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tenor saxophone

Vandoren V16 T7 Medium Metal Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

February 21, 2015 by Steve 24 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a new metal tenor saxophone mouthpieces made by Vandoren. This mouthpiece is the Vandoren V16 T7 Medium Chamber model.  I have been dying to try this mouthpiece since first hearing about it a few years ago.  I used to play a Vandoren V16 T75 back about 12 years ago but was always curious how […]

Filed Under: Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews Tagged With: medium chamber, metal, review, sax mouthpiece, T7, tenor saxophone, Vandoren

Seamus Blake “Blues Up and Down” Saxophone Solo Transcription

February 13, 2015 by Steve 3 Comments

Here’s a great solo transcription from one of my favorite players, Seamus Blake.  This is a fast blues called “Blues Up and Down” 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 before […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: blues, Jazz Improvisation, solo transcription, tenor saxophone

Bejamin Allen Dagradi Model Tenor Mouthpiece Review

February 10, 2015 by Steve 10 Comments

Today, I am reviewing two more hard rubber tenor saxophone mouthpieces from Benjamin Allen. These are the 20TD model (also known as the Dagradi model after the great sax player Tony Dagradi).  Benjamin Allen was nice enough to send me 3 Dagradi mouthpieces to try and today I am reviewing two of those for you. (The 3rd one […]

Filed Under: Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: 20TD, Benjamin Allen, review, sax mouthpiece, tenor saxophone, Tony Dagradi

David Mann’s Tenor Saxophone Solo-Sun Down Transcription

January 29, 2015 by Steve 1 Comment

Here’s another great David Mann transcription from a Bb Blues that was sent to me from Igor Tomanoski.  This is a solo that Dave played on the tune Sun Down.  I made a few minor additions and changes to the transcription of some notes and rhythms I heard.  This solo is another great example of […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: David Mann, Igor Tomanoski, Jazz Improvisation, Sun Down, tenor saxophone, transcription

David Mann’s Tenor Saxophone Robusto Funky Solo Transcription

January 23, 2015 by Steve 4 Comments

Here’s another great David Mann transcription that was sent to me from Mark Sepinuck. John Blevins did all the hard work of transcribing this one. He’s braver than I am to tackle the cadenza at the end of this solo………..Thanks for transcribing this John! David Mann Here’s a short bio of Dave that I found […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: 10mFan, David Mann, funky solo, Robusto, sax mouthpiece, tenor saxophone

David Mann’s Tenor Saxophone Robusto Blues Transcription

January 22, 2015 by Steve 8 Comments

Here’s another killin’ blues transcription I have been working on. This is 14 choruses of a swingin’ blues that David Mann recorded as a demo for the 10mFan Robusto hard rubber mouthpiece last year.  As soon as I heard this clip I put it on my list of solos to transcribe.  There are lots of great ideas and […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: 10mFan, blues transcription, David Mann, hard rubber, Robusto, sax mouthpiece, tenor saxophone

Tony Dagradi Tenor Saxophone Solo Transcription on Invitation

January 7, 2015 by Steve 1 Comment

So this week I wanted to keep to my transcription goal but things have been a bit hectic around here.  I was playing a Benjamin Allen Tony Dagradi model tenor mouthpiece most of today while I was practicing and it reminded me of a Tony Dagradi solo on Invitation that I had heard a while […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: Invitation, jazz sax, tenor saxophone, Tony Dagradi, transcription

Michael Brecker Transcription-Blue Bossa 1985

December 24, 2014 by Steve 11 Comments

Happy Holidays Everyone!!    Here’s another new transcription I have been working on. It’s Christmas Eve, the wife and kids are in bed, the presents are under the tree, not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse, when down from Steve’s office arose such a clatter, the sound of Michael Brecker……that was the matter………. This is […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: 1985, Blue Bossa, jazz sax, Michael Brecker, tenor saxophone, transcription

Ken Okutsu High Baffle Tenor Mouthpiece Review

December 20, 2014 by Steve 7 Comments

Today, I am reviewing my first hard rubber tenor saxophone mouthpiece from Ken Okutsu in Japan. It is the high baffle model and has an 8 tip opening which is .110.  I hadn’t heard of Ken Okutsu before but he emailed me asking if I would be willing to try his mouthpieces.   I of course […]

Filed Under: Tenor High Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: hard rubber, high baffle, Ken Okutsu, mouthpiece review, sax mouthpiece, tenor saxophone

Michael Brecker Transcription of Confirmation-Berklee Clinic 1987

December 16, 2014 by Steve 6 Comments

Here’s another new transcription I’m working on.  Every once in a while I get in a mood to transcribe some Michael Brecker.  Then, after I get started I soon think “What the heck was I thinking?  This is crazy!”  It’s usually after I have slowed down one section to the slowest it can possibly go and […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: 1987, Berklee clinic, Confirmation, jazz sax, Michael Brecker, tenor saxophone

