Introduction This marks my 7th year attending NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) and the show keeps getting better and better every year. Similar to my experience at the 2017 NAMM Show (2017 NAMM Show Saxophone Gear Roundup), the 2018 NAMM Show was full of exhibitors showcasing products such as: necks, ligatures, mouthpieces, reeds, neck-straps, cases […]
I believe that writing can be a great shaping and determining factor in your development as an improviser. In my case, towards the end of college, I had developed a be-bop vocabulary after being inspired by Bird, Cannonball, Stitt, Phil Woods, Charles McPherson and others. However, while I was able to play somewhat in that […]
In my first article for the Best. Saxophone. Website. Ever. I discussed using melodic shapes from J.S. Bach’s music to expand your vocabulary and improve your technique and range. We then took those shapes and applied them to a standard chord progression. Today I want to delve in to just one piece of Bach’s music, […]
Michael Brecker’s Visit to the USN’s Atlantic Fleet Band Michael’s one day workshop came about through the hard work of MU2 (Musician 2nd Class) Jeremy Bustillos and the permission of LCDR (Lieutenant Commander) Mel Kessler, our band officer. On or about September 2, 2003 we had a surprise visitor at the Atlantic Fleet Band in […]
Official Bio Tucker Antell is a New England native, but being raised in various states across the US, began his career in Sarasota FL. He started honing his musical craft by sitting in with retirees who took him under their wing and taught him the ropes of Jazz. Tucker explained:“Though I didn’t realize it at […]
My name is Larry Weintraub, I played tenor sax, clarinet, bari sax, alto sax and bass clarinet with Army, Navy and civilian bands. Today I will be talking about touring with military bands both stateside and overseas. Things to do as a reed player before you leave If there is any doubt of how your […]
Introduction The quest to find the right mouthpiece can seem like a never ending process. Once you find the mouthpiece that you believe suits you best, the next step (or at least for myself) is to find a secondary or back-up mouthpiece that plays identically in case something were to happen (drop, stolen, natural wear, […]
Editor’s Note: Below is a powerful exercise shared by renowned sax professional Kenny Brooks. Thanks to the great saxophonist, David Valdez for putting us in touch with Kenny to get Kenny’s permission to include it here on the site. As a means of using amazing improvisational material to improve my ability to move around the horn swiftly […]