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tenor saxophone

Tenor Madness New EBII Tenor Mouthpiece Review

January 1, 2016 by Steve 15 Comments

Today, I am reviewing the new Tenor Madness EBII hard rubber tenor mouthpiece.  Randy Jones over at Tenor Madness caused quite a stir in the saxophone world when he came out with a “new” EB (Early Babbitt) version of the Otto Link tenor mouthpiece a number of years ago which I reviewed here.  At the time, […]

Filed Under: Mouthpiece Reviews, Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews Tagged With: early babbitt, jazz mouthpiece, Randy Jones, review, tenor madness, tenor saxophone

Body and Soul: The Evolution of a Tenor Saxophone Standard Review

January 1, 2016 by Steve 7 Comments

For the last couple of weeks,  I have been diligently working through a great new book by Eric Allen entitled Body and Soul — The Evolution of a Tenor Saxophone Standard: Transcriptions and analysis of solos by: Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Stan Getz, Sonny … Brecker, Chris Potter, Spiral-Bound Book Body and Soul — The […]

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Jazz Improvisation Tagged With: Body and Soul, Eric Allen, jazz sax, tenor saxophone, Transcriptions

Chris Potter Masterclass 12-04-2015 Akron, Ohio

December 22, 2015 by Steve 4 Comments

Here’s another great Chris Potter masterclass from 12-4-15 in Akron, Ohio that someone posted on Youtube.  This is just an audio of the masterclass.  Chris Potter’s opening solo on Cherokee is amazing as usual.  I can’t get enough of these solos and masterclasses!  Check it out!

Filed Under: Jazz Education Tagged With: Cherokee, chris potter, Improvisation, masterclass, tenor saxophone

Seamus Blake “Billie’s Bounce” Tenor Saxophone Solo Transcription

December 3, 2015 by Steve Leave a Comment

Here’s another great blues solo transcription from one of my favorite players, Seamus Blake.  This is a fast blues called “Billie’s Bounce” and is from an obscure CD entitled “Sax Summit”.   I say obscure because I am probably one of the biggest fans and followers of jazz saxophone recordings and I had never heard of it […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: Billie's Bounce, blues, Seamus Blake, solo transcription, tenor saxophone

Liu Shizhao MB Prototype Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

November 18, 2015 by Steve 3 Comments

In todays modern world, you see new products popping up on the internet almost everyday.  About a month ago, I was on Facebook just browsing through friend’s posts when I came upon some beautiful pictures of some mouthpieces I had never seen before.  These were posted by Liu Shizhao who lives in Beijing, China and apparently […]

Filed Under: Tenor High Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: China, Liu Shizhao, MB Prototype, Michael Brecker, mouthpiece review, tenor saxophone

2015 Aebersold Jazz Workshop with Chris Potter

October 23, 2015 by Steve 3 Comments

Here’s another great workshop with Chris Potter that I came across just now on Facebook. Chris Potter is one of the top tenor saxophone players in the world.  There is a great duo performance in the beginning of “Out of Nowhere” . Chris then answers questions from the students and faculty afterwards. Great stuff.    Check it out!

Filed Under: Jazz Education Tagged With: chris potter, clinic, Jazz Education, masterclass, tenor saxophone, workshop

Michael Brecker Solo Transcription-Recorda Me

September 7, 2015 by Steve 6 Comments

For this week’s new transcription, I am posting the first 5 choruses of a transcription that Igor Tomanoski sent me this week.  This is Michael Brecker soloing over Recorda Me with Steps Ahead in the 80’s. This is from a Youtube video that I first heard a few years ago.  This is just classic “tearing it up” Brecker!! […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: Michael Brecker, Recorda Me, Steps Ahead, tenor saxophone, transcription

Bob Mintzer Tenor Saxophone Solo Transcription-New Rochelle

September 2, 2015 by Steve 1 Comment

Here’s another great solo transcription from John Blevins.  John has graciously sent me a number of his transcriptions and given me permission to share them with the sax world on my site here. This is another great sax solo by Bob Mintzer.   The tune is New Rochelle from the album “Latin from Manhattan” and the […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: Bob Mintzer, jazz sax, New Rochelle, solo transcription, tenor saxophone

Wilton Felder’s Street Life Solo Transcription

August 19, 2015 by Steve 15 Comments

Here’s another great solo transcription from John Blevins.  John has graciously sent me a number of his transcriptions this last week and given me permission to share them with the sax world on my site here.  This is a great sax solo by Wilton Felder who was the cofounder of the Crusaders.   The tune is Street […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: Crusaders, jazz sax, solo transcription, Street Life, tenor saxophone, Wilton Felder

Joel Frahm “All the Things You Are” Tenor Sax Transcription

July 2, 2015 by Steve 6 Comments

Here’s another solo by another great tenor saxophone player and incredibly nice guy, Joel Frahm.  Joel has commented on neffmusic.com quite a few times over the years and his passion for everything to do with the saxophone is very obvious. (I imagine we could spend a few hours in a bar talking about mouthpieces very easily……..) […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: All the Things You Are, hemiolas, jazz sax, Joel Frahm, solo transcription, tenor saxophone

