​Born and raised in Lima, Perú, Lucia Sarmiento has been influenced by classic jazz players like Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane, as well as modern players such as Chris Potter and Michael Brecker.  After graduating high school, Lucia moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina...

Saxophonist & educator, Godwin Louis, was born in Harlem, New York and began playing saxophone at age nine. Godwin grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut and Port au Prince, Haiti.  Godwin was a finalist in the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Saxophone Competition,...

Saxophonist and mouthpiece creator, Matt Lee uncovered his passion for music when his grandmother bought him his 1st alto saxophone.  From that point, he knew he found his calling.  Matt followed his dream from California to Nevada, and writes most of his own music...

Saxophonist, composer and author Walt Weiskopf began his New York career performing with the Buddy Rich Big Band in 1981 at the age of 21.  Since then, he has made an impressive mark as both a leader and sideman with over 20 critically acclaimed CDs and countless...

This episode is super special because I have not just 1, but 2 guests with me. My first guest is Stefano Bedetti, the Italian saxophone phenom.  (In the beginning of this episode, you heard an excerpt of him playing Shiny Stocking.) Stefano is a self-taught musician...

Mention the Beets name pretty much anywhere in the world, and any jazz enthusiast in the room will know what you’re talking about: quality, and a strong brand of bop and swing.  And swing... that’s one thing tenor saxophonist, Alexander ‘The Hurricane’ Beets brings...

One of the most decorated saxophonists of her generation, Nicki Roman, has won prizes at prestigious competitions such as the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Solo Competition, Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Solo Competition, William C. Byrd...

Chances are, you’ve heard the sound of Tia Fuller before. If you saw the blockbuster Pixar film, Soul, Fuller served as the sound behind the music of animated character “Dorothea Williams,” the sassy saxophonist (voiced by Angela Bassett). If you’ve caught any of...

Ramon Manas, Founder of Odisei Music, and Creator of the Travel Sax wanted to find a way to practice his saxophone more. His time was limited and his living situation didn’t allow him the freedom to practice whenever he wanted. Because of that, he was starting to get...

Billboard charting saxophonist, Chris Godber has become a highly sought after performer in both the Smooth Jazz & Gospel Jazz realms.  His 2015 album "Starting Over"launched him into the Smooth Jazz spotlight with the chart topping hits Rain and Chill.  HIs goal...

In Part 2 of my interview with Steven Banks, we talked about: Tips and recommendations of pieces for Classical saxophonists What made him decide to go the classical route instead of jazz Steven talks about his equipment in detail, and the research he’s done A key...

Saxophonist, Composer, Educator, Advocate, Steven Banks is an Assistant Professor of Saxophone at Ithaca College in NY. He is the first saxophonist to earn a place on the Young Concert Artists roster in its 59-year history, capturing First Prize at the 2019 Young...