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06-26-07

James Taylor, one of my all-time favorites, has a song on his record "Dad Loves His Work" called "Summer's Here", where he sings in his inimitable voice: "Summer's here, I'm for that, I've got my rubber sandals, got my straw hat. I've got my cold beer, I'm just glad that it's here!" That says it all this time of year. For me, his voice is SO great ( not to mention his guitar playing), and his music has been a great part of my life since "Sweet Baby James" came out in 1970. I listened to it all summer long down in a friend's basement, along with Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young's "Deja Vu", and CCR's "Cosmos Factory". Those records carried over to the following summer as well, where we also wore out Carole King's "Tapestry". I can't today listen to any of these recordings without thinking of summer time! I had no idea then I'd be so into jazz, but this singer-songwriter music that was so big in the early 70s had a lasting impact on me, and the music endures because it is good music, plain and simple. It is music that has strong melody, harmony, rhythm, beat, it's expressive, and it is played well. That's what good music is, right? Enjoy the summer, and get out and hear some live music!!

07-01-07

I encourage all of you who have a chance to read this, to check out some really terrific musicians who I have the pleasure of working with this month: Nicole Pasternak is a wonderful, spirited vocalist who really swings! She's has her own unique sound and she is deeply rooted in the jazz tradition, both vocal and instrumental. Elements of Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee, Ella, and others are present in her singing, and as she told me, she's even been checking out Judy Garland, and how tremendous Judy was at just singing the melody straight! www.nicolepasternak.com Richard "Cookie" Thomas is a consummate entertainer and singer deeply rooted in the music of Nat "King" Cole, Ray Charles, Johnny Hartman, Lou Rawls, classic R&B, and the great Doo-Wop groups of the 50s and 60s. Cookie's smooth, soulful sound and warmth come shining through all his recordings. www.cookiethomas.com Jody Sandhaus is a singer I've worked with for over 20 years. She has the voice of an angel. ( I'm partial!) She swings yes, but also there is a depth of feeling in her sound to me that compares with any of the jazz masters. Her phrasing is awesome. Great thought and feeling go into every song she sings. www.jodysandhaus.com Jody's husband, Pete Malinverni, is one of the fine jazz piano players in the world! Peter calls upon all his influences which run from Barry Harris, Monk, Bill Evans, Bud Powell, gospel and church music, a strong classical background, and and as a result produces simply amazing, heartfelt, swinging jazz. www.petemalinverni.com You must check these people out. Their websites all contain samples of their music, or will direct you to where you can hear some of it ( and purchase it). Enjoy!!

07-02-07

A string quartet composed by my good friend (and bandmate for many years!) Don Wallace, will be part of the program in an upcoming chamber music concert in Guilford, CT. Another dear friend and teaching colleague Phyllis Silver will also be performing at this concert on piano. The free concert will take place on Sunday, July 22 at 2:00 pm and is part of the Joyful Noise! Concert series at the First Congregational Church of Guilford. Please visit the church website for more information. www.firstchurchguilford.org

12-10-06
What's new? MY WEBSITE! Welcome!!

Lately when I've played at various venues, people will come up to me and say "Do you have a website?" "How can we find out where you're playing next?" "Who else do you play with?" "When is your new cd coming out?" So I just figured it was time. No delusions of grandeur here. Just putting it up for the people, so to speak. Here you'll find things like some of my thoughts on music (for what it's worth), where I might be playing next, news in the jazz world, teaching thoughts and tips, transcriptions of solos, music clips, how to get in touch, booking info, join the email list, and perhaps most importantly: links to fellow musician's websites, some whom I've known for over twenty years and continue to perform and produce wonderful music. Please buy their recordings!!

There are a zillion saxophone players all over the world, and I simply am one of those zillion who play and just love the instrument. I fell in love when I opened the case of my first instrument, which was a Selmer MKVI alto that my father gave me the money for in high school in 1974. I bought it with a friend at Charles Ponte Music in New York City on 46th Street. I brought it home and I couldn't play a note on it. I just looked at it, sitting in the classic tray pak case, with it's purple lining, and just thought it was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen (besides my girlfriend at the time, who subsequently became my wife!).

I started practicing. My sister said I sounded like a "moose in heat" at first! Gradually my playing got better and better. I have had (and still have), some great teachers, band mates, family, friends, and recordings, who and which encouraged me and inspired me. I tell my students to this day: "I promise. If you practice, you will get better. There are no secrets, no short cuts." And it's really true. Legendary saxophonists like Sonny Rollins, James Moody, and Jimmy Heath are still going strong in their 70s and 80s. They STILL practice and are STILL getting better!

There's so much to do, so much music to play, and I still feel like I'm just beginning sometimes! It reminds me of a song:

    "We've got a long way to go, and a short time to get there"
     "East Bound and Down" by Jerry Reed
     Title song from the movie Smokey and the Bandit