News, Reviews, and Interviews For The Saxophone Community
Today’s episode is going to give you some insight into one of the best resources for saxophone players at any level. Harri Rautiainen is the original Founder of the Sax on the Web Forum, a website created over 20 years ago that not only has a vibrant Discussion Forum on a wide range of topics,…
Jon Irabagon is one of the most original saxophone players on the scene today. After winning the Monk Competition in 2008, Jon has been making amazing records as well as becoming one of the most in demand sidemen in New York and the world over. Jon is also a super nice guy and more than willing to talk about the things he has done in his career and life that have gotten him to the point he is today. Jon has been on Continue Reading …
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If you haven’t tried Marca Reeds yet, listen to this interview to see why you should!
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Welcome back to another episode of the Everything Saxophone Podcast! I’m very excited to bring you this week’s episode with one of my favorite saxophone players on earth, Walter Smith III! Walter is one of the top voices in modern music and has recently released his latest album titled, Twio. Walter is from the music hotbed of Houston where he grew up around countless other top jazz musicians setting the stage for his career in music.
Walter studied at the storied Berklee College of Music, learning from countless saxophone luminaries such as George Garzone and Billy Pierce. After developing his own sound and skill set he has since had a busy career playing with the likes of Roy Haynes, Eric Harland, Continue Reading …
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Michael Lowenstern, widely considered one of the finest bass clarinetists in the world, has performed, recorded and toured as a soloist and with ensembles of every variety.
He has performed with groups such as the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and the Klezmatics, and has 6 solo recordings to date.
Michael’s Earspasm YouTube channel contains hundreds of videos that have become a source of information and edutainment for millions of viewers across the globe. And when he’s not teaching via the internet, he’s traveling regularly as a guest lecturer at universities across the world. When he’s stuck in New York, Michael serves on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music and the Juilliard School.Continue Reading …
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Roxy Coss is an accomplished saxophonist who has just released her fourth album as a leader, “The Future Is Female.” Roxy is an important modern voice in jazz and is doing great things in the New York scene and beyond. In this episode we talk about Roxy’s career as a player and her work as an advocate for women in jazz. Jazz musicians have always been a force for change and Roxy is doing some important work to level the playing field and make a career in music a reality for everyone.
We know you’re going to love this episode, Roxy drops a lot of knowledge on us about sound, education, and what it’s like toContinue Reading …
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Greg Fishman started playing professionally in Chicago at the age of 14. He graduated from DePaul University in Chicago with a degree in Jazz Performance, and earned a Masters Degree in Jazz Pedagogy from Northwestern University.
Greg is an expert on the music of Stan Getz, and has authored 3 transcription books of Getz’s material.
Greg is the author (and publisher) of Jazz Saxophone Etudes Volumes 1 – 3, Jazz Saxophone Duets, Volumes 1 – Continue Reading …
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Noah Preminger is one of the most talented young voices on the tenor saxophone today. Hailing from Connecticut and now making his way on the New York and Boston Jazz scenes, Noah has made quite the name for himself. His prolific output is an important part of what keeps him going in music and life. It was an absolute pleasure to speak with Noah and this interview is a unique one. We get toContinue Reading …
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We are very excited to bring you this week’s episode featuring the great, Jeff Kashiwa. Jeff had so many important things to say about saxophone and life as a musician. We are sure you’re going to get a ton of actionable advice on this episode. Enjoy!
Seattle native, Jeff Kashiwa knew he was destined to be a musician following his junior high introduction to woodwinds. His instincts were correct. He became known as one of the most compelling young saxophonists in contemporary jazz during his first year with The Rippingtons. Kashiwa performed hundreds of shows all over the world and appeared on many of the band’s classic recordings.
Having established himself in the 1990’s as one of the most diverse sax men in contemporary jazz during his decade long tenure with The Rippingtons, Kashiwa’s instincts led him to more dynamic endeavors through his solo career. It surprised many when Jeff left the group to venture out on his own, but he had things to say through his own music. Kashiwa now has nine CDs released under his own name and has continued to record as a guest artist with many other artists as well. In 2004, Kashiwa founded The Sax Pack, a trio of saxophone headliners, featuring himself, Steve Cole and Kim Waters. The group released two CDs together and charmed audiences with their Rat Pack style reparte’ in tours across the U.S. and abroad.
In 2006, Jeff reunited with The Rippingtons for their 20th Anniversary Tour and continues to record and tour with the group as often as his busy schedule will allow. In addition to touring with The Sax Pack and his own group, Kashiwa has expanded his career to include the realm of music education, teaching various courses through the music program at Shoreline Community College in Seattle.
His recent CD, Let It Ride, features a host of great musicians in the world of Contemporary Jazz; Russ Freeman, David Benoit, Chuck Loeb and Tom Schuman of Spyro Gyra. Let It Ride has been in the top 4 Best Sellers in Smooth Jazz on Amazon.com for the past few weeks.
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In this episode, you will hear Jeff talk about:
– how to develop your own jazz vocabulary
– how to find your own voice on your instrument
– how Michael Brecker influenced his decision to play EWI
– how Jeff approaches practicing and the advice he gives his students
– how he’s dealt with performance anxiety, and a hysterical story that features a cameo by Michael Brecker
Jeff’s Links:
Check out the video interview of this episode (and please share 😊)
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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 soloContinue Reading …
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