Shows
Everything Saxophone PodcastDr David Culter; Amplifying Income, Impact & Innovation for Saxophonists, Ep 252 In this episode of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, host Donna Schwartz sits down with Dr. David Cutler, author, musician, educator, and creative entrepreneur, to talk about music, innovation, and the entrepreneurial mindset musicians need today. Find exactly what you’re looking for in the episode by using the timestamps below ⬇️ 00:00 His musical beginnings 05:51 The most important question he asked his professor - and didn’t get an answer for… 08:36 The entrepreneur side of music 09:51 Our value in the world 15:53 Two kinds of musicians - which one are you? 19:02 His view on AI and its effects in the music industry 26:48 Selling out your off...
2025-09-181h 42
Everything Saxophone PodcastSaxophonist, Educator, Composer, Woody Witt; Free Jazz ModernizedOn this episode of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna welcomes award-winning saxophonist and educator Dr. Woody Witt, fresh off the release of his latest album, Awakening. Here are the timestamps for your convenience; jump to the parts of our conversation with Dr. Woody Witt that interest you most! 00:00 What keeps Woody busy right now 05:27 House concerts and its benefits 10:45 What inspired him in creating his new album ‘Awakenings’ 17:49 Listen and reflect to ‘Echoes of the Past’ 22:52 Woody’s definition of melodic time 28:41 What makes ‘Derecho’ complicated 29:59 Listen and reflect to ‘Derecho’ (part 1) 37:05 Two Ways Woody added tension to his sol...
2025-09-051h 45
Everything Saxophone PodcastSaxophonist David Bixler; Pursuing Creative Conversations With ImprovisationSaxophonist and composer David Bixler joins host Donna Schwartz on the ep. 250 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast to share his musical journey, creative insights, and more! Below is a detailed timestamp guide to help you navigate the key highlights of our conversation with David Bixler: 00:00 How he got into music 06:17 Mentors and inspirations while starting out 12:44 What made him move to New York 16:15 His ‘Blue Note’ story 18:37 His advice for those who get intimidated on jamming with others 22:55 What you shouldn’t do at a jam session 30:07 “If you operate f...
2025-08-071h 19
Everything Saxophone PodcastSaxophonist Jimmy Farace; Understanding The Past to Maximize His GrowthIn Episode 249 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, hosted by Donna Schwartz, rising star, baritone saxophonist Jimmy Farace, joins us for a conversation about storytelling through music, his influences, and his newly released debut album. Below is a detailed timestamp guide to help you navigate the key highlights of our conversation with Jimmy Farace: 00:00 - His introduction to music 04:13 - Mark Colby’s influence on him 06:33 - Categories of what to practice 10:11 - How he creates his own lines 13:49 - Mentors that stood out in his college days 22:06 - Influences on hi...
2025-07-241h 31
Everything Saxophone PodcastSaxophonist Dr. Randal Clark; Taking Action To Control Your Destiny, Ep. 248In Episode 248 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, host Donna Schwartz sits down with saxophonist, educator, and composer Dr. Randal Clark for an inspiring conversation about music, artistry, and education. Here’s a guided timestamp to check out the highlights of this episode with Dr. Randal Clark —perfect if you want to jump straight to the parts that resonate most with you. 00:00 - Musical beginnings 06:21- The 1 cassette influenced his musical path 08:51 - How he made his own records 9:21 - How he learned improvisation on his own 17:36 - The value in transcribing 28:54 - The influences that inspired him to becom...
2025-07-101h 54
Everything Saxophone PodcastSaxophonist Andy Sheppard; Pushing Sonic BoundariesIn Episode 247 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz sits down with internationally renowned saxophonist, composer, and ECM recording artist Andy Sheppard. Here’s a guided timestamp to check out the highlights of the episode — perfect if you want to jump straight to the parts that resonate most with you. 00:00 - Leaving art school and started learning saxophone at 19 04:09 - When Andy realized his true passion 05:11 - Needing to be ready for a lesson 16:36 - People he met along the way that helped his playing 21:12 - Taking a helicopter view on life to make important life deci...
2025-06-261h 33
Everything Saxophone PodcastSaxophonist Leah Concialdi; How to Authentically Pitch Yourself, Ep 244 Everything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, spoke with Leah Concialdi, Saxophonist, about how to authentically pitch yourself. Leah opens up about playing bari sax at massive pop gigs, wireless mic tips for saxophonists, Fela Kuti’s influence on her music and many more! ✨ Here's what we've talked about: 🎷 Musical beginning 🎷 Pop gig preparation 🎷 What it was like to play at Coachella with Harry Styles 🎷 How to navigate line checks at shows for Bari Sax players 🎷 Wireless microphone she currently uses 🎷 Neighborhood orchestra 🎷 How Fela Kuti’s music influenced her 🎷 The intersection between Fela Kuti’s music and jazz music 🎷 How she go...
2025-05-081h 59
Everything Saxophone PodcastSaxophonist Reggie Padilla; How Being Versatile Created Amazing Opportunities, Ep. 243 Everything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, spoke with Reggie Padilla, Saxophonist and Author, about how being versatile created amazing opportunities. Donna sits down with the incredibly versatile saxophonist Reggie Padilla to dive deep into his musical path — from surfing with a sax to creating his EP First Light, his etude book Reflecting Changes, and how he built his home studio setup. You’ll also hear what made him choose P. Mauriat saxophones and how versatility opened unexpected doors in his career. Here's what we've talked about 🎷 Musical beginnings 🎷 What made him focus on playing saxophone 🎷 Moving to Hawaii – better weather and more gig opport...
2025-04-171h 27
Everything Saxophone PodcastSaxophonist Dr Scott Litroff - How to Be An Effective PerformerEver wondered how a violinist 🎻 became a master of the saxophone 🎷? This week on the podcast, Donna sits down with the incredible Dr. Scott Litroff—who shares his journey from picking up the violin to finding his true voice on the sax. It all started with a moment of inspiration (and a little nudge from Perry Goldstein), but what truly set Scott apart was his approach to music: letting his ears be his guide, embracing mistakes as stepping stones, and developing a fearless performance philosophy. Scott also takes us behind the scenes of his lates...
2025-04-042h 23
Everything Saxophone PodcastJason Gay; How Embracing Jazz History Shaped His Performing Career, Ep 241 We’re back! 🎷🎙️ After a short break, Everything Saxophone Podcast returns with an incredible episode featuring Jason Gay! Donna sits down with Jason for a fascinating conversation about his journey in music, the gear he swears by, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Here's the highlights of the episode: 🎷 How Donna met Jason 🎷 Why ligature matters 🎷 Why Jason loves Jody Jazz mouthpieces 🎷 More onto his gear and set-up 🎷 How he got into music 🎷 Lesson from Joe Viola 🎷 Tip from Eddie Bayard 🎷 Why improving his tone takes most of his...