9 Great Tenor Saxophone Mouthpieces to Compare

December 13, 2014 by Steve 11 Comments

This is from a comparison post I made some years ago of 9 great tenor saxophone mouthpieces.   I thought it was worthy of a repost since it has been awhile since I made it.   On all 9 clips I’m just playing a simple Bb blues (C for tenor) I’m trying to keep it relatively […]

Filed Under: Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: comparison, sax mouthpiece, sound clips, tenor saxophone

Great Transcription of George Coleman over Cherokee Changes

December 10, 2014 by Steve 6 Comments

Here’s a burnin’ tenor saxophone solo from the great tenor saxophonist, George Coleman.  This is from his album “Amsterdam After Dark”.  The solo is from the tune “Apache Dance” which has a solo section over the changes of “Cherokee”. I was actually given this solo transcription by a teacher at Berklee College of Music almost […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: Apache Dance, Cherokee, George Coleman, jazz sax, tenor saxophone, transcription

Scott Hamilton & Harry Allen Blues Up and Down Transcription

December 6, 2014 by Steve 8 Comments

Here’s another great solo transcription from one of my favorite recordings.  This is a fast blues called “Blues Up & Down” and is from the CD entitled “Heavy Juice”.  This CD features Scott Hamilton and Harry Allen both on the tenor saxophone.  Both of these great musicians swing like crazy on this album.  This is a recording I would […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: blues solo, Blues Up and Down, Harry Allen, Heavy Juice, jazz sax, Scott Hamilton, tenor saxophone, transcription

Danny Walsh Chameleon Tenor Saxophone Solo Transcription

November 27, 2014 by Steve 4 Comments

Here’s another great solo transcription from a Youtube video that I started working on a few days ago.   This is from another terrific tenor sax player, Danny Walsh.   I believe Danny went to Berklee College of Music and left shorty before I got there in the mid 80’s.  I’m not sure I have ever heard him live although the […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: Chameleon, Danny Walsh, jazz sax, solo, tenor saxophone, transcription

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Testimonials

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 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 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
Absolutely the best learning experience in my 40 years of playing.These books are awesome!!
Alfred LaBella
I would like to say that in the last year my sax playing has progressed loads from your lessons. I have had a sax for about 20 years and dabbled with lessons from a few teachers and have learnt very little from them. As you have said in your lessons many teachers tell you to use the blues scale and leave it there, not even showing you the resolution points!!. I am now believing I can in time become a good improviser.
Thanks again,
Shane
Shane
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
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
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
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 just wanted to write a thank you note to you for this website. I play and teach saxophone, but I have always been intimidated by the gear aspect. Your website has helped me become a lot more knowledgable. Your knowledge is staggering! I’m telling all my students about your website. Pierre
Pierre
I have been a member of Neffmusic for more than a year now and have enjoyed every minute of it! I have not only been going thru the Dominant Bebop Scale lessons and book (OUTSTANDING!) but the mouthpiece reviews, solo clips and transcriptions are very interesting. Steve approach to beginning and intermediate improv have given me many new pathways to teach my high school jazz ensemble students. Congratulations Steve, great product!
Craig
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

Steve, just a note to say thanks.

I’ve been playing a long time, but your material, laid out in such a thoughtful way, helps me to understand concepts in a new and deeper way.

You are a true gift to the jazz community.

60 lessons and going strong,

Kevin Ledbetter

Kevin Ledbetter

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.
Your major diatonic patterns book is great. I”m studying the first twenty patterns (first twenty pages) each day with different articulation each day and slowly increasing the tempo each week or so.  There is a noticeable improvement in finger coordination across all keys and its amazing how much more secure I feel on the difficult keys when attempting to play pieces with 5+ flats/sharps. I’m able to sort out the fingerings for these pieces now much more quickly than before, often in one or two … Read more
Geoff

Hello Steve,

I have not received my alto yet but have already gone through 14 lessons. I love your approach, style, knowledge and competence. I now regret so much to have stayed away from playing the sax for the past 45-50 years…(I am 65).  But It is never too late to get back to your first love. After 23 years in compuer sciences and 22 years in finances…I am now back to music for the rest of my life.

Doing some research on the net, I found this:

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?1… Read more

Claude
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

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
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
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
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
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
Your lessons on playing the blues is so clear . I have been through many books on blues playing and not one of them explains as clear as your lessons . Most of them say “Play the same blues scale over all three chords of a 12 bar blues ” Its very misleading .     Thanks
Martin

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