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 […]
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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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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