2025-03-211h 41
Everything Saxophone PodcastTheo Wanne Essentials Collection; NAMM Show 2025We’re closing out our NAMM 2025 coverage with a must-hear episode! Everything Saxophone Podcast host Donna Schwartz caught up with Theo Wanne, a world-renowned expert in saxophone mouthpiece design and innovation, at the NAMM Show 2025 in Anaheim, CA. With over three decades of experience, Theo has revolutionized how musicians approach sound and craftsmanship. In this episode, he shares insights into the Theo Wanne Essentials Collection, discusses the artistry behind his mouthpieces, and reveals what makes them stand out. Here’s what you’ll discover: 🎷 Introducing the New Theo Wanne Essentials Collection
2025-03-0622 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastCannonball Instruments, Live at the NAMM Show 2025Everything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, spoke with Sheryl Laukat—CEO & Co-Founder and Dr Randal Clark—Dir of Media & Education of Cannonball Musical Instruments, at the NAMM Show 2025 in Anaheim, CA. In this special episode, we go behind the scenes with Cannonball Instruments at NAMM 2025! We dive into what makes Cannonball saxophones stand out, the secret behind putting a pearl on a lee pipe, and their most popular saxophone loved by pros like Gerald Albright & Eric Darius. Plus, we chat about Cannonball’s legendary jam sessions, their exciting plans for their 30th anniversary, and catch up wit...
2025-02-2716 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastNew Bari Sax Compact Case; Andy Lutz from ProTec, NAMM Show 2025 Everything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, spoke with Andy Lutz, from ProTec Style Company, at the NAMM Show 2025 in Anaheim, CA. When you buy a new sax, the case it comes with is usually fine… but not always ideal, especially for traveling. While cases have improved over the years, many still aren’t built for the demands of air travel. The Protec compact bari sax case fits most baritone saxophone makes and models, including both low A and low Bb versions. The exterior is made from durable, weather-resistant 1680 ballistic nylon with reinforced stitching. Inside, the case features a shock-absorbing wood frame...
2025-02-2010 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastThe World’s First ‘Screwless’ Saxophone from Victory Musical Instruments; NAMM Show 2025Everything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, interviewed Melvin Quinones, Founder of Victory Musical Instruments, and inventor of the World’s First ‘Screwless’ Saxophone! Victory Musical Instruments has gained recognition among musicians and dealers for its craftsmanship and performance. During the interview, Quinones discussed the meticulous design process and the motivation behind creating a ‘screwless’ saxophone—an idea born from his deep understanding of musicians’ needs and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of instrument design. Can’t wait to share this one! If you love game-changing innovations, you’ll want to tune in! We covered: 🎷 Featuring t...
2025-02-1311 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastRon Van Ostenbridge Live from NAMM Show 2025; The New Cobalt Reeds from Bari WoodwindsEverything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, interviewed CEO of Bari Woodwinds, Ron Van Ostenbridge, live at the NAMM Show 2025. If you’re a saxophonist, you know that the right gear can make all the difference. This year at the NAMM Show 2025, Donna had the incredible opportunity to meet with the CEO of Bari Woodwinds for an exclusive interview on my podcast. They dove deep into their newest innovation—the Cobalt Reeds—and more. If you’re as excited about these innovations as I am, you won’t want to miss this episode where we talked about: Bari’s new...
2025-02-0610 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastJeremiah True Live from NAMM Show 2025; The New Venus Model from P. Mauriat Saxophones — Ep 235Everything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, interviewed Saxophonist and Educator, Jeremiah True, live at the NAMM Show 2025. With a diverse background spanning orchestral, jazz, theater pits, and rock ‘n roll, Jeremiah True brings a wealth of experience and artistry to every performance. P. Mauriat instruments are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, innovative technology, and timeless beauty. Each instrument is meticulously handmade by experienced technicians, using only premium materials such as high-quality French brass. Through an intricate process of hand-hammering and casting, P. Mauriat creates instruments with unparalleled resonance, offering players a uniquely rich and expressive soun...
2025-01-3124 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastDon Braden Podcast; How Teamwork Impacted His Jazz JourneyEverything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, interviewed Saxophonist, Composer, Educator, Don Braden for Episode 234. We talked about: His early experiences with the saxophone and his first gigs The creation of the Earth Wind and Wonder album His journey to mastering improvisation, including studying the Aebersold books His transition to becoming a professional musician Memorable stories about Wynton Marsalis and Freddie Hubbard, and their influence on his playing All about the melody How his bandmates put their own stamp on the music The surprising role of real, wholesome food in supporting the health of musicians And more! ...
2025-01-231h 28
Everything Saxophone PodcastMark Overton; Experience SaxQuest and the National Saxophone MuseumEverything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, interviewed Mark Overton, Founder of SaxQuest and the National Saxophone Museum. Mark Overton started Saxquest in 2000 with a vision of creating a mecca for saxophone players to find great equipment, share knowledge/learn about their instrument and engage in safe honest transactions with a knowledgeable sales staff in both a brick & mortar retail store and over the Internet. This vision has led to the creation of two ventures, a retail store front-repair shop, with their online store at www.saxquest.com, along with a social media website for saxophone pla...
2025-01-091h 29
The Green Brick RoadDonna Chudcoff: From Marketing Maven to Real Estate PowerhouseJoin us for an insightful conversation as we dive deep into the fascinating career of Donna Chudacoff. She recounts her time as the head of marketing at Levy Foods, where she honed her leadership and strategic thinking skills, to her significant career shift into managing her family’s extensive real estate business. Donna shares her experiences transitioning from the corporate world to overseeing numerous real estate units, offering valuable lessons on adaptability, family business dynamics, and the evolving nature of the real estate market. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-10-0221 min
Conversations with Calvin; WE the SpeciesDR. DONNA NICOL; Author, Black Woman on Board....Claudia Hampton…Fight to Save Affirmative Action.; Assoc Dean, California State, Long Beach; Ohio State, PhD, 2007, Ed; LIVE from Calif.#realconversations #affirmativeaction
#UniversityofCalifornia #OhioState #civilrights
CONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN WE THE SPECIES
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“A fascinating, introspective, evocative, and NECESSARY
interview with Dr Donna Nicol on her journey into the life of Claudia Hampton,
from California State University, and her fight to save affirmative action. It
is an extraordinary story of how Claudia accomplished using brilliance, ‘sly
civility’, and soft power amidst white affirmative action backlash. Dr. Nicol’s
intervi...
2024-06-1757 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastVandoren's New Saxophone Mouthpieces; NAMM Show 2024 with Sylvain CartonSylvain Carton, originally from France, is a multi-instrumentalist (woodwinds, guitars) and composer currently residing in Los Angeles. He has recorded and performed for numerous groups, including Aly and Aj, Beats Antique, Tenacious D, and Lord Huron, among others. Sylvain is a composer and producer, crafting music for films, commercials, documentaries, and various other mediums. His big band compositions have earned him a prestigious "Subito" grant from the American Composer's Forum. In addition to performing and composing, Sylvain is a Vandoren Performing Artist and Artistic Advisor. Founded in 1905, Vandoren has emerged as a leading...
2024-02-1212 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastJason Mingledorff Podcast; Soulful New Orleans Sax GroovesEverything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, interviewed New Orleans Saxophonist, Jason Mingledorff, for Episode 190. We spoke about: What made Jason want to pursue improvised music How he met Sax Gordon How Jason taught himself how to listen A Blues tune that’s a masterclass in Blues soloing Why we transcribe and how to do it Jason’s resource for learning tunes & a tip from Jason to appreciate Standards What defines New Orleans saxophone style Jason’s new album, Start It & the fun mashup he created And Much More! Jason Mingledorff is one of the most...
