Introduction When searching for a new mouthpiece, there are quite a few options to consider. One main question that comes to mind is: “Do I buy a new mouthpiece or consider getting my current mouthpiece or backup refaced?” As there are more mouthpieces on the market than ever before, there has also been more buzz [read more…]
Introduction I remember first hearing about Steve Slagle when I was at Jamey Aebersold summer jazz workshop and saw guitarist Dave Stryker playing at the camp. When I was checking out Dave’s C.D.’s and found a few YouTube clips, I noticed Dave was playing with this alto player I hadn’t heard of before but really [read more…]
Introduction I have been a fan of Loren Stillman’s playing for quite some time. Recently, I saw Loren posting more videos on Instagram of himself playing tenor – an instrument which I didn’t know he played – and sharing some great practice ideas everyone could benefit from as well as additional content on his Patreon. [read more…]
Mea Culpa OK, so, maybe this article is based on an event that, at the time of this writing, happened about 5 months ago (aka NAMM 2024). And maybe we were a bit embarrassed to mention that in the title of this article. However, what you’re about to read most certainly lives up to its [read more…]
Concept! The first and most important thing about developing a sound on the saxophone is a concept. Our sound is our voice and the first thing people hear when they listen to us. We must do the best we can to make it compelling and convincing. Similar to giving a speech, we have to know [read more…]
Introduction After returning from NAMM 2024, I was approached by Jennine Peter at 82 Rogue about checking out Kirsten Edkins’ new album Shapes & Sound. Kirsten Edkins is a saxophonist, composer, and educator based in L.A., and in this conversation, she shares more about her story, from starting on the saxophone, to studying at Eastman, [read more…]
I believe that jazz music is one of the most intellectually and artistically demanding paths on which a musician can be. Technical chops and pyrotechnics that have historically been part of jazz improvisation are still an intrinsic part of the music, and the skill set needed to learn an instrument well enough to navigate the [read more…]
Introduction If you’ve ever had any interest in creating arrangements for saxophone quartet, or if you’re simply curious about how those arrangements are created, the read on, as there are few people walking the planet would be as qualified on the subject as the man you’re about to hear from. René Blom is a conservatory-trained [read more…]
Powerful In this article, I share some exercises for solidifying the most important fixtures of my practice routine – sound and flexibility. Exercise #1: Opening Up Your Sound I think of this exercise as a way of working towards a bigger sound by making sure that the flow of air is not constricted as it [read more…]
Introduction You hear it time and time again – the playing level of young musicians entering the scene nowadays is higher than it’s ever been. One of the players who exemplifies this trend and starting to build a name for himself is Aidan McKeon. I had not heard of Aidan until running into some videos [read more…]
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