Introduction For some saxophonists, developing palm key technique is a challenge. These keys, used to finger the notes of the upper register, specifically high D, Eb, E and F, can feel awkward to many performers since to depress these notes, the left-hand palm must be used. In addition, high E and F are notes whose [read more…]
Introduction It’s been over two years since I last attended the NAMM (aka National Association of Music Merchants). As we all know, a lot of changes have happened with Covid and the resulting economic challenges, but that’s not the focus here. In this article, we are focused on what’s new with the saxophone. I was [read more…]
Flashy technique and altissimo are all fine and good, but a rich, powerful, and distinctive saxophone sound that truly grabs your listeners is the hallmark of any great player. Thing is, without the correct methods, you're likely to waste time, looking for the perfect setup and trying to make sense of vague and conflicting instruction from books, videos, and private teachers.
Luckily, sax legend David Liebman, one of the world's foremost experts on saxophone sound production, takes you on a step-by-step journey through the method used by legends such as Michael Brecker, Bob Berg, and other masters. Starting from your mental concept of sound, to the breath, to the throat and the oral cavity (lots of cool overtone exercises here!), to the embouchure, and then on to expressive effects and working on reeds - Dave covers everything you need to develop the sort of sound that turns heads - from the first note.
SAXOPHONETONE.COM
The Ultimate Guide to Saxophone Sound Production
Introduction Before traveling to perform at a concert venue, there are steps that all saxophonists should take to adequately prepare themselves for a performance. These steps include practice strategies to prepare music for the concert and also warmup routines to be followed at the time of the concert. Being properly prepared and warmed up will [read more…]
Introduction I had the opportunity to review Marc Jean’s original ligatures , (see picture below) back in 2014 for alto and tenor saxophone. Although I have play tested many ligatures over the years for alto and tenor saxophone and tend to switch from time to time, I have stayed with the original Marc Jean ligature [read more…]
Last week, the conductor of a pro concert band in Sydney that I play the flute in, said to me at the rehearsal: “Hey Jane – I arranged a new piece for the band and I especially wrote you out a ripper of a jazz flute solo!!” I braced myself. For I am not a [read more…]
“It Don’t Mean a Thing….” Although I’m clearly not looking to score points for originality with the above reference, the truth remains that Duke Ellington summed it best with the title of his timeless standard and staple of popular American culture, “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)”. In other words, [read more…]
Introduction Depending on where you live in the U.S, a good repair tech can be hard to find. Most cities don’t have the demand to support a saxophone specialist. If you’ve struggled with this lack of instrument repair options, you might keep an eye on your local theater’s event schedule for Disney’s Frozen the Musical. [read more…]
Introduction When it comes to making a mouthpiece change, the question as to whether to purchase a new one or to reface a mouthpiece you already own comes up quite a bit, and the answer really depends on your situation and why it is you are looking to make a change. In the past when [read more…]
Introduction Since moving out to the Bay Area 7 years ago, I’ve had the chance to visit various music stores and repair shops and meet saxophonists selling gear from time to time. Now, when it comes to someone who is not just a great player but has one of the nicest collections of vintage saxophones, [read more…]
Introduction The first time I heard Danny Janklow play was some years ago at one of Vandoren’s “Vandojam” concerts, which take place as part of the NAMM show in Anaheim, California each year. I was blown away by his level of skill given his age. I recently got to see Danny play at the Black [read more…]
Tips and Techniques from the pros PLUS free access to the Sax Lessons with the Stars archive - 10 years worth of interviews and exercises featuring the likes of David Liebman, Bob Mintzer, Ben Wendel, Bob Reynolds, and many more!
