Welcome to our first episode! We are very excited to bring you this fantastic interview with Derek Brown. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the episode!
From his 7 million views on Youtube to his interviews on international television and NPR’s Weekend Edition, Billboard-charting saxophonist/innovator Derek Brown and his solo “BEATBoX SAX” project has been exploding across the world music scene.
As described by jazz journalist/historian Scott Yanow, “Brown performs unaccompanied solos that occasionally make one recall Bobby McFerrin in his early prime and the great saxophonist Eddie Harris . . . utilizing slap-tonguing, circular breathing, a wide interest in musical styles and dazzling coordination to create rather unique music.”
Previously the director of jazz studies at Abilene Christian University for six years, Derek now lives and performs in Chicago, playing in various bands and projects around the area and throughout the world. His recent “BEATBoX SAX” music videos and tutorials on YouTube have been very popular among saxophonists and music lovers alike, leading to endorsements with Legere, JodyJazz, P.Mauriat, BG, and AKG. Derek has performed solo concerts throughout China, Russia, Japan, Germany, France, Poland, UK, Norway, Finland, Malaysia, Latvia, Serbia, Israel, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Brazil, Dubai, as well as throughout the U.S.
Derek received his BM in Music Performance (Classical and Jazz) from Hope College in 2006 and his MM in Jazz Studies at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music in 2008.
Crossing genres from jazz to classical to funk, saxophone innovator Derek Brown’s unique playing style must be seen to be believed!
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In this episode, you will hear:
– how Derek didn’t want to play an instrument at first
– how Derek thinks about taking risks vs. playing it safe
– Derek’s tips for musicians looking to get gigs
– how long it took Derek to reach his vision
– the most important tip for teachers
-what the big turning point was in Derek’s music career
-how Derek got past feeling burnt out and his main sources of inspiration
-Derek’s practice routine
– selling out, or not?
– and why was there so much blood on Derek’s reed, ligature and mouthpiece?
We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did!
Check out the video interview below (and please share 😊)
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Congrats to Donna and Nick the first show was awesome. I look forward to many more for beginners and professional saxophonist. I heard great questions and I loved how Derek took us through a timeline of how he gotten so good through his gifts with up and down and hard work but with enjoyment,
I do have a question regarding what do you do when you when you over practice and you think you ready play something but you mess up your scale or song. My teacher says that you weren’t ready and I agree and just keep at it.
I would like to hear and interview from a female artist so many to choose from. Jeanette Harris, Mindi Abair,, Cindy Bradley,, Angella Christi, Tia Fuller,
Thank you
Hi Marilyn!
Thanks for the comment, and thanks so much for the names of those folks you’d like to hear from. We have Roxy Coss booked for an interview and a lot of those other names are people we want to get on the show soon.
I think you’re right about being ready to play something when there is no question about whether you’ll mess it up or not. That’s the thing about music and playing at a high level. Just when you think you have something, you realize there’s more work to do. Just keep at it and you’ll keep improving at a rapid rate.
Nick
The first podcast featuring Derek Brown was excellent. It was interesting to hear how his journey evolved from not particularly wanting to play music to becoming an innovator with a new sax sound. It also spoke to those who are on their own individual journeys in that that should not give up and keep on working the craft. You guys did good with this one. You weren’t intrusive and let Derek tell his story. Looking forward to the next one.