10mFan Robusto Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

April 9, 2015 by Steve 49 Comments

Mark Sepinuck, 10mFan as he is known in the saxophone world, has been selling high end vintage saxophone mouthpieces on Ebay for years. Whether it be vintage New York Meyers, Double Ring Otto Links or handmade Guardala mouthpieces…………Mark has had them all and sold them all. I met Mark years ago on ebay when I […]

Filed Under: Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: 10mFan, Mark Sepinuck, Robusto, sax mouthpiece, tenor saxophone

Three Michael Brecker Transcriptions on Four Chords by Steps Ahead

March 19, 2015 by Steve 2 Comments

We are in for a treat today!  I contacted Rick Margitza (a great tenor saxophone player) on facebook the other day and asked if I could share his two transcriptions of Michael Brecker’s solos from two Steps Ahead bootlegs of Four Chords.  I came up with the idea of placing these two transcriptions along side my […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: Four Chords, Michael Brecker, Rick Margitza, Steps Ahead, tenor saxophone, transcription

Michael Brecker Tenor Sax Solo Transcription-Four Chords

March 13, 2015 by Steve 2 Comments

Here’s another new transcription I have been working on.  This is Michael Brecker’s 5 chorus solo over the tune “Four Chords” from the album Paradox by Steps Ahead.  This is young Michael Brecker tearing it up with some high energy classic “Brecker” lines. The Paradox album is one of the many Steps Ahead albums that I purchased back […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: Four Chords, jazz sax, Michael Brecker, Paradox, Steps Ahead, tenor saxophone

Vandoren V16 T7 Large Metal Tenor Mouthpiece Review

February 24, 2015 by Steve 41 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a new metal tenor saxophone mouthpieces made by Vandoren. This mouthpiece is the Vandoren V16 T7 Large Chamber V16 model. This is similar to the T7 medium chamber I reviewed a few days ago but this mouthpiece has a larger chamber. Vandoren V16 T7 Large Metal Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Here are some quotes from the Vandoren […]

Filed Under: Tenor Low Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: large chamber, review, sax mouthpiece, T7, tenor saxophone, V16, Vandoren

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Testimonials

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
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 have found your videos and publications inspiring and your contribution to the world of saxophone playing is immense. Paul
Paul

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
I want to say something about Steve Neff’s series of lessons, Beginner Jazz Improvisation. For a couple of years I tried many beginner lessons and my problem was that there was a gap between lessons that were fairly simple and ones that I was not quite ready for and my progress stalled out. That problem was solved with the series Beginner Jazz Improvisation. He guides you step by step along the way and builds a foundation for learning jazz and blues. He leaves no question about what to practice … Read more
Pete
Hey Steve! I hope you and your family are well.  I’m just writing to say thank you so much for all the resources you have made available to the saxophone community. I have been using your material for many years and I always come back to it… in fact I just took a break from practicing to write this…( reviewing “CreatingModern II-V-I Lines with simple pentatonics”.) I am, and continue to be, one of your raving fans! Blessings to you and your family this holiday season! Wishing… Read more
Gerry Aylward
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

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
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
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
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
I like so many other subscribers feel so encouraged by Steve’s learning techniques; you will enjoy reading the comments of praise others have left as you too will feel that you share a common view and path. I feel very lucky to have come across Neffmusic and that feeling will remain with you as you search through a treasure trove of learning materials on offer, you will quickly find the lessons that you are suited to. You will instantly recognize the unparalleled quality of Steve’s teaching … Read more
Stephen
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
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 want to thank you for your “Ultimate II-V-I Primer”  which has sent me off on a much better path to improvisation.  The primer and the four bound books I have will keep me busy for a long time.  I like your lessons for two reasons.  The lessons work and THEY ARE FUN.  Thanks again.

Robert

Robert
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
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)

Hello Steve, I’m getting so much out of your lessons and books, amazing how much one may think one knows, there is always a new frontier or new way to view something you think you had somewhat down. You have taken it all to a new level and am so grateful. Your lessons are so down to earth and understandable and clear!  Thanks so much Steve! Cheers, Eddie

Eddie Parente
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
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’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
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

Thank You Steve. I think that I will be busy for years. Thank You for your great contribution to jazz music. Your books, more than teaching “how to play jazz”, actually teach “how to speak jazz”. I wish I found your methods years ago.  

Jean-Eric
I can’t say enough about my membership at Neff Music. Steve has taken the mystery out of playing the saxophone well and improvising both jazz and rock music. Like most struggling players I have a load of all sorts of books on my shelf just gathering dust. Books that I didn’t understand or know how to put to use…or just have the time to go threw them. Steve’s lessons really simplify things and he puts it in a way that I can understand. They inspire me to keep pushing and having him as my guide or… Read more
Ken

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