I don't practice like I should. It is the reason I sound the way I do. I came across this video in my photo library. At the time, I had been practicing sort of regularly. As I watched the video, I realized that I was on the verge of something. I had nearly learned this … Continue reading I Should Have Kept Practicing
Category: Video/Audio
My Vandoren V16 Metal
With my new Yamaha tenor sax. I have been playing the Vandoren V16 metal mouthpiece for a couple of years now. When I got it, I was playing on my Allora Paris Series Tenor. The mouthpiece sounded good on the Allora. However, I think it sounds much smoother on the Yamaha, and it was much … Continue reading My Vandoren V16 Metal
In A Sentimental Mood
During the first couple of months of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found the energy to play my sax a few days. Also, about a year ago I had bought a new Yamaha tenor. So, I thought I'd record myself playing a song I thought I knew. Here is, "In A Sentimental Mood," by Duke Ellington. … Continue reading In A Sentimental Mood
Drake NY Jazz Mouthpiece
So I've had my Drake mouthpiece for nearly a week. I like the sound but not sure how much I will like the mouthpiece. It's a challenge and very easy to use at the same time. Easy to get that great sound. Hard to get those high notes I like. Overall though, I do like … Continue reading Drake NY Jazz Mouthpiece
Scrap Iron
For some reason, I have always found the blues hard to navigate. The tunes are usually pretty simple, easy to hear, yet, I can't do without hitting some crap notes. I try to do a lot of listening. Especially to tunes that feature sax players doing what I cannot. I'd like to share a tune … Continue reading Scrap Iron
Green Dolphin
I am still learning slowly. As I've said many times before, there are a lot of tunes I used to think I knew. I had never taken the time to figure out how the tunes actually worked or worked out the harmony or how it was put together. Green Dolphin Street was one of my … Continue reading Green Dolphin
Tower Of Power
Another band I was introduced to by my high school band director was Tower Of Power. They are a band that features a full, very tight, badass horn section! And at that time the band had as their saxophone player, Lenny Pickett. It was the first time I'd ever heard a saxophone player successfully play … Continue reading Tower Of Power
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 … Continue reading How High The Moon, Sort of
Carpal Tunnel Surgery Today
Tomorrow morning I go in for surgery on my right hand for a carpal tunnel release. It has gotten to the point that all my fingers hurt, including my thumb. Soon I will have to have the left one operated on as well. I should not have waited so long to have it done. I … Continue reading Carpal Tunnel Surgery Today
Progress & Difficulty
Well, I said wasn't gonna, but, I did anyway. I bought another mouthpiece. I mentioned it the last post, the Vandoren V16 metal mouthpiece. Having played on it for the past several days, I am super satisfied. First of all, it is the most gorgeous piece of metal I've ever seen. It is made of … Continue reading Progress & Difficulty
tonelovette.com 