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Hi! I am Steve Neff

I have been playing and teaching saxophone and jazz improvisation around the New England area for the last 30+ years. I love teaching and anything to do with the saxophone. I hope you find this website helpful in your musical journey. Thanks, Steve

White Brilhart Tonalin 7* Tenor Mouthpiece

April 5, 2010 by Steve 20 Comments

Here is a White Brilhart Tonalin 7* tenor saxophone mouthpiece.  I believe this one is from the late 60’s although I’m not an expert on Vintage Brilhart mouthpieces.  Mark Sepinuck was kind enough to let me try this one.  He felt that it gave him a “Gene Ammons” type of sound.  I really dig the […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Brilhart Tonalin, tenor mouthpiece, White Brilhart

“Live” For The Love of You Solo-Lamberson DD7

March 30, 2010 by Steve 2 Comments

This is a live clip from a gig I did 5-6 years ago. I play a tenor saxophone solo using the Fred Lamberson DD7 tenor mouthpiece I had back then.  The mouthpiece is made of white acetal with a high long baffle in it that drops down into the chamber after about a half inch […]

Filed Under: Live Recordings Tagged With: For the love of you, Fred Lamberson, Lamberson DD7, tenor saxophone mouthpiece

Amazing Charlie Parker Recording of Cherokee

March 29, 2010 by Steve 8 Comments

Back when I was in junior high school I was introduced to the playing of Charlie Parker.  It was 9th grade and up to that point all I had listened to was Spyro Gyra, Chuck Mangione, Dave Sanborn and the Yellowjackets.  My saxophone teacher told me that if I wanted to be good at jazz […]

Filed Under: Jazz Videos Tagged With: Charlie Parker, Cherokee, Omnibook

Great hour long interview with Joshua Redman

March 24, 2010 by Steve Leave a Comment

Here’s a great link to an interview with the great tenor saxophone player Joshua Redman.  Joshua has been one of my favorite tenor players since I first heard him in the mid 90’s.  I think the first album I bought was “Freedom in the Groove”.  Soon after that I bought every one of Joshua Redman’s […]

Filed Under: Jazz Videos Tagged With: Gary Giddens, joshua redman, moodswing, tenor saxophone

Barone Jazz Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

March 13, 2010 by Steve 16 Comments

Here is a fairly new Phil Barone tenor saxophone mouthpiece. This is the “Jazz” model and is a 7*(.105) tip opening.   I believe this is a 2009 model although there is no date on it (his older mouthpieces had dates engraved on the side of them). I have owned 5-6 Barone mouthpieces over the […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Barone jazz, Barone Saxophone, Phil Barone, tenor mouthpiece

Barone Hollywood Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

March 13, 2010 by Steve 9 Comments

Here is a fairly new Phil Barone  tenor saxophone mouthpiece.  This is the “Hollywood” model and is an 8 (.110) tip opening.  I believe this is a 2009 model although there is no date on it ( his older mouthpieces had dates engraved on the side of them).  I have owned 5-6 Barone mouthpieces over […]

Filed Under: Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Hollywood, Phil Barone, saxophone, tenor mouthpiece

The Ultimate Alto Sax Sound-Jesse Davis

March 3, 2010 by Steve 10 Comments

I love Jesse Davis! I listen to tenor saxophone players about 80% of the time but when I want to listen to an alto saxophone player Jesse Davis is usually my first choice.  If you don’t know him check out this video of “The Very Thought of You”…….He has an amazing sound that is huge,fat […]

Filed Under: Jazz Videos Tagged With: Alto Saxophone, Jesse Davis

JodyJazz ESP 7* Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

March 3, 2010 by Steve 31 Comments

Here is a JodyJazz ESP 7* (.105) tenor saxophone mouthpiece.  These are made by Jody Espina who has a huge variety of mouthpieces that he makes at www.jodyjazz.com.  I borrowed this from a good friend of mine.  These mouthpieces come with what’s called a “spoiler”.  It is a black wedge that you slide into the […]

Filed Under: Tenor High Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Jody Espina, Jodyjazz ESP, mouthpiece review, tenor mouthpiece

For those of you looking for the perfect horn…………

February 9, 2010 by Steve 4 Comments

It might be as close as your refrigerator! Check out this video.

