Tag: Education
Can Walt Weiskopf Teach Us the Ultra-Hip Sound of the Diminished Scale? (Exercise and Etude Included)
Tweet I recently received Walt Weiskopf’s latest book, Understanding the Diminished Scale. I learned my C, C#, and D diminished scales in the past (between those three you have the notes for all twelve diminished scales, the book can explain further), but I never knew how to apply the scale effectively in my improvisation work. I [...]
Category: Saxophone Product Reviews
Sax Virtuoso Rick Keller Shares Tips for Better Sound, Rhythm, Improvisation, and More
Tweet Rick’s Official Bio Rick Keller continues to explore and develop his musical voice. Both a sought after sideman and an artist, Rick is constantly composing and pursuing his own projects which define his commitment to creative expression. He has been inspired by music from many countries as a result of playing in concerts and [...]
Category: Best Saxophone Players
Tone Building Exercises Used By Many of Jazz Music’s Saxophone Masters
Tweet Someone once told me that, when speaking to Cannonball Adderley about tone after seeing him with Miles’ band, which included John Coltrane (!), he mentioned that they were seeking an “inspired tone”. Safe to say, they found it. An inspired tone, along with great time, are two traits that all masters have in common. [...]
Category: Best of the Blog, Best Saxophone Tips and Techniques
Killer Exercises to Get Your Fingers Flying Gracefully Through Every Key
Tweet This guest article is from saxophone and multi-reed player, composer, recording artist, and educator Sam Sadigursky of SamSadigursky.com. For those of you who have read my previous articles, I’m a big proponent of taking the time to get comfortable in any major or minor key. The exercises I’m going to be covering in this [...]
Category: Best of the Blog, Best Saxophone Tips and Techniques
15 Glimpses Into the Minds of History’s Great Saxophone Players
Tweet This week I wanted to do something a bit special. Rather than rattling on with my views on saxophone playing and music in general, I thought I’d leave it to the saxophone greats to share their wisdom and insights with you. Between all of the combined quotes below is centuries worth of knowledge on [...]
Category: Best Saxophone Players, Best Saxophone Tips and Techniques
Reviewed: Greg Fishman’s “Hip Licks for Saxophone” Volumes I and II
Tweet The first time I saw Greg Fishman was when I attended Jamey Aebersold’s jazz workshop. Since then, Greg has come out with multiple educational books for saxophone such as Jazz Saxophone Etudes, Jazz Phrasing for Beginners, Tasting Harmony, and a good number more. The two books (to date) that make up Fishman’s newest series, [...]
Category: Saxophone Product Reviews
Saxophone Powerhouse Eric Alexander Shares Jazz Secrets in New E-book
Tweet I had the opportunity to read world-renown saxophonist Eric Alexander’s new e-book, Improvising with the Whole Step Triad Combination Scale. The book is focused around a concept Eric refers to as the “whole step triad combination scale.” I have been a long-time fan of Eric Alexander and am extremely excited that Eric has come out with [...]
Category: Saxophone Product Reviews
A Set of Mouthpiece Exercises to Boost Your Tone, Big-Time
Tweet Did you know that playing on the mouthpiece alone is a great way to train the muscles in your mouth and throat to respond extremely effectively in getting you the best and biggest sound you can possibly get? If not, I’d recommend checking out this article. Although the article I just pointed you to [...]
Category: Best of the Blog, Best Saxophone Tips and Techniques
Follow Us!