Forum of the Saxes

furtherdefinitions · Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2007 10:42 pm Post subject: Greetings Everyone

I'm brand new to this forum, and I look forward to participating in interesting discussions related to my favorite instrument. I play a 1954 "The Martin" Alto, which is an awesome sounding horn. My favorite players are Benny Carter and Johnny Hodges, my main influences, followed by, in no particular order, Cannonball Adderley, Paul Desmond, Art Pepper, Lester Young, Ben Webster, and my teacher, Lee Konitz. I have spent many years working in jazz clubs in New York City, and as a result, I've been privileged to know and talk to some of the greats in jazz.

I prefer music that swings and has a strong melodic core. While I respect all styles of music, I'm not usually interested in long drawn out improvisations or pyrotechnics. To me, the most important thing is the sound. While I believe that you must learn all aspects of your horn, including technique, chords and scales, technique and facility should not be used a means to itself, but only where it can accurately express your ideas. I feel too many players have "chops", but can't express real musical feeling or can even construct a simple, beautiful melody.

I look forward to exchanging views and ideas with other members of this forum.

CMelodyMan · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 12:18 am Post subject:

Welcome to the forum! It has been quite dead here lately, but this is hopefully only temporary. Enjoy the forum!
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Alto: Yanagisawa (880), Morgan 6M w/ Rico
C Melody: c.1919 Martin Inspiration
York soprano