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 […]
Bari Hybrid Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece
Today, I am reviewing the Bari Hybrid tenor saxophone mouthpiece 7* (.105 tip opening). This mouthpiece has the gold band around it. It is called a “hybrid” because it is a mix of hard rubber and gold plated brass. The front part of the mouthpiece is all hard rubber but the shank and bore of […]
Bari Hybrid Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece
Today, I am reviewing the Bari Hybrid alto saxophone mouthpiece 6 (.077 tip opening). This mouthpiece has the gold band around it. It is called a “hybrid” because it is a mix of hard rubber and gold plated brass. The front part of the mouthpiece is all hard rubber but the shank and bore of […]
More Saxophone Teachings from Joe Allard Via Harvey Pittel
Harvey Pittel is an award winning and internationally acclaimed classical saxophonist who has performed as a soloist with many of the world’s greatest orchestras and has recorded extensively as a soloist and with ensembles including his own saxophone quartet. He is the Professor of Saxophone at The University of Texas at Austin Butler School of […]
Playing Neffmusic Lesson Videos on Iphones and Ipads
I’m getting more and more emails every week on how to play my Neffmusic lesson videos on Iphones and Ipads. As these devices become more and more popular the need for mobile video formats increases. Playing my videos on these devices is especially popular for those who are traveling out of town a lot for […]
Saxophone Mouthpiece Trial Tips
I’ve had a ton of questions emailed to me over the years about all the mouthpieces I have reviewed. Some of the typical questions are: -How do I switch to different mouthpieces so often? -How do I know what reeds to use? -Why do I choose the ligatures I do? -How do you know if […]
Ishimori Woodstone Super Custom Medium Small Chambered Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece
I have another Ishimori Woodstone alto saxophone mouthpiece to review and play today. This alto mouthpiece is the hard rubber “Super Custom” traditional jazz medium small chamber model in a 6 tip opening. About a year and a half ago, I did a review of the medium chamber Wood Stone alto mouthpiece which I loved! […]
“A Complete Approach to Sound for the Modern Saxophonist” by Ben Britton
Recently, I received a copy of A Complete Approach to Sound for the Modern Saxophonist by Ben Britton. Ben is a great saxophonist and educator in Pennsylvania. I first heard of Ben many years ago when I stumbled upon a youtube clip of him trading fours with Chris Potter. That, in of itself is very […]
PMS Guardala Michael Brecker II Tenor Mouthpiece
OK, It looks like January is high baffle, powerhouse, mouthpieces on steroids month so far. For this review I’m playing a PMS Michael Brecker II Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece. My last review was of the “Fat Boy” version of this mouthpiece. This is the regular version from PMS. Supposedly, Mr. Guardala sold the rights to his […]
PMS Guardala Brecker II Fat Boy Tenor Mouthpiece
OK, It looks like January is high baffle, powerhouse, mouthpieces on steroids month so far. For this review I’m playing a PMS Michael Brecker II Fat Boy Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece. Now, if that long name confuses you, you are not alone. Anything connected to Dave Guardala is going to be a bit confusing (I won’t […]
Drake Pete Christieb Tenor Mouthpiece
This is a new hard rubber tenor saxophone mouthpiece by Aaron Drake. Aaron has started a new series of mouthpieces called the “Masters” series where he copies the favorite mouthpieces of the great players alive today. So far, he has made mouthpieces for Dave Liebman, Jerry Bergonzi and Pete Christlieb. I have been a fan […]
Jazzlab Saxholder Neckstrap Review
Today, I will be reviewing a new neckstrap by Jazzlab called the saxholder. This is a revolutionary neckstrap that is designed so that there is no pressure whatsoever on the neck and upper spine of the player. A few years ago, I started having numbness and tingling in my hands and arms. I would get […]
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