It’s been nearly one year since we went into the studio to record this album. It’s been nearly two years since I began talking with producer Matt Pierson (Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau) about what this album would be. It’s been even longer since I began jotting down configurations for who might play this music, what […]
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Practice like Pat Metheny
“I’m just going to take 5 minutes and warm up. I have to; we had a day off.” – Pat Metheny I love watching my musical idols warm up. It’s rare to come across. Maybe you’re attending a clinic and they warm up in front of you. Maybe you find that rare clip on YouTube. […]
Live at the Jazz Corner
(I’m particularly fond of the ending jams on “What’s New?” and “You Don’t Know What Love Is”) Originally conceived as a publicity stunt to get an audience into a venue I’d never played, this live recording was the only time this group performed together. No rehearsal, just a sound check and two nights of shows. […]
Tour of Rico Reeds Factory
Sax players: I’m taking a trip to the Rico Reeds factory today (9/19/12). Any questions you’d like me to ask them? Leave a comment here before 1pm EST (10am Pacific) and I’ll do my best to get it answered. I’ll record some of my visit and send the recap to the players list.
Everything I Want in a Pop Sax Solo
It’s not so much a solo as a beautiful texture. That’s what I always strive to add in pop settings. It’s not about leather pants, walking the bar, dark sunglasses or cool-cat-hats. It’s about pure tone, texture, emotion and beauty. (To me, anyway.) No cheesy vibrato or cheap parlor tricks. Since the moment I discovered […]
Playing All the Time
I just had a great phone conversation with my old high school friend and saxophone mentor. We reminisced about how much playing we did back then: practicing early before school, listening–critically–to music during the 30 minute commute to school, scribbling out licks during history class to test out when we got to jazz band in […]