2023-12-071h 52
Everything Saxophone PodcastDr. Ed Calle Podcast; The Most Versatile Saxophonist On The PlanetLatin Grammy Award Winner, Dr. Ed Calle, is one of the most versatile saxophonists in the world. Having been born to Spanish parents in Caracas, Venezuela, he showed tremendous musical potential at an early age, developing his own distinct sound (which many have said is part of his DNA). Dr. Calle can be heard on over 1,700 albums, and over 10,000 singles, having performed with such legends as Randy and Michael Brecker, Gloria Estefan, Arturo Sandoval, Frank Sinatra, Carlos Santana, Ricky Martin, Tito Puente, Donna Summer, The Bee Gees, and numerous others. Dr. Ed Calle is...
2023-09-072h 02
Everything Saxophone PodcastSaxophone Mouthpiece Masterclass with Jody Espina of Jody Jazz MouthpiecesEverything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, went on location to the Jody Jazz Factory in Savannah, GA to film a saxophone mouthpiece masterclass by Jody Espina, Founder of Jody Jazz Mouthpieces. Even if you are not an equipment geek, this episode will answer all your saxophone mouthpiece questions. The link to this episode, along with more Resources, is on our website. This episode was sponsored by Jody Jazz Mouthpieces, world-famous saxophone and clarinet mouthpiece makers. Visit www.jodyjazz.com to see why artists like Kirk Whalum, Tom Scott, Andy Snit...
2023-08-1045 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastPlay testing saxophone mouthpieces at the Jody Jazz FactoryIn the 3rd part of our series, A Day in the Life at the Jody Jazz Factory, Donna interviewed Danielle Walker, Manager, Accounts & Relations Artist & Manager. Along with her other responsibilities, Danielle is the main mouthpiece play-tester at Jody Jazz. She could be testing up to 300 mouthpieces a day! In order to be able to do that (and not lose your mind), she follows a simple process. Find out what that is, along with how to do the "pop" test, and more of her testing tips by listening to our latest...
2023-08-0319 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastA Day In The Life At The Jody Jazz Factory; Jody Espina PodcastIf you’ve ever wondered what it’s like inside a factory producing saxophone and clarinet mouthpieces, you will want to listen to and watch our new 4-part series documenting a day in the life at the Jody Jazz Factory. Donna was invited down to Savannah, GA to see how JodyJazz mouthpieces are made, start to finish. In this episode, you will get to know Jody Espina and his motivation for starting his Jody Jazz mouthpiece company. The link to his full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our websi...
2023-07-2024 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastJodyJazz Mouthpieces Podcast; Meet the new DV HR Alto Sax Mouthpiece, Ep 179Everything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, interviewed Jody Espina, President of Jody Jazz Mouthpieces, Live at the NAMM Show 2023 in Anaheim, CA. One of the biggest releases from the saxophone industry this year has been the new DV HR alto saxophone mouthpiece from Jody Jazz Mouthpieces. Hear what it sounds like, and get all the latest information from Jody Espina President of Jody Jazz. The link to this episode, along with more Resources, is on our website. We also talked about: see which famous band is endorsing Jo...
2023-07-1312 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastRyan Richman of Eastman Winds Podcast; Meet the New, Revolutionary 52nd Street Tenor SaxophoneGet a close up look at the New & Revolutionary Eastman 52nd Street Model 852 Tenor Saxophone! In this episode, Donna interviewed Ryan Richman, of Eastman Winds, Live at the NAMM Show 2023 in Anaheim, CA. There are so many ergonomic improvements to the saxophone with this horn. The sound is even throughout the range. The intonation is spot on. It's no wonder it won awards at The NAMM Show 2023! The link to this episode, along with more Resources, is on our website. Listen to the episode to d...
2023-07-0606 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastSandro Massullo of Trevor James Saxophones Podcast; Live from the NAMM Show 2023It was 5 years ago that I found out about Trevor James Saxophones. It totally changed my thinking about modern saxophones, and transformed my own sound. Learn more about these special saxes in this episode Live from the NAMM Show 2023, where I talked with Sandro Massullo. And find out why great artists such as Andy Snitzer, Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Cole, Louis Van Taylor, Adrian Crutchfield and many others play Trevor James Saxophones. The link to his full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website. This e...
2023-05-1804 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastTheo Wanne Mouthpieces Podcast; NAMM Show 2023 updateDonna spoke with Matt Ambrose, Chief Machinist, from Theo Wanne Mouthpieces, at the NAMM Show 2023 in Anaheim, CA. The link to his full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website. All the NAMM Show 2023 episodes are sponsored by Rovner Products. We spoke about: the updated Theo Wanne mouthpiece models - Brahma, Shiva and Ambika Matt's advice for finding the best mouthpiece for you Comparing the Gaia 4 to the Brahma 4 Be a Patreon! Patrons get early access to all Everything Saxophone Podcast videos, plus searchable tr...
2023-05-0809 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastVirginia Mayhew Podcast; Critically acclaimed jazz musicianVirginia Mayhew has performed throughout the US, Southeast Asia, Europe, Australia, the Caribbean and Bermuda, and has been an active participant in the NY jazz scene since 1987. Virginia has performed at Carnegie Hall and many of NYC’s finest jazz venues. She has also been featured as a leader at many jazz festivals, both within the United States and abroad, and has traveled twice as a representative of the United States as a Jazz Ambassador (in the tradition of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington), once to the Newly Independent States and a second time to So...
2023-05-041h 33
Everything Saxophone PodcastDaniel Hofmann Podcast; Everything you wanted to know about FiberreedIf you were even a little bit curious about Fiberreed, this episode is for you! Donna spoke with Daniel Hofmann, Fiberreed Representative for the U.S., at the NAMM Show 2023 in Anaheim, CA. Dannie gave a complete breakdown of ALL the Fiberreed models, including the 2 new ones added within the past 2 months. The link to his full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website. All the NAMM Show 2023 episodes are sponsored by Rovner Products. We talked about: All the different models of Fi...
2023-05-0116 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastBari Woodwinds Podcast; More than just synthetic reedsIn this 2nd episode from the NAMM Show 2023, Donna spoke with Ron Van Ostenbridge from Bari Woodwinds. Bari was the 1st synthetic reed on the market, created by Wolfe Tannenbaum back in the 1950's. The link to his full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website. All the NAMM Show 2023 episodes are sponsored by Rovner Products. We talked about: the new Eco Reed, and how Bari is doing its part in saving the planet Ron gave a great description of all the other reeds Bari ma...
2023-04-2723 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastAngela Gomez Podcast; Live at NAMM 2023, Ep 163In the first of many episodes from the NAMM Show 2023, Donna interviewed Saxophonist, Angela Gomez. Originally from Columbia, Angela is now located in Miami, FL and is taking the U.S. music scene by storm. Up to 5 months ago, she was mostly playing alto sax, but under the advise from her good friend, Melvin Quinones (of Victory Musical Instruments), she started to play the Bari Sax. You will hear her playing on the Bari Sax at the end of this episode. Check out this episode of the podcast to get to...
2023-04-2409 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastGreg Banaszak Podcast; Legendary Charlie Parker StoriesDonna Schwartz spoke with Classical & Jazz Saxophonist, Educator, Greg Banaszak. Greg Banaszak is one of the most sought after orchestral saxophone soloists of his generation. As one of the few saxophonists active in both the classical and jazz mediums, he includes a combination of concerto performances, solo and chamber music recitals, and jazz festival appearances. He has presented recitals in such prestigious concert halls as Vienna’s Bösendorfer Concert Hall, the Royal Palace in Warsaw, Poland, and New York’s Lincoln Center’s Bruno Walter Hall. He has presented master classes...
