I heard Ben Wendel give a brilliant performance recently and it reminded me to share this conversation we recorded in 2011. Listen in and find out why I hesitated to release it (until now) as well as a whole buffet of topics from musical influences, saxophone practice routines, how Kneebody came to be, and Ben’s […]
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Chris Potter & Kenny Werner’s Beautiful Rendition of Tom Harrell’s “Sail Away”
When I first heard this I thought it was the single greatest soprano saxophone performance I’d ever heard. That was more than fifteen years ago. To this day, I feel the same. (Though Branford’s soprano tone is a favorite of mine.) I’ve been sharing this track a lot lately with students & readers who ask […]
10 Takeaways from Miles Davis’ 1985 Interview (including Coltrane’s Greed, Hating Flatted Fifths, & How to Play the Right Thing)
The following selections are from this republished 1985 interview with Miles Davis. 1. Avoid flatted fifths; finish what’s already started Miles to Bob Berg: “[I told Bob] when you start playing just try and finish what somebody’s left. Don’t just play till it dies. If [Bob] tries to find a tone center, he’ll just fuck […]
4 Things You Can Learn from Cory Henry’s Tribute to Organist Melvin Crispell
I’m cramming to learn 22+ Snarky Puppy tunes before I play a few shows with them next week, and it reminded me of this wonderful clip I wanted to share with you. It’s organist, and SP member, Cory Henry playing a tribute to an influential organist named Melvin Crispell. Cory Henry is an incredible musician. […]
Roy Hargrove on What It Means to Be an Artist
If you take care of the music, the music will take care of you. You gotta put it ALL in there. – Roy Hargrove
Real Sax Daily: Highlights from the First 50 Videos
For the last couple months I’ve published a mini music video 5 days a week. It began as a challenge to myself to practice more. A small, public-facing incentive to shed (I’ve always loathed practicing…at least the getting started part). “But you have a whole blog called #InTheShed?!”, you say. Yes, that is true. But […]