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You are here: Home / Archives for Reviews / Book Reviews

Book Reviews

Mark Turner-Transcriptions and Essays by Jeff McGregor Review

February 10, 2021 by Steve Leave a Comment

For the last couple of weeks,  I have been checking out two amazing transcription books by Jeff McGregor entitled Chris Potter-Transcriptions and Essays and Mark Turner-Transcriptions and Essays. I already reviewed the Chris Potter Transcription book,  and today I will be reviewing Mark Turner-Transcriptions and Essays. Mark Turner-Transcriptions and Essays by Jeff McGregor If you […]

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Jazz Improvisation Tagged With: essays, Jeff McGregor, Mark Turner, solos, tenor saxophone, Transcriptions

Chris Potter-Transcriptions and Essays by Jeff McGregor Review

February 4, 2021 by Steve Leave a Comment

For the last couple of weeks,  I have been checking out two amazing transcription books by Jeff McGregor entitled Chris Potter-Transcriptions and Essays and Mark Turner-Transcriptions and Essays. Chris Potter-Transcriptions and Essays by Jeff McGregor If you were to gather ten saxophone players around a table and have a discussion about who the cutting edge […]

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Jazz Improvisation Tagged With: chris potter, essays, Jeff McGregor, solos, tenor saxophone, Transcriptions

The Bill Evans Omnibook for Piano Review

March 5, 2020 by Steve 7 Comments

*I posted all the recordings I could find on Youtube that go with this transcription book at the bottom of this review………Enjoy! Today, I am reviewing the Bill Evans Omnibook for piano that is published by Hal Leonard.  Hal Leonard has already released many other great Omnibooks that I have already reviewed here including the […]

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: bill evans, Hal Leonard, Omnibook, piano, review, solo, Transcriptions

From the Inside Out by Dr. Mark Watkins Book Review

January 1, 2020 by Steve 7 Comments

Today, I am reviewing “From the Inside Out” by Dr. Mark Watkins that is published by Outskirts Press. “From the Inside Out” is a revolutionary in-depth 309 page resource book for the development of saxophone sound.  When this book is described as “in-depth”, Dr. Watkins is not joking!  It is 309 pages of descriptions, scientific […]

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: development, Dr. Mark Watkins, From the Inside Out, MRI, saxophone sound, vocal tract

The Rhythm Book-Crossrhythms on 4/4 by Rory Stuart Review

November 18, 2019 by Steve Leave a Comment

Today, I am reviewing “The Rhythm Book-Crossrhythms on 4/4” by Rory Stuart that is published by Rhythm & Dues.  Rory Stuart has written a great beginning book for those of you who want to understand rhythm and notation in a deeper way that I reviewed as well as an intermediate book of more advanced concepts […]

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: crossrhythms, music education, performance styles, review, Rory Stuart, sight reading, The Rhythm Book

The Rhythm Book-Rhythmic Development and Performance in 4/4 by Rory Stuart Review

October 4, 2019 by Steve 7 Comments

Today, I am reviewing “The Rhythm Book-Rhythmic Development and Performance in 4/4” by Rory Stuart that is published by Rhythm & Dues.  Rory Stuart has written a great beginning book for those of you who want to understand rhythm and notation in a deeper way that I reviewed as well as an intermediate book of […]

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: music education, performance styles, review, Rhythmic Development, Rory Stuart, sight reading, The Rhythm Book

The Charlie Parker Omnibook Volume 2 Review

March 7, 2019 by Steve 22 Comments

*I posted all the recordings I could find on Youtube that go with this transcription book at the bottom of this review………Enjoy! Today, I am excited to be reviewing the Charlie Parker Omnibook Volume 2 that has just been released by Hal Leonard.  This great book of transcriptions was created by Chris “Doc” Stewart who […]

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Alto Saxophone, Charlie Parker, Chris "Doc" Stewart, Hal Leonard, Omnibook, sax solos, transcription, Volume 2

