Tips and Wisdom from Saxophone Virtuoso Greg Banaszak
This article serves as the show notes for this week’s podcast interview with Greg Banaszak.
Greg Banaszak is a rare breed of saxophonist indeed. First off, let’s start with his status as, literally, one of the most esteemed classical saxophonists walking the planet at this time. The New York Times refers to him as “A Saxophone Tour De Force.”
Greg's Upcoming Album
He’s played in front of orchestras and at some of the most prestigious concert halls throughout the world. Mr. Banaszak has appeared as concerto soloist and recitalist throughout the United States, Eastern and Western Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. He’s presented masterclasses at Austria’s Musik Hochschule, the Cairo Conservatory, Oberlin Conservatory, and the Tanglewood Institute.
In addition, Greg was the first saxophone concerto soloist to appear with orchestras in both the Middle East and Korea, including performances with the Cairo Symphony and the Taegu City Symphony.
As truly impressive as all of this is, perhaps most impressive is Greg’s rare ability to have achieved professional success as a jazz saxophonist as well. Entrusted to fill some of the biggest shoes in jazz history, Greg recently took on the role of Charlie Parker in a recreation of the seminal album “Bird with Stings” – the strings being the Cleveland Pops Orchestra.
This introduction here only scratches the surface of what Greg has accomplished, so for more information, you’ll have to visit his website to get the full scoop.
For the recording of I’ll Remember April, Greg played on the Charlie Parker “Bird” Legend Series Alto
Saxophone Mouthpiece – a virtually identical replica of Charlie Parker’s Brillhart mouthpiece based on the original as obtained by RS Berkeley.
Listen right here:
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Download the Podcast MP3
Hop on Over to Our iTunes Podcast Page
Learn more about Greg at www.GregBanaszak.com
Check out some of Greg’s classical saxophone work:
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Category: Best Saxophone Players
About the Author
I've been playing the sax since the late 80's, but my musical journey has run quite the gambit. The musical rap sheet includes tours with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and reggae master Half Pint, center stage at the L.A. Music Center, cozy cafes, raucous night clubs, gear-drenched studios, and the pinnacle of any musician's career - playing weddings in New Jersey! (duh). There's a lot of other stuff too, but you should be reading these blog posts and leaving comments instead. Now off you go!View Author Profile
so killing, thanks so much!
Hello John,
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, thanks for stopping by!
Doron
What a tremendous artist Mr. Banaszak is. Highly accomplished in two very challenging disciplines, he seems to go back and forth seamlessly between both. I really appreciated his description of the attention to detail that is necessary for clear and authentic self-expression in classical music. Thanks for sharing this, Doron.
So glad you liked it Bill, that means a lot coming from someone such as yourself. :)
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