Today, I m reviewing a tenor mouthpiece that I have been wanting to try for a very long time. This is the Bob Mintzer Bebop Special tenor mouthpiece made by Rafael Navarro. The one I am reviewing today has a 7** tip opening and is made of hard rubber that has a red marble look […]
Keeping a Beat at 9 Months Old………
I found this video the other day while going through all my home movies I’ve made. I had forgotten all about it but when I saw it, it brought a smile to my face. As a musician and father, I was always looking for ways where I could practice and watch my kids at the […]
Improvising over “On Green Dolphin Street” Video
Here’s another video of me playing with that Hal Crook play along. I’m not even sure if this play along is still being published. It’s called “Creative Comping for Improvisation”. I haven’t seen it since the early 90’s. It is such a ball to jam to because the comping is not traditional at all. There […]
Phil-Tone & Theo Wanne Tribute Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
Today, I am excited to review a new mouthpiece made by Phil Engleman and Theo Wanne. Phil Engleman is the founder of Phil-Tone mouthpieces and I have reviewed a number of his mouthpieces in the past. The Equinox,the Eclipse, the Solstice, etc…………… Phil contacted me a few months ago and said he was going to […]
Barone Hollywood Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece 2000
Today, I am reviewing a mouthpiece made by Phil Barone. This mouthpiece is the Hollywood model and it was made back in 2000 so it is an older model. I have been a big fan of Phil Barone’s mouthpieces ever since I went to see Jerry Bergonzi play at the Acton Jazz Cafe years ago. […]
Michael Brecker’s “My One and Only Love”
I’ve been getting back into a Brecker kick over the last few weeks and found this video on Youtube today. It reminds me of the first time I saw Michael Brecker in 1986 with Steps Ahead. Such an intense energy and passion. He was a true master of the tenor saxophone. Enjoy!
Drake “Jerry Bergonzi” Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
Today, I am reviewing a mouthpiece made by Aaron Drake of Drake Mouthpieces. This new mouthpiece is the Jerry Bergonzi model. I have been a fan of Jerry Bergonzi’s since my first days at Berklee College of Music in Boston (1986). Up until that time, I had only been an alto sax player. I had […]
Vintage Selmer Soloist Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece
Ever since the 1980’s I have been a big fan of Kenny Garrett. I can’t remember the first time I heard him but I remember having a record in the 80’s entitled “Introducing Kenny Garrett” that I loved. (I was an alto sax player back then) Soon after this, I remember also hearing Mr. Garrett […]
Rafael Navarro Maestra Soprano Saxophone Mouthpiece
I have another Rafael Navarro mouthpiece up for review today. This is a hard rubber Maestra 6* soprano saxophone mouthpiece. I used a Vandoren Java 2 1/2 reed on it with a Vandoren Optimum metal ligature. My soprano sax is a Yamaha YSS-62. Like all of Rafael’s mouthpieces I have tried so far, this one […]
Rafael Navarro Maestra Marble Tenor Mouthpiece
I have another Rafael Navarro tenor mouthpiece up for review today. This is a marble Maestra 8. I used a Rigotti Gold 2 1/2 strong reed on it with a Francois Louis Ultimate ligature. Like all of Rafael’s mouthpieces I have tried so far, this one is a work of art. The mouthpiece looks so […]
Branford Marsalis Masterclass
Here’s a great masterclass by Branford Marsalis. There’s a lot of wisdom in this 18 minutes. I love Branford’s sound on the soprano. What he says about the importance of melody and speaking through your music to people is huge. Making some sort of connection with the audience………….Great stuff! Check it out!
Blues Scale Funky Grooves
When I was a kid, the way I first learned to improvise was by learning all of my blues scales. I don’t remember if I was taught the different blues scales or if I just figured them out. I remember learning pretty quickly that most modern Top 40,Pop,Funk and Smooth Jazz was all mostly in […]
The “Reed Geek” Universal Reed Tool
Back in December, I was lucky enough to get a Reed Geek “Universal” Reed Tool to try out. Anyone that has been to my house for lessons has probably noticed the shoe boxes on my shelves in my studio. These shoe boxes are filled with every reed I have ever tried and not liked in […]
Dexter Gordon “More than You Know” Documentary
Here’s a great video documentary on the life and playing of the great tenor saxophone player Dexter Gordon. It is called “More than You Know”. I’ve watched it a number of times and absolutely love it. Check out the blues “Blues Walk” that starts playing around 1:13! Dexter kills this blues. His lines and quotes […]
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