Has anyone (besides my lovely assistant) been following the dialogue between Alex “Savior-of-Classical-Music” Ross and Ben Ratliff over on Slate? I found this comment by Alex, which kind of ties in to a couple of my recent posts, interesting (well, more like, good because it jibes with what I said):
A jazz club finds the perfect […]
One of my favorite shows on Saturday NPR is Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!, the weekly humorous NPR news quiz. In a portion of the show called “Not My Job,” host Peter Sagal invites prominent guests on to answer questions about esoteric topics they mostly likely have no knowledge of whatsoever. Back in December, Peter’s […]
For me, Michael Brecker was the epitome of every musical value I embrace and have spent my life as a musician working to cultivate. He played with an amazing and unique sound that was consistent throughout the entire range of the saxophone. His technique was flawless. He constantly evolved and pushed the limits of his […]
Every time I clip into my pedals and set off on my bike, I am acutely aware of the danger involved in what I am doing. Despite the fact that I pay close attention to my surroundings while I’m in the saddle, it only takes one person juggling their cell phone and Starbucks latte in […]
In what might be famous last words, I said “not all jazz saxophonists can play classical.” Well, some of them can. And I had the great fortune to be in the room with such an artist yesterday–the saxophonist Tim Ries. Tim’s done it all–jazz gigs, weddings, big band, studied classical saxophone with Donald Sinta (which […]
Alex Ross has been making up lists recently. So here’s a list of mine: Ten of my favorite recorded jazz saxophone solos that come immediately to mind.
1. Michael Brecker, “Every Day (I Thank You)” — Pat Metheny, 80/81
2. Michael Brecker, “Sumo” — Steps Ahead, Live in Tokyo 1986
3. Michael Brecker, “Quartet No. 1″ — Chick […]