2022-11-171h 17
Take It To The Board with Donna DiMaggio BergerElevators & Electric Charging Stations with Todd SchwartzSend us a textIf you’re in the elevator business, the effortless and constant up and down momentum means business is good. But for community association boards and residents, elevator safety, maintenance, and even innovation can truly test one’s sanity. Host Donna DiMaggio Berger challenges featured guest Todd Schwartz (Founder, Connections Elevator) to clarify the inner workings and ultimate impact of American society’s most prolific ‘people mover’ – and then invites him to explain how his interest in creating stability around elevators expanded to streamlining the installation of electric vehicle chargi...
2022-10-2749 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastTravel Sax & Odisei Music at NAMM Show 2022 Podcast - Ep 150Odisei Music is a Spanish company based in Barcelona founded by Ramon Mañas (CEO). Their story began 5 years ago when Ramon was studying music in Berlin. At that time, he was sharing a small flat with 2 other musicians and began learning how to play the saxophone. From that point, they have been obsessed with creating the smallest and lightest electronic saxophone in the world, to help saxophonists practice and play silently when and wherever they want without disturbing others. That event generated what is today the main mission of Odisei Mus...
2022-10-2030 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastGrowling Sax & Victory Musical Instruments at NAMM Show 2022 PodcastIn this episode from the NAMM Show in June, Donna Schwartz spoke with musician and the founder of Victory Musical Instruments, parent company of The Growling Sax, Melvin Quinones. Melvin Quinones is a Hispanic American entrepreneur, engineer, musician and the founder of Victory Musical Instruments, parent company of The Growling Sax. With over 30+ years of professional music experience combined with 20 years of engineering background, he integrated many of the technologies and processes that have made the pioneers of the music industry successful with new technology, improved materials and ergonomics. Melvin has over 30 years...
2022-10-1330 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastMatt Lee at NAMM Show 2022This week, a podcast favorite stopped by the Legere Booth at the NAMM Show 2022. Donna spoke with saxophonist, Matt Lee, who now has a new single, Panama City Groove, which is streaming now. His prior single, One More Kiss, was #1 for 7 consecutive weeks in the Groove Jazz charts. Matt also has a new program, Sax Coach, to help other saxophonists release their own single. The link to his full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website. We talked about: The story behind Matt r...
2022-08-1817 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastRetro Revival's New Tru Six SaxophoneIn our 6th interview from the NAMM Show 2022, Donna interviewed Joel Pekin and Bob Sheppard, from Retro Revival. The Retro Revival company is known for their vintage replica mouthpieces, and are committed to making mouthpiece dreams come true by making exact Replicas of the classic mouthpieces from the Golden years, from the highest quality materials, and the finest hand craftsmanship. Joel Peskin, CEO of Retro Revival and multi-instrumentalist, is also known as iReedMan, and has performed with such diverse artists as Barbra Streisand, the Beach Boys, Albert Collins, Johnny Otis, Frank Zappa, and others.
2022-08-0431 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastRemembering World-Renowned Saxophonist, Tim PriceThe saxophone and jazz communities suffered a HUGE loss on July 21, 2022. Tim Price, a phenomenal woodwind artist and educator, who has been featured many times on this Podcast in recent years, passed away on that date. He had been suffering from a brain tumor for many months. How Donna Met Tim I had been reading Tim’s articles in the Saxophone Journal for many years, and had gotten to know him over the last 7 years while we met up at the NAMM Show every year in Anaheim, CA. We jamm...
2022-07-2635 min
The KITE Podcast014 - The KITE Podcast with Donna Schwartz of Matrix Entrepreneur AcademyDonna Schwartz is the founder of Matrix Entrepreneur Academy, a private nonprofit institution serving Bakersfield, California. Matrix Entrepreneur Academy empowers future entrepreneurs to kick-start their business dreams. Donna is a University of California, Santa Barbara graduate with a passion for helping kids and adults build self-confidence to create and live their ideal life. She brings her experience in health and wellness, safety, real estate, art, and entrepreneurship to support the development of others. Plus, John Paul-Lake and Sherod Waite have a great discussion during this month's "Would You Invest" segment.
2022-06-2618 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 133-Deanna BogartWinner of Horn of the Year from the Blues Music Awards in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2015, Deanna Bogart has been electrifying audiences with her soulful saxophone playing, singing and dazzling keyboards for over 40 years. She is a bandleader, songwriter, arranger, and produces festivals and other artists. Deanna is also a sought-after educator/mentor/master classes/creative coach, while nonstop gigging around the globe and playing with stellar musicians everywhere. The link to her full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website. We talked about: 🎷 How Donna met Deann...
2022-06-161h 31
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 126 - Pernille Bevort; Owning your phrasesTenor, soprano and alto saxophonist, bandleader and composer, Pernille Bévort is a graduate of the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen, Denmark. After completing her degree, she has become increasingly in-demand as a member of various jazz ensembles in Denmark and Sweden. Apart from working with small ensembles, Bévort has performed with several professional Big Bands in Denmark during the last decades: The Ernie Wilkins Almost Big Band, Kroner’s New Music Orchestra, The Danish Radio Big Band and the Aarhus Jazz Orchestra (Klüver’s Big Band) among others. As a frequent substitute, or regu...
2022-03-031h 21
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 125 - Paul Cohen Part 2 - an expert on saxophone history and vintage instrumentsPaul Cohen is one of America’s most sought-after saxophonists for orchestral and chamber concerts and solo recitals. Dr. Paul Cohen has rediscovered and performed lost saxophone literature, including works for saxophone and orchestra by Loeffler, Florio and Dahl as well as chamber works by Grainger, Ornstein, Sousa, Cowell, Siegmeister, and Loeffler. He has published more than one hundred articles on the history and literature of the saxophone in the Saxophone Journal, Instrumentalist, CBDNA Notes, Clarinet and Saxophone Society Magazine of Great Britain, The Grainger Society Journal, and the Saxophone Symposium. His seminal column, “Vintage Saxopho...
2022-02-1756 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 124 - Paul Cohen, Part 1Paul Cohen is one of America’s most sought-after saxophonists for orchestral and chamber concerts and solo recitals. He has appeared as soloist with the San Francisco Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, and the Charleston Symphony. His many solo orchestra performances include works by Debussy, Creston, Ibert, Glazunov, Martin, Loeffler, Husa, Dahl, Still, Villa-Lobos, Tomasi, and Cowell. He has also performed with a broad range of orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera (NYC), American Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony, San Diego Symphony, and the Cleveland Orchestra. Recent CDs include American Landscap...
2022-02-031h 26
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 123-Alex HitchcockLondon-born saxophonist Alex Hitchcock is regarded as one of the UK’s most virtuosic young jazz musicians. His group AuB, which released its debut album on Edition Records in 2020, was described as ‘ready to make cataclysmic waves in the sound of UK jazz’ by Jazzwise. His quintet’s critically acclaimed 2018 debut on Barcelona-based label Fresh Sound New Talent (home to debuts by artists including Ambrose Akinmusire and Avishai Cohen) was described by All About Jazz as ‘an exquisitely subtle collection of tunes… the clearest indicator to date of the stratospheric trajectory on which this super-talented quintet is indubitably he...