The Rhythm Book-Intermediate Notation and Sight-Reading by Rory Stuart Review

February 13, 2019 by Steve Leave a Comment

Today, I am reviewing “The Rhythm Book-Intermediate Notation and Sight-Reading” by Rory Stuart that is published by Hal Leonard.  Rory Stuart has written a great beginning book for those of you who want to understand rhythm and notation in a deeper way that I reviewed the other day.  Today I will be writing about his […]

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Intermediate Notation, music education, review, Rory Stuart, sight reading, The Rhythm Book

The Rhythm Book-Beginning Notation and Sight-Reading by Rory Stuart Review

February 12, 2019 by Steve 1 Comment

Today, I am reviewing “The Rhythm Book-Beginning Notation and Sight-Reading” by Rory Stuart that is published by Hal Leonard.  Rory Stuart has written a great beginning book (beginning meaning dealing with everything rhythmically up to and including hard eighth note rhythms) for those of you who want to understand rhythm and notation in a deeper […]

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Hal Leonard, music education, notation, review, Rory Stuart, sight reading, The Rhythm Book

The Cannonball Adderley Omnibook Review

August 19, 2018 by Steve 6 Comments

Today, I am reviewing the Cannonball Adderley Omnibook that is published by Hal Leonard.  This great book of transcriptions was created by Chris “Doc” Stewart who also transcribed the Sonny Rollins Omnibook that I reviewed earlier in the year. I bought this book after receiving a gift card from a student of mine. I went […]

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: alto sax solos, Alto Saxophone, Cannonball Adderley, Chris "Doc" Stewart, Hal Leonard, Omnibook, review

The Sonny Rollins Omnibook Review

March 27, 2018 by Steve 4 Comments

*I posted all the recordings I could find on Youtube that go with this transcription book at the bottom of this review………Enjoy! My first recording of Sonny Rollins that I heard as a teenager was “Saxophone Colossus”.  I checked it out of the local library. I didn’t play tenor saxophone back then but I was […]

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Bb instruments, jazz sax, Omnibook, solos, Sonny Rollins, tenor saxophone, Transcriptions

NEW Book-Mastering the Minor ii-7b5 V7b9 Bebop Scale

March 23, 2018 by Steve Leave a Comment

“Mastering the Minor ii-7b5 V7b9 Bebop Scale” is a new approach to learning to play great jazz lines over a minor ii-V progression.  If you have worked out of my “Mastering the Dominant Bebop Scale” book, you know that the bebop scale and the “bebop links” that can be added to it can be a […]

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: bebop scale, Jazz Improvisation, jazz method, licks, minor ii-7b5 V7b9, patterns, steve neff

The Stan Getz Omnibook Review

June 19, 2017 by Steve 26 Comments

*I posted all the recordings I could find on Youtube that go with this transcription book at the bottom of this review………Enjoy! It’s with a bit of embarrassment that I admit that in the past, I have never really been a big fan of Stan Getz.  I remember hearing his name when I was younger and checking […]

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Hal Leonard, jazz sax, Omnibook, Stan Getz, tenor saxophone, Transcriptions

Dave Koz Saxophone Play-Along Book Review

June 15, 2017 by Steve 6 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a saxophone play along book by Hal Leonard.  This is the Volume 6 play-along entitled Dave Koz.  Dave Koz is a smooth jazz saxophone player and I thought it would be interesting to check out this book.  I was a little nervous in reviewing this book because talking about smooth jazz […]

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Dave Koz, Hal Leonard, play along, review, saxophone, smooth jazz

