Introduction Steve Wilson is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist that if you are into playing or listening to the alto saxophone, you have definitely heard of. With Steve celebrating the release of his latest album “ENDURING SONANCE“ out on Smoke Session Records on May 1, 2026 I had the opportunity to sit down with him to learn [read more…]
If you’ve ever wanted that gritty, bluesy snarl that cuts through a band mix, you’re in the right place. “Growling” is simply adding a vocal sound while you play so the reed’s vibration interferes with your voice—creating that raspy texture. Do it right and you get color, power, and attitude on command. There are two [read more…]
Sax legend David Liebman's new course is designed to be the ONLY course on saxophone sound you'll ever need. This streaming video series features the most effective sound production techniques and concepts he's come across over decades spent helping saxophonists to find their biggest, richest, and most compelling voice on the horn.
David takes the same methods that were taught to fellow legends (Michael Brecker, Eddie Daniels, and other giants), and expands on them so that players at any level (including those who don't have a ton of time to practice each week) can start building the kind of sound that truly turns heads.
Introduction Since seeing Jay at NAMM 2025 just a few months ago, Jay and his team were nice enough to send me BetterSax Classic saxophones, BetterSax Burnin’ and Classic mouthpieces, and BetterSax Jazz Reeds for tenor and alto saxophone to further play test. I will be sharing a product overview, my thoughts, and sound clips. [read more…]
Introduction Proper reed selection is very important because the reed affects almost every aspect of saxophone performance especially tone, intonation, response, range, embouchure formation and endurance. There are many brands of reeds being produced from cane grown in various regions of the world. Since there are so many reed brands to choose from, it is [read more…]
First, the Usual NAMM Mea Culpa… Ok, so perhaps the title of this article obscures the fact that this is yet another, incredibly belated report from the ancient history that is NAMM 2025. What seems to be the pattern for BSWE each January after NAMM is that there is just so much to share from [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…]
To anyone who’s ever played a wind instrument, the advice to use proper air support is not exactly “insider information”. We’ve all heard it before, many times. Over the course of my years on the saxophone, I certainly have been advised to “support the air from the diaphragm” , but I have to admit – [read more…]
My experience with recording various woodwinds at home during the pandemic was full of trial and error. Check out these 6 tips and tricks I learned to help your woodwind recordings sound more professional! 1. Have a Couple of ‘Perfect’ Reeds As always, make sure you have a few reeds that are perfectly worn-in, like [read more…]
I have been following Jack Finucane at the increasingly-popular Boston Sax Shop for quite some time. Since the introduction of the Balam Back Strap, Jack has expanded his product line to include his own necks (Heritage Neck), neck-straps (Newbury Street & Deluxe), cases (Ambassador Case for tenor and alto), reeds (B.S.S.), and most recently his [read more…]
Introduction Once again, the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show 2020 was filled with exhibitors showcasing their latest music-making products, so once again,I was lucky enough to be able to visit the show myself and check out all of the latest and greatest saxophones, necks, ligatures, mouthpieces, reeds, neck-straps, neck-screws, cases and the list [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!
