I don't think I will ever be the kind of sax player I'd like to be. I don't have the motivation. I enjoy playing the saxophone, but at the same time, it can be the source of much frustration. I practice for hours at a time and make no progress. Sometimes, I record my practice, … Continue reading Tired of Sour Notes
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?
SYOS Tenor Sax Mouthpiece Ever since I began playing the saxophone again a few years ago, I have also been on the prowl for the best mouthpiece I can find. While in the Navy, I started playing on a Guardala Brecker II metal mouthpiece. I loved it! I got a great sound out of it … Continue reading SYOS Mouthpiece
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
After a couple of years of trying new mouthpieces, I have come to the conclusion that the Vandoren V16 hard rubber mouthpiece is the best mouthpiece I have in my arsenal. It is the one that gives me the least resistance. I am closer to the truest tenor sound with this mouthpiece than any other … Continue reading Mouthpieces I Use
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
Leading up to the holidays, I have been making some slow progress in the practice room. For the next couple of days, I will have to put in some quality practice time. I will probably work on some scales and technique-building stuff. My embouchure has been feeling pretty good. I can practice for at least … Continue reading Holiday Practice Schedule
I'm often frustrated beyond belief, and anger follows. Well, mostly self-deprecation and pity.
So, I have not had the opportunity to practice. I have been busy with family stuff. It has not been an easy week. Next week I hope to get back to business. I had been looking forward to practicing this week. There has been a level of excitement about it, even. I still am not … Continue reading Life In The Way
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