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Testimonials

I’ve been having ‘ online’  lessons with Steve for a few months now. Being a teacher myself I had had some reservations with the idea at first and the practicalities of it .  Let me just say that my playing has taken a huge leaps forward while studying with Steve and continues to do so.Steve studied with some renowned player/teachers such as Bergonzi and Garzone– this in itself is invaluable but Steve teaches from his own books, which cover a a vast amount of  jazz language. Steve h… Read more
David
I have found your videos and publications inspiring and your contribution to the world of saxophone playing is immense. Paul
Paul
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
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
Just a brief note to compliment you on your teaching skills and in particular for the honesty of your lessons.  I am a returning alto sax player in my 50’s and I was looking for a no nonsense, straight to the point kind of guidance. I had intended to email you with a few questions regarding the use of the bis key but then I noticed that there was a lesson on that specific topic and after viewing it,  all my questions were answered. I once took a group lesson with a well known professional sax … Read more
Patrick

Love your lessons!  I have been using your lesson packages for many months now, and am learning a lot.  It is so perfect for me with a very busy adult schedule and difficulty in taking jazz/improv music lessons from reputable instructors who live and hour or more away from me.

Lenore
Hi Steve, I can’t express just how much I appreciate your teaching. My playing has improved so much over the past year since I have been studying and practicing with your lessons. It is possible to teach an old dog new tricks, these lessons are proof! Thanks, Michael Byington
Michael Byington
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
I just joined Neff Music last month. I can’t tell you how excited I’ve been to be able to pick back up on lessons. I’ve been in a rut and you got me out! I’ve especially appreciated the Lesson Path section. It was so clear I knew exactly where to jump in and start. Many many thanks!
Karin
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!
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
Thank you for all the educational information you provide.  I am a classically trained musician.  Professionally, I am a 4th and 5th grade band teacher.  I have played piano and sax for many years, but now I am starting to gig out more. I have always improvised by ear in the past. I have gotten by with my strong sense of pitch, rhythm and melodic contour. However, I want to go deeper. I want to play with a greater variety of melodic and rhythmic ideas to pull from.  I have studied to gain a … Read more
Ray
Two years later I began a search for a sax teacher and happened to come across Steve Neff when I was searching YouTube for sax teachers.  I went to neffmusic.com and was very impressed with the lessons Steve Neff was offering.  The concept of selecting lessons was an approach that I thought was unique and purchased a few lessons.  I liked the lessons so much that I signed-up for a 6 month package. I was very happy with all the lessons I selected.  I also purchased Steve’s book Mastering the B… Read more
Michael
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
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
Absolutely the best learning experience in my 40 years of playing.These books are awesome!!
Alfred LaBella
Hi Steve, I have been shedding your materials for quite a while now and I love them! They are extremely well organized and presented and there are tons of ’em! I really appreciate your methodical approach and find myself referring students to your resources often.  Thanks so much!  
Kenyon Carter

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

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

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 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- I joined your site this month and have downloaded 4 lessons and also purchased your new book and video on diatonic patterns. I just want to say I am very pleased with your approach and teaching techniques. I am getting back into playing after laying off for some time. The information you offer on your site is of great value and I am enjoying being a member. Thank you for what you are doing for the saxophone community.
Tony
Thanks so much for putting all this great learning material out there. I don’t often have the time to take a lesson with a teacher, so the ability to download lessons is really invaluable. My playing has improved enormously (I think :)) – and the lessons are so varied there’s always something to be inspired by. Incredible value too!
Roger

Your material is great! I got your New Altissimo Lesson 6 months ago and I have learned more from that than in all my 44 years of playing! I appreciate your down to earth teaching method and I really appreciate the heart that you teach with. I have been a subscriber to your lessons for the past 6 months and I have learned a great deal. Over that period of time I have had some questions and you have never failed to respond. Thanks! I have already recommended your lessons to a number of players in… Read more

Michael Byington

Featured Video Lessons

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Now over 600 video and audio lessons to choose from!

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  • Creating Modern II-V-I Lines with Simple Pentatonics Lesson Creating Modern II-V-I Lines with Simple Pentatonics Lesson
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  • The Best Embouchure for Tone, Intonation and Endurance Lesson The Best Embouchure for Tone, Intonation and Endurance Lesson
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