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
I think I am the only one familiar with this blog's content. So, I guess I'm just writing to journal my musical progress. I AM making progress. I believe I am playing better jazz than I ever have in the past. I am better at analyzing chord progressions. I am steadily adding new tunes to … Continue reading Progress & Equipment
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/d68km44l4dI So, it has been around 5 years since I began practicing the saxophone again. I would like to think I have gotten better. For sure, I have not progressed as far or as fast as I once did when I was younger. I have managed to practice 2 to 3 times a week. However, … Continue reading Practice & Progress
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycHdItqF5Iw The Allora Paris Series Alto Saxophone Allora Paris Series Alto Saxophone This is the sound of the Allora Paris Series alto saxophone. I find it to be a satisfactory instrument, though sometimes, I do feel like there is some resistance. There are times when I find it a little difficult to play in tune … Continue reading Allora Pairs Series Alto
I am forever trying new mouthpieces, reeds, saxophone necks, sax harnesses, etc. Am I really in need of these items? Not really. For the most part, I am satisfied with 99% of the equipment I have for my tenor sax. It boils down to this; I like trying out new stuff! So, here I am … Continue reading A Mouthpiece Comparison
https://videopress.com/v/o0ZPWm2s?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true I have had the Drake NY Jazz mouthpiece for nearly two years. It has only been a few times I've been able to produce a good sound. Lately, maybe because a stronger embouchure, I have been getting better results. Other factors include reed choice. Usually, I play on Vandoren Javas 2-1/2, red box. With … Continue reading My Drake Mouthpiece
So, this past December, I decided I wanted to see a jazz concert. I searched Google for Jazz concerts in the Charleston, SC, area, and Camille Thurman with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra came up for a Saturday evening concert on February 26, 2022. I had never heard of her, and now, I will never forget … Continue reading Camille Thurman & The Charleston Jazz Orchestra
https://youtu.be/3xpI_EPEEcA Lately, I have been kind of consistent with my practice. So much so, my embouchure pretty damned stable. Now I need to work on consistency in my playing, so I don't make so many mistakes. Last night pulled out my favorite tenor sax mouthpiece (at least the one that will produce the tenor sound … Continue reading The Pure Sound of Guardala mouthpeices
https://youtu.be/3VaYjvg9ZbY I have posted about this mouthpiece before. However, as the years have passed, this mouthpiece has immerged as my favorite. This mouthpiece allows me ease of playing and a quick route to the tenor sax sound I prefer. I am playing the Vandoren V16 Ebonite (hard rubber) mouthpiece. It is the first mouthpiece I … Continue reading Another Look a Vandoren Ebonite
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