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: carrot clarinet, Linsey Pollak

Transcription of Chris Potter’s solo on “All The Thing You Are”

February 8, 2010 by Steve 5 Comments

This bootleg recording is of Chris Potter teaching at a clinic. It’s been floating around the internet for a number of years now and is an amazing example of what Chris Potter can do with a jazz standard like “All the Things You Are”. He’s playing it solo! Just him and his tenor sax. Now, […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: All the Things You Are, Ben Doherty, chris potter, tenor saxophone solo, transcription

Florida Link Refaced by Erik Greiffenhagen

February 6, 2010 by Steve 27 Comments

Here is an incredible Florida Link  saxophone mouthpiece that was refaced by Erik Greiffenhagen from a 6 to a 7* (.105).  I bought this mouthpiece from Les Arbuckle about 6 weeks ago and have been playing it ever since.  Les came on SOTW (Sax on the Web) and said he had a link for sale […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Erik Greiffenhagen, florida link, Les Arbuckle, otto link, saxophone mouthpiece, tenor

Which Ponzol mouthpiece do you like the best?

February 2, 2010 by Steve 12 Comments

In this poll I am playing 8 measures of “In a Sentimental Mood” on 3 different Ponzol mouthpieces. I’m trying to play the melody in a similar way for each clip.  See if you can hear a difference between the clips.  If you can, vote for the one that you like the best! Which Ponzol […]

Filed Under: Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: M1, Peter Ponzol, Ponzol M2, Stainless Steel

Ponzol Stainless Steel M2 Tenor Mouthpiece

February 2, 2010 by Steve 10 Comments

Today, I have another Peter Ponzol M2 Stainless Steel tenor mouthpiece for review. I did a review of one of these a year or two ago but the sample clip I played of it was done in my garage. Since then, i have had a few people ask if I can do another one that […]

Filed Under: Tenor High Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Peter Ponzol, Ponzol M2, Stainless Steel, tenor mouthpiece

Ponzol M2 Gold Tenor Mouthpiece

February 2, 2010 by Steve 11 Comments

This is another classic Peter Ponzol M2 tenor mouthpiece.  I’ve played about 5-6 of these and they were all great.   This one is a .110 tip opening which feels perfect for me.   They have a brightness and kick to them that really comes out when you are on the gig.

Filed Under: Tenor High Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Peter Ponzol, Ponzol M2, tenor mouthpiece

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Testimonials

Just to say thanks for your advice and lessons.  I’ve just read your amazing story.  I really appreciate what you do in regards to teaching.  I have bought a couple of your lessons and frankly they’re undersold.   I’ve learned much more with these two lessons than with 2 years of sax teachers.   Thanks so much………..
Mike
Absolutely the best learning experience in my 40 years of playing.These books are awesome!!
Alfred LaBella
It is so refreshing to have a great player, who can provide lessons and examples in a manner which is understandable to most any enthusiastic saxophonist who is ready to improve. not just the, do this, do that, memorize this, memorize that… while all that is absolutely necessary, you go on to give reasons and examples to explain and validate why you have to do all of these things, the benefits, if you will… that is the key for me, you tell, explain, demonstrate, explain some more, you give perso… Read more
Cedric
I am enjoying your style of teaching, and you’ve done a great job with the videos….good sound quality and well constructed lessons.  Balances the more guitaristic material found on the majority of guitar based programs.  Jazz vocab is what I’m all about at this point in the journey.   I especially dig the fact that you’ve studied with Bergonzi…helps me see his voluminous output in a more  bite sized way.
Milton
I’ve been a member of Steve’s site for about six months now and the difference it has made to my playing is immeasurable. The (many) benefits of this membership are that you can have lessons at time convenient to you, they work out A LOT cheaper than face-to-face lessons with a teacher of the same calibre and you can replay them ad infinitum. I don’t know how many times have I had lessons in the past where I’ve ended up covering the same concepts when really a ‘replay’ of the last lesson would h… Read more
Nick

Never really had lessons before just kinda worked things out on my own. Was in a rut but your lessons are really helpful in opening melodic possibilities. Ur an awesome resource to the saxophone community. Thanks for sharing. 

Anthony
I just started looking at my lessons and I have to say, dude you are awesome.  I ABSOLUTELY will learn from you!  I started the tenor about 1 ½ yrs ago and have since picked up an alto, and more recently a soprano.  I spend most of the time on the tenor, followed by soprano, and have only gotten to the alto a few times.  I think I’ll be sticking with tenor.  I’m having a great time and hope one day to play well enough to get regular gigs.  I’ve been playing keys for about 35 years (… Read more
Wil

I must say again how much I appreciate all your material. Including the video tutorials. It help keep me focused and knowing what to aim for. And your laid back teaching style appeals to me too. 

Thanks

P

P

Steve,

I have played for many years and have enjoyed going “back to the basics” in some of your lessons!  You have such a gift for explaining concepts.  As I have gotten older, some of the basic things have gotten muddled because I just play, not knowing why.  As I refresh myself with “why”, it increases my confidence and expands my playing.  Thank you so much for using your gift!  You are a blessing!

