Andrew continues to hone his craft on and off the bandstand. In 2013, Andrew competed in the Thelonious Monk Saxophone Competition [read more…]
Introduction This marks my 7th year attending NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) and the show keeps getting better and better every year. Similar to my experience at the 2017 NAMM Show (2017 NAMM Show Saxophone Gear Roundup), the 2018 NAMM Show was full of exhibitors showcasing products such as: necks, ligatures, mouthpieces, reeds, neck-straps, cases [read more…]
I believe that writing can be a great shaping and determining factor in your development as an improviser. In my case, towards the end of college, I had developed a be-bop vocabulary after being inspired by Bird, Cannonball, Stitt, Phil Woods, Charles McPherson and others. However, while I was able to play somewhat in that [read more…]
In my first article for the Best. Saxophone. Website. Ever. I discussed using melodic shapes from J.S. Bach’s music to expand your vocabulary and improve your technique and range. We then took those shapes and applied them to a standard chord progression. Today I want to delve in to just one piece of Bach’s music, [read more…]
Michael Brecker’s Visit to the USN’s Atlantic Fleet Band Michael’s one day workshop came about through the hard work of MU2 (Musician 2nd Class) Jeremy Bustillos and the permission of LCDR (Lieutenant Commander) Mel Kessler, our band officer. On or about September 2, 2003 we had a surprise visitor at the Atlantic Fleet Band in [read more…]
Official Bio Tucker Antell is a New England native, but being raised in various states across the US, began his career in Sarasota FL. He started honing his musical craft by sitting in with retirees who took him under their wing and taught him the ropes of Jazz. Tucker explained:“Though I didn’t realize it at [read more…]
My name is Larry Weintraub, I played tenor sax, clarinet, bari sax, alto sax and bass clarinet with Army, Navy and civilian bands. Today I will be talking about touring with military bands both stateside and overseas. Things to do as a reed player before you leave If there is any doubt of how your [read more…]
Tips and Techniques from the pros PLUS free access to the Sax Lessons with the Stars archive - 10 years worth of interviews and exercises featuring the likes of David Liebman, Bob Mintzer, Ben Wendel, Bob Reynolds, and many more!
