How High The Moon, Sort of

So I’ve been trying to attain some speed and technique and more accurately played rhythms and make more complete ideas. Jazz improvisation is not the easiest thing in the world, but, it is one of the most satisfying activities I have ever experienced in life. I will be forever learning I think.

The tune is How High The Moon. I really do know the harmonic structure of the tune, even though it doesn’t sound like it. I used to think I was good at improvisation a long time ago. Now I’m not sure I was. Still, it was always the high point of my day. I love playing the saxophone, and being a musician in general.

Update

My hand and fingers are working perfectly, well, without pain. Thank-you’s to all the people who encouraged me to have the carpal tunnel release done. The area where the incision was made is just a  little sore but getting better all the time.

Recording

This is the first attempt recording this particular song. As you can hear, only about a minute of the 3-and-a-half-minute recording was salvageable. I just couldn’t quite get it together. The purpose is really to show off the sound of the mouthpiece.

Equipment

I’m playing the Vandoren metal V16. My reed is too soft, but I like the way it sounds. I’m trying to learn, figure out, if I can use softer reeds and still be able to play the altissimo register. Right now it is not happening. I may have to go with a harder reed.

I’m still loving the Allora Paris Series saxophones. I like the sound, the action, and the ease of play. It was a great buy. If you’re looking to buy a new sax without spending a crap load of money Allora is the way to go.

There is nothing wrong paying more for an even better instrument. I plan to buy one someday myself. There are several that I like, including Selmer and Yamaha brands.

So, let me know what you think about the sound and what little success I had on this tune.