2022-01-201h 33
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 122-Matt StohrerMatt Stohrer has been repairing, selling, and trading saxophones for a long time. He takes pride in his work, and cares deeply about what he does. He learned his craft in New York City, working for Sam Ash Music on the famed Music Row, 48th St. in Times Square, Manhattan where he started as a coffee-running apprentice and worked his way up to Head Woodwind Repairman of their flagship store. After working for Sam Ash, he opened a small saxophone specialty shop in Brooklyn, where he repaired many horns to exacting standards for the best and...
2022-01-061h 45
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 121-Lucia SarmientoBorn 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 to study at the Conservatorio Manuel de Falla, where she studied jazz performance. Wanting to fulfill her lifelong dream of learning jazz music from its origins and pursuing a music career in the United States, Lucia moved to Minneapolis, MN after winning the Women in Music scholarship at McNally Smith College of Music...
2021-12-021h 39
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 120 - Godwin LouieSaxophonist & 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, and has performed all over the world. He is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute for Jazz Performance. Godwin has studied with and performed with Herbie Hancock, Clark Terry, Roger Dickerson, Ron Carter, Al Foster, Jack Dejohnette, Jimmy Heath, Billy Preston, Patti Labelle, Toni Braxton, Ba...
2021-11-181h 45
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 119-Matt LeeSaxophonist 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 and produces from Las Vegas. He is a self taught saxophonist with no formal training, learning how to play by ear from listening to his favorite artists, and being inspired by everything around him. His musical influences stem from Curtis Mayfield, James Brown, Al Jarreau to Grover Wash...
2021-11-041h 43
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 118-Walt WeiskopfSaxophonist, 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 sideman credits, including performing and recording with Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan, Donald Fagen, Frank Sinatra, Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs and others. A dynamic player with enormous technical prowess, Walt is equally well regarded as a composer and his CDs contain predominantly original work. His books on jazz improvisation, such as Bey...
2021-10-211h 26
Everything Saxophone PodcastEP 117 - Gary Sugal & Stefano BedettiThis 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. (At the beginning of this episode, you heard an excerpt of him playing Shiny Stocking.) Stefano is a self-taught musician who began to play tenor saxophone at the age of 14. He discovered jazz listening to the records of Charlie Parker, Michael Brecker, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, Joe Henderson, Cannonball Adderley, Hank Mobley, Sonny Stitt, and all the other great cats of that era. At...
2021-10-071h 34
Everything Saxophone PodcastEP 116 - ALEXANDER BEETSMention 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 each year to the Amersfoort World Jazz Festival and every festival and show he performs. His nickname ‘The Hurricane’ comes from his explosive and expressive playing. Much like (and with) his brothers, Beets has performed on stages around the world. His mix of swing and ballads, standards...
2021-09-231h 21
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 115 - Nicki RomanOne 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 International Competition, Fischoff, and the Kate Neal Kinley Memorial Fellowship. Her latest album, Unquiet Waters, features expressive works from innovative composers that push the boundaries of classical saxophone. She has been a featured soloist with the Eastman Symphony Orchestra, Eastman Wind Ensemble, UW-Milwaukee Wind Ensemble, Illinois Wind Symphony, University of North Florida Orchestra, and the Northwest Florida Sy...
2021-09-091h 34
Everything Saxophone PodcastEP 114-Tia FullerFuller is a Grammy-nominated Mack Avenue recording artist, composer, educator and bandleader who is currently balancing the worlds of performance and education, fulfilling a demanding schedule as both a busy touring, recording artist and a full-time professor at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. She has recorded five full-length projects with her own quartet and her most recent album, Diamond Cut, received a Grammy nomination in the Best Instrumental Jazz category. The album was produced by three-time Grammy Award winner Terri Lyne Carrington, legendary bassist, Dave Holland and drummer, Jack Dejohnette. Additionally, she c...
2021-08-191h 15
Everything Saxophone PodcastEP 113 - Travel Sax 2-Ramon ManasRamon 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 self-conscious about playing at all. Having an engineering background, Ramon got to work on creating the Travel Sax, a practice tool for saxophone players who were facing similar problems as he. After much research, experimentation and prototype testing, he created the 1st ve...
2021-08-051h 11
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 112 - Chris GodberBillboard 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 when he performs is not to just entertain, but to inspire. At an early age, he was told he could not play saxophone due to the severity of his asthma, but he found a way to play anyway. For over 20 years, Godber has been leaving others breathless with his soulful saxophone playing...
2021-07-221h 22
Everything Saxophone PodcastEP 111- Steven Banks Part 2Saxophonist, 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 Concert Artists International Auditions. He has won numerous other awards, including Korean Concert Society Prize (for support of his Kennedy Center debut), Buffalo Chamber Music Society Prize, Saint Vincent College Concert Series Prize, and more. He has performed with the Cleveland Orchestra in Carnegie hall, amongst many other famous concert halls throughout the w...
2021-07-0857 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 110 - Steven Banks Part 1Saxophonist, 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 Concert Artists International Auditions. He has won numerous other awards, including Korean Concert Society Prize (for support of his Kennedy Center debut), Buffalo Chamber Music Society Prize, Saint Vincent College Concert Series Prize, and more. He has performed with the Cleveland Orchestra in Carnegie hall, amongst many other famous concert halls throughout the w...
2021-06-241h 03
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 109-Matty StecksMatthew Steckler (aka Matty Stecks) performs and composes in several musical settings internationally. Primarily a saxophonist/woodwind specialist, he also performs on vocals, keyboards, percussion and electronic media, bringing a dynamic, holistic approach to the live musical experience. As an artist, Matthew has appeared at prominent festivals and concert series, and has received commissions from Chamber Music America, Meet the Composer, American Music Center and American Composers Forum. His recordings with projects Dead Cat Bounce, Persiflage and Musical Tramps – on Ropeadope, Cuneiform and Innova labels – have made Best CD lists in Downbeat and Jazz Times. Matthew has written fo...
2021-06-031h 22
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 108-Jennifer PriceJennifer Price, creator of Vigilante Mouthpieces, attended Berklee College of Music where she was a flute major. After graduating, she left Boston for NYC, where she worked on 48th Street in the music district by day as a woodwind buyer for various shops and played all sorts of jazz and classical gigs nights and weekends. She didn’t own a saxophone at Berklee but learned to play after college. Her teachers were the NY saxophonists who helped me to craft my sound. As a buyer on 48th Street, she learned a lot through various wel...
2021-05-201h 36
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 107-Harri Rautiainen; Founder of Sax on the Web ForumToday’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, but also Article and Resources from well-known and respected saxophonists and educators, such as Paul Coates and Tim Price. The link to his full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website. We talked abo...
2021-05-0653 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastEP 106 - SAM NEWSOME; A visual saxophone artist who paints with notesTo celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month, we are really excited to present New York-based saxophonist and composer Sam Newsome. Sam often works in the medium of solo saxophone, an approach for which he received a five-star review in Downbeat magazine & gained world-wide critical acclaim with his 2009 recording, Blue Soliloquy: Solo Works for Soprano Saxophone. Ed Enright, from Downbeat magazine, called the 2014 release, The Straight Horn of Africa, “a modern masterpiece.” Many of the notes and sounds used in his compositions and improvisations stem from his sound palette of extended techniques and saxophone preparations. News...
