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Introduction This year, The 2018 NAMM Show was filled with various manufacturers and vendors showcasing their new and existing line of products. With so many saxophones, ligatures, reeds, mouthpieces, cases, neck-straps etc. to test play (SO MANY!), it can become overwhelming. As mentioned in my 2018 NAMM Saxophone Gear Roundup (BSWE NAMM 2018 Round-Up), I [read more…]
This is a general term that I use that includes the use of the descending be-bop scale (half step between the root and dominant 7th) and all the various versions of the ascending and descending major be-bop scales…check out the many videos on this subject that are based on the teachings of master Barry Harris. [read more…]
lan·guage – the method of human communication. Let me start by saying music is a universal language, and within jazz, there are various “accents”, if you will, such as blues, bebop, cool, swing, and the list goes on. Learning the bebop jazz language in a fun and easy way is the purpose of this concept [read more…]
Here’s a simple exercise to help you gain confidence moving around various subdivisions of the beat while also improving the accuracy of your articulation at the same time. You’ll definitely need a metronome for this one, and it’s a good idea to record yourself doing this so you can hear how precisely you’re able to [read more…]
The Intro David Liebman is a man who needs no introduction to virtually anyone in the saxophone world. But for those of you who need to be introduced, in my estimation, a bona-fide living legend, and an important voice in many seminal moments in the history of jazz. Going back, there is his work on the [read more…]
Introduction In the past, if you want to learn how to play the saxophone, you would learn by listening to records, transcribing solos, and going to see your favorite musicians play live. Today, there are far more resources available for the beginning as well as advanced saxophonist to better hone their ability. Although there are [read more…]
If you’re like me, you’re probably always looking for ways to play better improvised solos. This may be by improving your harmonic or rhythmic vocabulary, your fluency with the jazz language, or just your overall creativity. My suggestion involves working through a series of self-imposed limitations, or parameters, in the way you approach practicing on [read more…]
This is part 2 of a 2-part series on alternative ways to make a living playing sax. Although this article stands on its own, it would be good to check out part 1 if you haven’t done so already. Click here to for part 1. The Cruise Line Bands Suppose you do not want to [read more…]