(Update: this original Mosaic review was of a prototype Mosaic mouthpiece but since the review Phil has tweaked and I think improved the original design of the Mosaic mouthpiece. He has been kind enough to send me a new model to try. I am updating this review and sound clip for the new production model.) […]
2013 Thelonious Monk Jazz Saxophone Competition
I wanted to share this video that is on Youtube of the 2013 Thelonious Monk Saxophone competition. I first heard of the Thelonious Monk competition in the early 90’s. I believe the competition started out in the late 80’s as a piano competition and then started including other instruments in the early 90’s. 1991 was […]
Reed Placement Poll
I thought it would be interesting to run a poll to see where everyone places their reeds on the mouthpiece when setting up. I know many of you will think this is nonsense and you might assume that we all do this the same but I have had so many students come in my studio […]
Morgan Fry Ebonite Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
Today, I am reviewing another mouthpiece made by Morgan Fry. Morgan Fry is a great mouthpiece maker and refacer in England. I have reviewed some of his mouthpieces in the past and had him do some refacing work for me. I have always been impressed with his work and craftsmanship. If you do a search […]
Great Joshua Redman Interview
Here’s a great Joshua Redman interview that someone shared on facebook. I was blown away by the honesty and sincerity of Joshua Redman. You don’t get any sense that he is trying to act or pretend like he is something he is not. He’s just being honest and sincere to who he is. Joshua Redman […]
Morgan Fry Ebonite Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece
Today, I am excited to review a new mouthpiece made by Morgan Fry. Morgan Fry is a great mouthpiece maker and refacer in England. I have reviewed some of his mouthpieces in the past and had him do some refacing work for me and have always been impressed with his work and craftsmanship. If you […]
Devastating Minor Lines for Jazz and Funk Soloing
I just finished a brand new Neffmusic book that I am very excited about. The description is below: An inside approach to outside playing using pentatonics, chromaticism, 3-tonic systems and intervallic patterns to produce modern lines in the style of Michael Brecker and Bob Berg. Devastating Minor Lines contains 100 16th note lines written out […]
Saxophone Microphone Review and Audio Shootout
I recently had a member on my site (Walter Ruckdeschel) post an in-depth review of 8 different stand mounted microphones that can be used for live gigs. I was so fascinated that I asked him if I could post his finding here for everyone to see. If I didn’t have my hands full teaching and […]
FREE 12 Blues Scales Sheet
Here’s a free sheet I give to all my students after they learn their major scales. It’s just a sheet with all the 12 Blues Scales on it. When I teach my students to use the blues scale I teach them to try to move off the #4 note quickly when playing. Many student who […]
Vigilante Detroit Rock Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
Today, I am reviewing a mouthpiece made by Jennifer Price at Vigilante Mouthpieces. There are 10 models to choose from on the Vigilante website. Today, I am reviewing the Detroit Rock which is the brightest mouthpiece that they make. (I also just did a review of the NYII to which is their 4th brightest mouthpiece) […]
Vigilante NYII Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
Today, I am reviewing a mouthpiece made by Jennifer Price at Vigilante Mouthpieces. There are 10 models to choose from on the Vigilante website. Today, I am reviewing the New York II which is the 4th brightest mouthpiece that they make. (I also have a Detroit Rock to review next which is their brightest mouthpiece.) […]
Mouthpiece Recording Test Survey
I have been experimenting lately with different recording distances and settings for my mouthpiece reviews. Usually, I record dry with no effects about 2 feet from the microphone. I’ve noticed that darker sounding mouthpieces can sound rich and beautiful in this setting but many times the brighter more powerful mouthpieces can sound harsh, shrill, edgy, […]
Best Neffmusic Lesson Commercial?
I just found this post from a number of years ago. All the links were broken and the videos didn’t play. I thought I’d fix the videos and post this again as I think these are funny. My wife made these as a joke for the site. They are a bit “Hollywood” and over the […]
Joel Frahm Jazz Improvisation Clinic
I emailed Joel Frahm the other day and asked if I could post this great masterclass he did in Prague years ago. He said “No problem” which I was very excited about. I have been a great fan of his going back many years. I went through a stage where I was listening to a […]
Absolute “Alto+” Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece
Today, I am reviewing a mouthpiece made by the Absolute company. These are made in Italy and this model is called the “Alto +”. There is also an Alto AL, Alto ST and an Alto R model on their website. You can also find all these models for Baritone, Soprano and Tenor saxophones as well. […]
Absolute Alto ST Saxophone Mouthpiece
Today, I am reviewing a mouthpiece made by the Absolute company. These are made in Italy and this model is called the “Alto ST”. There is also an Alto AL, Alto + and a Alto R model on their website. You can also find all these models for Baritone, Soprano and Tenor saxophones as well. […]
Absolute “Soprano +” Saxophone Mouthpiece
Today, I am reviewing a mouthpiece made by the Absolute company. These are made in Italy and this model is called the “Soprano +”. (I call it a ST model in the recording but it is the + model) There is also a Soprano AL, Soprano ST and a Soprano R model on their website. […]
The Mystery Behind Steve’s Minivan………….
Many of you throughout the years, have been surprised and shocked that a cool guy like myself would be driving a 2006 Minivan. I know, I know, you expected me to pull up to the gig with a Lexus, Mercedes or Lamborghini. This video basically sums up why I bought the minivan and why I […]
The John Coltrane Omnibook Review
*I posted all the recordings I could find on Youtube that go with this transcription book at the bottom of this review………Enjoy! Those of you who know me and my musical history know the impact the Charlie Parker Omnibook has had on me since I discovered it in High School many years ago. I was […]
Silverstein Saxophone Ligature Review
Today, I am reviewing a new ligature made by Silverstein Works. For years I have heard about the amazing results that musicians would get from string ligatures. These whispers and rumors were usually heard on different clarinet boards and forums that I would visit. These posts were so compelling and convincing that I had […]
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