2021-04-221h 46
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 105 - Jaleel Shaw; An influential alto saxophonist for this generationTo celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month, we are really excited to present Jaleel Shaw, who has been a long standing member of the Roy Haynes Quartet, the Mingus Big Band and recently joined Tom Harrell’s Color of a Dream band. A bandleader in his own right, Jaleel’s solo recordings have been met with rave reviews from publications including The New York Times, Downbeat Magazine, and Jazztimes Magazine. In Jazztimes Magazine’s 2011 Readers Poll, he was mentioned as Alto Saxophonist of the Year along with legendary saxophonists Phil Woods, Lee Konitz, Bunky Green, and Kenny Garrett...
2021-04-081h 32
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 104 - Shelley Jagow; Creator of the Fingering & Tuning Charts AppShelley Jagow (PhD.), Professor of Music at Wright State University (Dayton, OH), is Director of Bands conducting both the Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony, and teaches conducting at the undergraduate and graduate level. She is a Vandoren Artist-Clinician, as well as a music education clinician for Conn-Selmer and Meredith Music/GIA Music. Shelley has presented clinics and performances at several State Music Educators Conferences as well as the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, NASA (North American Saxophone Alliance), ISME (International Society for Music Education, CMS (College Music Symposium), AMIS (Association for Music in International School...
2021-03-251h 20
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 103 - Emma McPhilemy; Musical Director and Saxophone Soloist for RiverdanceMarch is Women’s History Month, and we are really excited to present the phenomenal multi-genre performer, educator and composer from the UK, Emma McPhilemy. As a classically trained musician, Emma takes great pleasure in using her refined instrumental skill to experiment and collaborate with other performers. From classical, contemporary and improvisational to folk, pop, R&B and dance, she thrives most when creating and pushing the limits and boundaries of cross-genre performance. As an educator, Emma has taught private students of all abilities, and presented professional masterclasses and workshops at Universities in China...
2021-03-111h 12
Everything Saxophone PodcastEP 102 - BOB REYNOLDS; Grammy-winning member of the instrumental group Snarky PuppyLos Angeles-based saxophonist Bob Reynolds is a Grammy-winning member of the instrumental group Snarky Puppy, an award-winning composer, and a prolific recording artist with 10 top-selling solo albums to his credit. Widely known for his work with both Snarky and John Mayer, he’s been a featured soloist with Grammy-winning instrumentalists like Larry Carlton, Chris Botti, and Jeff Lorber and worked with a host of pop artists including Michael Bublé, Idina Menzel, Josh Groban, The 1975, and USHER. The New York Times called him “a self-assured saxophonist and an unassuming yet effective composer,” and his solo albums showcase his...
2021-02-251h 19
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 101 - Brent Vaartstra; Director of Learn Jazz StandardsOur 101st guest is Brent Vaartstra, a professional jazz guitarist living in New York City, and the Director of the internationally renowned jazz education company, Learn Jazz Standards. Even though Brent plays guitar, we thought it would be incredibly valuable for you to know about Learn Jazz Standards and to get into the mind of a really great jazz teacher. Brent has helped hundreds of thousands of musicians around the world take their jazz playing to the next level, through his blog, podcast, YouTube channel, and online courses. The link to his full bi...
2021-02-111h 15
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 100 - Alexa Tarantino; one of the “Top 5 Alto Saxophonists of 2019”Alexa Tarantino is an award-winning, vibrant, young jazz saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer, and educator. Tarantino was recently named one of the “Top 5 Alto Saxophonists of 2019” by the JazzTimes Critics’ Poll. She has performed regularly as a leader and side woman with the Alexa Tarantino Quartet, Cecile McLorin, Ulysses Owens Jr., LSAT (the quintet co-led with baritone saxophonist, Lauren Sevian), Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, Sherrie Maricle & the DIVA Jazz Orchestra. Alexa is an artist on the Posi-Tone Records label, and her debut quartet record, Winds of Change, released late-May 2019, peaked at #15 on the JazzWee...
2021-01-281h 00
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 099 - Tim Garland; Working with Chick Corea for 17 yearsOver the last 30 years, British saxophonist Tim Garland has forged a reputation as a highly distinctive and in-demand musician and composer. Whilst often inspired by influences from the diverse European classical tradition, his celebrated virtuosity as a saxophonist and improviser maintains his position as one of the UK’s most authentic jazz voices. He has toured with Ronnie Scotts and with Chick Corea for 17 years. Playing tenor and soprano saxes, bass clarinet and flute, he also won a Grammy for his symphonic orchestrations on Corea’s “The New Crystal Silence” album from 2007. Garland has fulfill...
2021-01-141h 35
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 098 - Elan Trotman; Tropical grooves and soulful Caribbean flavorsSax-Man, Elan Trotman, who has quickly become one of the fastest rising stars in jazz with over 10 Billboard topping radio singles in his young career. Trotman brings his tropical grooves and soulful Caribbean flavors to major festivals and cruises worldwide. In addition to a successful solo career, the Berklee College of Music graduate has also worked as a side-man with some of the biggest names in the biz including Roberta Flack, Jeffrey Osborne, Johnny Gill, Peabo Bryson, Michael McDonald, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E and Earl Klugh. Trotman is also the Executive Producer of...
2020-12-171h 25
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 097 - Dana Robbins; Working with Aretha FranklinYou may not be familiar with Dana Robbins’ name, but odds are you’re already well-acquainted with her unique, bright yet smoky saxophone sound. The Nashville-by-way-of-Ann-Arbor (with a ten-year stop in Los Angeles) Robbins has been a featured player for superstars including Barry Manilow, Roger Daltrey, Frank Zappa, TajMo (Taj Mahal and Keb Mo), Aretha Franklin and can currently be heard in Grammy-winning blues legend Delbert McClinton’s band. With the release of her new, self-titled, album, listeners will finally be able to put a name, a face and a voice to her sound. Just click on the al...
2020-12-031h 31
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 096 - Danny Markovitch; Founder of the jazz-fusion band, MarbinDanny Markovitch is the co-leader and founder of the jazz-fusion band, Marbin. Marbin is a progressive jazz-rock band based in Chicago, IL, with a unique story that stands out in today’s music world. With a do-it-yourself approach, Marbin started touring extensively in 2011, bringing their original instrumental music to every part of the United States. Through word of mouth, Marbin has gained hundreds of thousands of devoted fans all over the world and has sold tens of thousands of albums. Marbin has released eight albums: Marbin (2009), Breaking the Cycle (2011), Last Chapter of Dreaming (2013), Th...
2020-11-191h 15
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 095 - Rovner Products-Fall 2020; Demo on the Van Gogh ligaturePhil Rovner founded Rovner Products in 1974, when he created the Original Dark ligature. To this day, that ligature is still one of the top sellers in the entire Rovner catalog. Over the years, more Classic models were developed, such as the Light, the Eddie Daniels (the Versa replaced this one), and the Mk III. When George Reeder, current President and Co-Owner of Rovner Products took over in 2014, the ligature catalog has expanded to include the Next Generation ligatures: The Versa X, the Star Series, The Legacy, The Platinum, Platinum Gold and the Van Gogh.