Julia
I have found your videos and publications inspiring and your contribution to the world of saxophone playing is immense. Paul
Paul
I can see from your instructional videos that you are a fantastic teacher – one that can truly relate to all ages – humble yet very positive in approach – never coming across as superior and yet so totally capable of demonstrating the principles and techniques that you seek to impart to the students. I have gained so much confidence in my playing from “pouring over” time and again these invaluable lessons. Invaluable not only in musical content, but also in human interaction content. I am absolu… Read more
Ron
Steve’s monthly lessons are entirely valuable. Without brow beating, he tells you all the stuff you deep down know you really should be working on, instead of just relying on the same old patterns. In spite of the fact that you’re taking a video lesson, Steve’s presentation is comfortable and “real”. In a little more than a year, he’s developed a library of lessons that seem to offer any player a lifetime’s worth of practice material. I’m just glad I stumbled upon it.… Read more
Grant

Steve,  Just want to say thanks for all you are doing for all of us. I’ve learned more from you than anyone else in my 40 years of playing.

If you can give some tips on One Note Samba, Ceora, and Wave… that would be cool.  I really like learning how you apply your concepts to actual songs!

Have a great year,

Kevin Ledbetter

I've learned more from you than anyone else in my 40 years of playing.
I’m an experienced player in the pop/soul/funk areas of music and, previously, classical.  Over the decades I’ve been playing, I’ve always felt that I could do what I needed in those styles of music.  However, recently I began to feel limited by my use of the same old licks. When I discovered Steve Neff’s website, and heard the audio examples based on the exercises in his books, I realized they were what I needed.  I purchased all of them and have been working on them since.  It’s very hard work… Read more
Paul
First, I’m really excited about your materials! This site is a vast resource for any aspiring (and maybe already inspired) jazz musicians. I’m not a sax player, I play mandolin and fiddle, but have been learning jazz and playing weekly with a quintet for the past 6 months and have been struggling with all of the issues you get into in your lessons. I bought several books and lessons and plan to continue with some others as soon as I organize my practice routine. Thanks again for a great site … Read more
Tony Galfano
Hi Steve, I live in a gorgeous but rural area of Oregon-no music store within 80 miles. Your lessons are my lifeline!  Truly the best there are anywhere online. Love your playing. Love your teaching.  Thanks again. Ed
Ed Woodmansee

Hello Steve,

I just want to say thank you so much for your unbelievable work, it is just mind opening, thanks for sharing it.

Wolfgang from Berlin

Wolfgang from Berlin
I am a music book junkie and I have to say that your books are the most clear, user friendly, and helpful books I own.  They are my absolute favorites and I only wish I had them years ago.  I wouldn’t change a thing about the experience I had in acquiring my degree at Berklee, but my playing has perhaps grown more in the time I’ve spent buried in your books and lessons.  Keep up the great work!!! Thanks, John
John
I want to let you know that your instructional material is transforming my playing.  It is an immense pleasure to learn and play now, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am. The instructional material I got from you is by far the best of any I own (and I have over 100 books, DVDs, and what not). I literally can’t thank you enough! Deric
Deric
Hey Steve, My name is Jason Freese and I play keyboards and sax in the band Green Day.  I grew up taking sax lessons from Eric Marienthal when I was a kid and got out of it for a long time. I ran into you on youtube while searching for sax stuff. I bought a whole bunch of your lessons and have been loving it! Thanks! Here is my wikipedia so you can see the albums I’ve played on….Thanks again. It’s sparked my interest in practicing again.   Jason
Jason Freese (sax player for Green Day)
Steve really changed my way of practicing: I got a whole lot of new ideas for my playing the tenor.  His lessons are really helpful, give a lot stuff to practice and give clear answers to complicated stuff.  Steve has a lot of humor and I wish I had laughed so much in my former days with the horn.  All topics, from Blues to Approach note are dealt with clearness that wet ones appetite to play and practice that great ideas.
Uwe
I have NEVER seen material like yours.  Amazing!!
Jerry
I bought Steve’s dominant bebop book and took a couple of online lesson from him. I really appreciated Steve’s careful listening of what I wanted to get done in a lesson and his clear, concise ideas on next steps to improve my playing and musical interpretation.  His mastering  the Dominant Bebop Scale has lots of exercises to use a scale that addresses the largest percentage of chords I come across in pop/blues music. The dominant V7.  Needless say it has improved my playing.  I teach and a… Read more
Keith
By the way, BIG COMPLIMENTS to you, Steve! Not only are you a great player, you are also a great teacher! I, too, am a woodwinds player/teacher. I have new inspiration to play and teach because of you. The concepts and “thinking” is similar to what I already learned in College, but hearing you explain and PLAY the concepts REALLY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE! Also, your written patterns are more interesting than other books I have seen! Keep up the good work. I will be recommending your sit… Read more
I will be recommending your site to others!

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