Introduction The first metal mouthpiece I ever purchased was a Vandoren V16 T45 with a Vandoren Optimum ligature. When I was at the 2014 NAMM show and spoke with Vandoren brand manager, Andy Blanco, he told me that Vandoren has re-released the popular V16 metal mouthpiece and introduced a medium and large chamber. Andy was [read more…]
Kneebody came to town recently, and I had the wonderful opportunity to take a lesson with tenor saxophonist, bassoonist, pianist and composer Ben Wendel. In addition to playing with big names like Gerald Clayton, Jason Mraz, Taylor Eigsti, and Snoop Dogg, Wendel has often accompanied pianist Tigran Hamasyan and drummer, Ari Hoenig, two of the most [read more…]
Introduction D’Addario, the company that produces some of the world’s most popular reeds, including D’Addario Reserve, La Voz, D’Addario Jazz Select, Rico Royal, and Hemke (among others) has finally released a professional-level saxophone mouthpiece for alto called the D’Addario Select Jazz Mouthpiece. Kristen Mckeon, Artist Relations specialist over at D’Addario was nice enough to send me [read more…]
When you think of great saxophone players, who comes to mind – Coltrane? Parker? Brecker? All great, to be sure. But there are other wonderful musicians worthy of your exploration. Here are 3 that I came across simply by happy accident. One via a late night DJ, the 2nd having a chance to meet, and [read more…]
Introduction I have seen more and more players using the ReedGeek to work on reeds that are not performing to their standards. Before the ReedGeek, I used to use various grits of sandpaper to work on my reeds which sometimes worked but other times I ended up destroying the reed or sanding the reed down [read more…]
Most people have heard of overtones and have gotten the idea that they can be a helpful practice tool. That is definitely true, but why? How does transforming your saxophone into a bugle help you? While the answer is fairly simple, it takes some basic knowledge about acoustics to fully grasp what’s happening. Understanding what’s [read more…]
UPDATE: Since the publication of this article, it appears as though the product is no longer available, as the company website seems to be gone and I can’t find any other websites for this manufacturer. If anyone reading this knows of a new website for this company, please feel free to share it in the [read more…]
If you don’t yet know about sax monster Walter Smith III, that needs to change – right now. He’s played with the likes of Terence Blanchard, Eric Harland, Roy Haynes, Eric Reed, Mulgrew Miller, Joe Lovano, Walter Beasley, Terri Lynne Carrington and Christian McBride, to name just a few. He’s recorded as a leader as well, with [read more…]
Introduction During my time here at BSWE, I have reviewed such products as mouthpieces, reeds, ligatures, mouthpiece patches, saxophone necks, saxophones, cases, books, etc. Most recently, I was sent information from Bengt Lidgard, CEO of ScoreCloud, to review their product, also called, ScoreCloud. When I first reviewed the product information and the website, it reminded [read more…]
Have you ever sat down to practice and had any of the following thoughts? I don’t know where to begin I feel lost I’ve run out of things to practice I don’t know what to practice I’m tired of practicing the same music I’m not getting any better If you’ve had any of these thoughts, [read more…]
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