2020-11-0554 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 094 - Saxophone in the Age of COVID 19; Performance tips with Doug Levin of Horn FXDoug Levin started playing saxophone at the age of 10. His earliest influences were guitar players like Johnny Winter, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Steve Vai, whose sonic explorations would inform his love of effects and pedals. His love of music expanded and his broadening musical capacity led him to play with such greats as The Manhattan Transfer, Buddy Guy, and many more. His musical journey eventually took him to Oberlin College and Conservatory where he met his HornFX partner, Aaron Janik. In 2016 they created HornFX, a unique resource for the horn player looking to use effects. Its reviews, b...
2020-10-221h 10
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 093 - Lauren Sevian; Grammy award winning baritone saxophonistGrammy award winning baritone saxophonist Lauren Sevian is one of the most in demand musicians on the scene today. She is the Winner of the “Rising Star” Baritone Saxophonist in the 67th Downbeat Critics Poll and Winner of the Hothouse Jazz Awards Baritone Saxophone 2019. Ms. Sevian came to NYC in 1997 to attend the Manhattan School of Music, and soon thereafter began touring with groups such as Diva and the Artie Shaw Orchestra. She can be seen performing as a bandleader around the NYC area with her quartet, the LSQ, or LSAT, her quintet co-led...
2020-10-081h 36
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 092 - Adrian Crutchfield; Performing with PrinceAdrian Crutchfield has taken the world by storm in recent years, not only as the last sax player to perform and record with Prince, touring the world and being featured on Prince’s last three albums, but also touring domestically and internationally with acts such as Lionel Ritchie, Bette Midler, and Cee-Lo Green — all the while writing and building his 2017 release titled ‘Leap’. In jazz, Mr. Crutchfield has been featured by names such as Kim Waters, Mike Phillps, Alex Bugnon, Jeff Lorber, and Branford Marsalis; and with legendary groups such as Fourplay and The Gap Band featuring Charlie...
2020-09-241h 56
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 091 - Laura Dreyer; Performing nationally and internationally with Brazilian Jazz ensemble “Laura Dreyer and the Manhattan/Rio Connection”Saxophonist, flutist, and composer Laura Dreyer is a vibrant, creative voice in the New York jazz scene. Her catchy original compositions combine lyrical melodies with jazz, Brazilian rhythms, funk, and rock, resulting in an exciting, contemporary palette of sound with a strong rhythmic twist. A multi-instrumentalist, Dreyer performs both nationally and internationally with her Brazilian Jazz ensemble, “Laura Dreyer and the Manhattan/Rio Connection,” while additionally being in great demand as a side-person. Audiences have heard her in the bands of such diverse artists as Dr. Billy Taylor, Dom Salvador, Helcio Milito, Portinho, Boss...
2020-09-101h 19
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 090 - Kim Cypher; Unique ‘funky’ style of saxophone playingKim Cypher is creating quite a stir on the jazz scene at present, emerging as one of the UK’s most exciting saxophonists, vocalists and composers and firmly securing a reputation for top quality, stylish, accessible jazz and musical entertainment. Inspired by the funkier side of jazz and having studied alongside US saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis and internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist Andy Sheppard, Kim’s style of performance is best described as ‘funky saxophonist meets 1940’s jazz singer’. Kim performs an eclectic mix of music spanning many genres with a quirky, jazzy twist together with her own original m...
2020-08-131h 14
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 089 - Doug Levin & Aaron Janik - Horn FX, Part 1; Using effects and pedals for horn playersThis episode is part 1 of a 2-part series with Doug Levin and Aaron Janik from Horn-FX. In 2015, their love of effects and pedals had led Doug Levin and Aaron Janik to various corners of the six-stringed internet and back rooms of guitar centers, only to realize an unfortunate thing: There was nowhere to find information about effects and pedals from the perspective, or made for horn players. In 2016 they created HornFX, a unique resource for the horn player looking to use effects. Its reviews, books, articles, artist pages, and effects databases are specifically geared to in...
2020-07-301h 36
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 088 - Antonio Hart; Mentorship from Jimmy Heath and other jazz legendsThis episode is part 2 of a 2-part series with Antonio Hart. The 1st part, episode 86, was all about jazz history. You can check that out on our site saxophonepodcast.com or wherever you listen to podcasts. For this episode, we went deeper into Antonio’s own story. His influences, thought processes and more. Antonio Hart is a Grammy-nominated Alto Saxophonist, Composer, and Educator, who regularly performs with the Dave Holland Band and the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band, along with his own group. He spent three years performing and recording with the late great Ro...
2020-07-161h 45
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 087 - Camille Thurman; Performing full time with the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for 2 seasonsMulti-instrumentalist, Vocalist, Composer Camille Thurman is the first woman in 30 years to tour and perform full time two seasons as a saxophonist with the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for 2 seasons. Camille has shared stages with such jazz and R&B luminaries as George Coleman, Roy Haynes, Dianne Reeves, Wynton Marsalis, The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JALCO) featuring Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Barron, Buster Williams, Charles Tolliver, Jack DeJohnette, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jon Hendricks, Harry Connick Jr., Jon Batiste, Audra MacDonald, Diana Krall, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Louis Hayes, Russell Malone, Nichol...
2020-07-021h 16
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp. 086 - Antonio Hart; Jazz Saxophone HistoryIn this episode, you are going to get a great Jazz History lesson. When I was getting my Master’s Degree at Queens College, I took a Jazz History course that I never forgot. The Professor was a well-known, widely regarded Jazz musician even in his early thirties. Grammy-nominated Alto Saxophonist, Composer, and Educator, Antonio Hart, regularly performs with the Dave Holland Band and the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band, along with his own group. He spent three years performing and recording with the late great Roy Hargrove, and has been a guest on ov...
2020-06-181h 23
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 085 - Doug Webb; Playing for Clint Eastwood’s Gran TorinoDoug Webb, a great saxophonist based here in Los Angeles, is featured on hundreds of recordings for artists including Horace Silver, Freddie Hubbard, Sal Marquez, Stanley Clarke, Brian Bromberg, Quincy Jones, Mat Marucci, Bobby Caldwell, Kyle Eastwood, Rod Stewart, Carly Simon, Art Garfunkel, Queen Latifah and Cher. He played for fifteen years with the Doc Severinsen Tonight Show Big Band. He has recorded music for hundreds of movies and television programs, including playing for the Family Guy orchestra. He solos on the soundtrack for Million Dollar Baby and Gran Torino. He has 16 albums out as a leade...
2020-06-041h 20
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 084 - Augie Bello; Bringing his original music on social media and building a large followingNew York Born and raised multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, producer, and songwriter, Augie Bello’s musical style is distinctly eclectic and incorporates elements of funk, pop, r&b, jazz and electronic music. Taking influence from artists including, Allen Stone, Michael Brecker, Mura Masa, Amy Winehouse, and multiple others has given him an extremely unique sound. Soon after starting college at The New School for Jazz, Bello realized that with music as a career, he needed to create his own opportunities and success. With this knowledge, Bello started to post videos of his music to Instagram in 2018. Since then, he has...
2020-05-0748 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 083 - Katja Rieckermann; touring with mega star Rod Stewart for almost 15 yearsThis week, I had the pleasure of interviewing saxophonist and author, Katja Rieckermann. We had done an interview at NAMM, but the noise level was so out of control, we decided to do a separate interview now. Katja, originally from the northern part of Germany in a small town called Luebeck, did not start playing the saxophone until age 21. It took a number of years and a bit of a struggle until she made the leap to move to the U.S. and in particular, Los Angeles, CA. She has performed with rock b...
