For the past several weeks I have changed my approach to practicing standard jazz tunes. I am learning to outline the chords of the song. Up until now, I had only learn how the chord progression works, and determined what scales I could use to improvise. Learning to outline the chords of a song seems … Continue reading Music or Life?
https://youtu.be/UczHSWO_7dE I don't know what happens sometimes. It has been about 3-1/2 weeks since I practiced and now I'm struggling again. Technique suffers the most and the fastest. Embouchure is okay, but I still feel weakness. However, this didn't keep me from recording and posting on Youtube. The video above is a demo of a … Continue reading The Jumbo Java
I haven't worked for several weeks because of back pain. The pain also affects my ability to practice as much as I would like. The weight of my go-to saxophone is pretty taxing on my neck and upper back. However, I am getting in some quality time with the horn. Even though I'm getting quality … Continue reading Pain & Regret
https://youtu.be/OwvEjyi0tJY So, I have been feeling better lately. I got a chance to play the horn this week, and I wasn't in as bad a shape as I thought. My embouchure feels pretty good, and my technique is not horrible. I look forward to trying to improve. I no longer have any hope of playing … Continue reading A Fine Romance
I'm often frustrated beyond belief, and anger follows. Well, mostly self-deprecation and pity.
So it has been a while since I've practiced the saxophone with any consistency, or at all. My embouchure is so weak it makes me feel like my sax is leaking. I'm sure that if I took it to a repair shop, they would find nothing wrong with it. I want to resume practicing regularly. … Continue reading My Weakness Is Overwhelming
I had another gig on May 2 with the Hot Peppers, in North Charleston. We played at the North Charleston Senior Center. It was some sort of middle of the day dance or art appreciation or something. It was a short performance. We only played from 3-4 PM. The audience seemed to have a good … Continue reading More Gigs
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
I love it and I hate it all at the same time. I love listening and I hate listening. I like playing it and I most definitely hate it. Why?!!! When I was young it was nearly impossible to tear me away from it. I wanted so badly to learn and be a good player. … Continue reading What Is It About Music?
Well, it has been a while since I've posted here. In fact, it has been a while since I have practiced on a consistent basis. When I started working last March it got harder and harder to practice. Then I began getting stressed out at work, eventually quitting just a few months ago. In the … Continue reading Hello Again
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