2020-04-301h 24
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 082 - Alex Hahn; Competing and winning 1st place at the Michael Brecker International Saxophone CompetitionToday’s guest is non-other than the young phenom, Alex Hahn, a multi-award winning saxophonist, educator and composer based in Los Angeles, California. He recently won 1st place at the Michael Brecker International Saxophone Competition, graduated with his 2nd masters from the prestigious Thelonius Monk Institute, performed and studied with Herbie Hancock, and recorded on Michael Bublé’s last two Grammy Nominated albums. He is a 6-Time Downbeat Magazine Award Winner, 3-Time Next Generation Jazz Festival Outstanding Soloist, 1st Place Winner in the North American Saxophone Alliance Jazz Saxophone Competition, and winner of the Perform with...
2020-04-2335 min
Small Business CelebrationEpisode #075, Donna Schwartz, Emerald EnterprisesDonna Schwartz of Emerald Enterprises, is on the Small Business Celebration podcast this week and he’s going to guide us in the importance of:
1. Entrepreneurship is for risk takers, be one!
2. Do more than you normally would to keep your business growing!
3. When you give, you get back more than you give.
2020-04-1932 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 081 - Mindi Abair; Defining her own niche in the saxophone and music worldAuthor, businesswoman, composer and top-level saxophonist, Mindi Abair, has defined her own niche in the saxophone and music world. She debuted her solo career with her first album in 1999, and has recorded 11 more albums since then, and garnered 2 Grammy nominations. Mindi has performed with Aerosmith, Bruce Springsteen, Smokey Robinson, Trombone Shorty, the Backstreet Boys, Teena Marie, Rick Braun, Dave Koz, and many others. She has been the featured saxophonist on American Idol for a few seasons. Mindi also was featured on the Late Show with David Letterman and the Tonight Show with Jimmy...
2020-04-161h 36
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 080 - Jeff Antoniuk; Online jazz education learning resource and communityHaving been born in Canada, grown up in Nigeria, studied music at University of North Texas, and touring in places such as Siberia, Jeff Antoniuk, truly brings a world-wide experience to his performance and teaching. Jeff has performed with Tim Hagans, Sherrie Maricle, Ingrid Jensen, Walt Weiskopf and Marcus Miller. He has fronted his own bands as a performer and composer, winning accolades from JazzTimes Magazine. Jeff is a well-respected educator, having conducted over 2500 jazz masterclasses all over the world. He started the Maryland Summer Jazz Camp 15 years ago, and is the founder and creator o...
2020-04-0936 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastEpisode 079 - Derek Brown; Performing over 200 international shows and in every state in the USSaxophonist, composer, educator Derek Brown, has performed over 200 international shows and in every state in the US as part of his Fifty-Fifty tour. He has well over 30 million social media views of his unique and revolutionary way of playing the saxophone, and has been featured on NPR’s Weekend Edition. We featured Derek for our very first episode here on the Everything Saxophone Podcast. You can find that episode on our site, saxophonepodcast.com and wherever you listen to podcasts. Donna caught up with Derek at the NAMM 2020 show in Anaheim for a brief interview and...
2020-04-0223 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 074 - Darren Rahn; Finding your voice, and the role your equipment should playIn our latest series of interviews from the NAMM 2020 Show in Anaheim, Donna interviewed Saxophonist, Producer, Composer and Arranger Darren Rahn. Darren has had multiple #1 singles on the Billboard Contemporary jazz charts over the years, and has produced artists such as Najee, Dave Koz, Riley Richard and many others. The link to his full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website. We talked about: Darren’s advice for recording in a studio His experience performing with and producing Dave Koz’s latest Christmas album Darren’s interesting analogy for creating...
2020-02-2024 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastEp 073 - Lefreque (Hans Kuijt); How the LefreQue works and helps someone's toneIn this episode, Donna interviewed Hans Kuijt, from LefreQue.com, a Dutch-based company that won the School Band and Orchestra award for innovative technology at the recent NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA. The LefreQue sound bridge is an accessory to help all woodwind and brass instrumentalists get better intonation, more core to their sound, and an evenness to the tone. Of course, the accessory does not solve embouchure problems, nor claims to do so. Using scientific principles and research, the LefreQue acts as a bridge between the mouthpiece/reed and the neck/bocal/leadpipe to allow the energy pro...
2020-02-0621 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastEpisode 046 - Roberto Romeo; Innovative ideas for local music shops to survive against AmazonRoberto’s Winds, at 149 W. 46th St, New York City, is one of the very few music shops left standing today in the world-famous area that used to be known as Music Row. The link to his full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website. In this episode, Donna chats with Roberto Romeo about: The history of the shop, and the many famous saxophone players that frequent his store How Roberto got started with repair His famous Mark VI Room! The origin of Roberto’s reeds and his guarantee His own brand...
2019-03-2143 min
The Carson PodcastDonna Schwartz MillsDonna Schwartz Mills joins Mark to discuss being a writers assistant on The Tonight Show, Johnny’s reaction to Buddy Rich passing away, and Ellen DeGeneres’…
2018-08-3048 min
Everything Saxophone PodcastEpisode 008 - Aaron Elvy; Sales Manager at Marca Reeds If you haven’t tried Marca Reeds yet, listen to this interview to see why you should! At NAMM 2018, Donna was hearing all this great buzz about Marca Reeds. Unfortunately, she got to the booth too late to get samples in the strength she needed, but she had a great conversation with Aaron Elvy, the Sales Manager. A week or so later, he sent her some samples of the Jazz reeds. She couldn’t believe how every reed she pulled out just worked…no adjusting! She contacted Aaron for our podcast because she felt our listeners really...
2018-05-0329 min
Musicality NowListen First, with Donna SchwartzToday on the show we’re joined by Donna Schwartz, one of the best-known saxophone teachers online. As you’ll be hearing though, Donna’s expertise goes deep on sax but also wide on other instruments and musicality in general. Along with past podcast guest Nick Mainella, Donna hosts the “Everything Saxophone” podcast, and is the creator of several interesting online courses, including “Get a Killer Saxophone Tone”, “Practice Smarter” and “Jazz Improvisation Explained”. In this conversation we talk about: • how learning a second instrument helped Donna overcome crippling performance anxiety on her primary instrument • the revolutionary approach...
2018-05-0158 min
Marketing Music Education with Kathleen HeuerDonna Schwartz, part 2This week I continue my conversation with Donna Schwartz of Music Teachers’ Resource Guide. We talk about her two masters degrees and whether she’d do it all again, why she believes music education in our schools is so vulnerable, and her two biggest goals. About Donna Schwartz Donna’s musical career can be best described as the “comeback […]
The post Donna Schwartz, part 2 appeared first on Kathleen Heuer.
2015-09-3000 minMarketing Music Education with Kathleen HeuerDonna Schwartz, part 1Donna Schwartz of Music Teachers’ Resource Guide joined me for a great, passionate conversation about the importance of music education. In this episode, we cover: How Donna got into music education Why she got out of music education, and how her side trip helped her Why Donna left New York for California Why this music educator will never […]
The post Donna Schwartz, part 1 appeared first on Kathleen Heuer.
2015-09-2800 min