Best Play Saxophone Podcasts (2024)

1
Gigging Mistakes Most Sax Players Make (and how to avoid them!) 23:28

1h ago23:28

23:28

Want to avoid an embarrassing gig blunder? Nigel and Joel discuss the most common things sax players get WRONG on gigs, and how you can avoid them! Try Sax School for 14 days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today/ Podcast Website: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ Checkout our free lessons and resources: Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/mcgil…

1
Will Vinson - Jazz Alto Saxophonist and Composer 1:03:08

6h ago1:03:08

1:03:08

Originally from London, Will Vinson has played as a leader and sideman in New York, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Australia, and Japan. Will is a member of Rufus Wainwright’s band and has performed, arranged, and recorded with Sufjan Stevens…

1
Mike DiRubbo: Alto Saxophone, CT to NYC | Frankie’s Backstage 24:17

37m ago24:17

24:17

Alto saxophonist Mike DiRubbo is coming to town to play with a Vancouver quartet at Frankie's! Mike (who joins at 01:50) is a soft-spoken, phenomenal musician. The New Haven, Connecticut native studied at the Hartt School at the University of Hartford, the school known for Jackie McLean's jazz program. He's now based in New York. I brought him to V…

1
Indian saxophone with Jesse Bannister 32:23

11d ago32:23

32:23

Joel talks to the incredible saxophonist Jesse Bannister - world renowned performer and composer of Indian classical music. Jesse breaks down the techniques he's developed to incorporate saxophone into Indian music, including tonguing, fingering techniques and even physical adjustments to his sax. Try Sax School for 14 days: https://saxschoolonline…

1
New York with Weeds stories (get on board for 2025) 16:53

5d ago16:53

16:53

I'm talking New York With Weeds 2025 (March 16-23, 2025), the next edition of my annual trip to the Big Apple, because you can get $100 off registration for the trip until July 30th! Learn more about it here on my website coryweeds.com. In this spontaneous 15-minute hang I got into some New York with Weeds stories from past years' trips, including:…

1
“I don’t play full-time.” | Sunday School, July 14, 2024 40:39

4h ago40:39

40:39

On this hot summer Sunday School: rest in peace Jim Rotondi - the instrumental teachers I had in my early years,and how Jim was part of the connections I started making (2:49), Has the ship sailed on making a living from just jazz gigs? (17:55), My NYC plans in fall 2024 (30:00), a preview spin of The Heavy Hitters' record made last December (31:12…

1
Remembering David Sanborn 19:37

1M ago19:37

19:37

Following the sad news of the death of saxophone legend David Sanborn, Nigel and Fred share their memories of Sanborn, and chat about his influence on their own playing. Plus they share their recommendations for Sanborn recordings you should check out. Try Sax School for 14 days: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today/ Podcast Website: https://saxs…

1
Betwixt Canadapendence Day 1:35:46

8d ago1:35:46

1:35:46

Talking Points: Exit Strategy, Take On Rawk Hawk, Wasted Questions, Reluctant Pokémon Gym Leader, Used For 40 Bucks, That's All Folks, Super Shows. If you'd like to watch the show live, join us on the first Tuesday of every month over at Twitch.tv/ProtonJon at 9pm EST.

1
Sarah Belle Reid - Performer, Composer, Rule Breaker and Modular Synthesist 1:12:00

27d ago1:12:00

1:12:00

Sarah Belle Reid is a rule breaker. A performer-composer who trained in trumpet and moved through, and at times against the status quo, to modular synthesizer, and an ever-expanding array of handcrafted electronic instruments. The personal voice she explores, moves between the intersections of contemporary classical music, experimental and interact…

1
Can affordable saxophones be GREAT? 31:21

28d ago31:21

31:21

Is it possible to make great playing saxophones that don't break the bank? And what should you look out for to avoid buying the WRONG cheap sax? Get the full podcast transcription here: https://saxschoolonline.com/podcast/ Try Sax School for 14 Days here: https://saxschoolonline.com/join-today Check out our free lessons and resources: Youtube : htt…

1
Vinyl, “Cool to Work With” | Sunday School, June 23, 2024 50:30

15d ago50:30

50:30

Life happened and I've missed doing it for months now, but Sunday School is back in session! We kick things off by talking about (among many things) the value of vinyl and the rich listening experience, plus some inside talk about manufacturing and selling vinyl records. Then, we get into the classic Jazz Office Hours topic of emailing venue booker…

1
Season 2 Finale - 26 Top Tips For Playing Jazz 46:20

27d ago46:20

46:20

In this episode, Brent wraps up season two of the podcast with a special finale episode, reflecting on the journey and the changes implemented over the years. Originally starting in 2016, the podcast evolved from informal episodes to a structured season-based format in 2024, aiming to engage with listeners' questions. Throughout season two, Brent h…

1
Should Non-Bass Players Learn Bass Lines? 11:31

16d ago11:31

11:31

In this episode, Brent answers a question from Kevin Pritchett about the importance of bass lines for non-bass players. Kevin, a piano player, wonders if learning bass lines can benefit his playing and improvisation. Brent explains that understanding bass lines is valuable for all musicians, not just bass players because it helps in grasping chord …

1
How Do I Perform Solo? 15:23

1M ago15:23

15:23

Welcome to another episode where Brent answers your jazz and music questions five days a week. Today, we have an intriguing question from Ken Bryan from York, Pennsylvania, about resources and advice for a jazz guitarist aiming to perform solo at venues like bars, restaurants, and parties. Brent discusses this topic, sharing his personal experience…

1
Nick Green: Altoist, Brooklyn NYC | Frankie's Backstage 38:32

17d ago38:32

38:32

Alto saxophonist Nick Green will be performing as a guest with me for my Hank Mobley tribute at Frankie's and leading his own quintet at the club! Nick (who joins at 05:03) is Brooklyn-born and raised and made an album on Cellar called Green on the Scene. He has great stories and I talked to him about his journey in jazz. Then, I talk about three o…

1
How Do I Know What To Practice? 13:16

1M ago13:16

13:16

In this episode, Michael, a piano player, asks how to efficiently allocate practice time to various topics like scales, voicings, improvisation, and more. Brent emphasizes the importance of focusing on the 20% of practice that yields 80% of the results, advising musicians to prioritize practicing what ails them the most or where they have the most …

1
How Should Horn Players Play Together In a Jazz Band? 7:32

1M ago7:32

7:32

In this episode, Brent responds to a question from Louis Thompson about the lead instrument in a small jazz ensemble with a trumpet, saxophone, trombone, and rhythm section. Brent discusses the dynamics of horn players working together, exploring various approaches for melody and improvisation. He explains how horn players usually play in a jam ses…

1
Alexandra Arrieche - Dynamic, Versatile and Creative Music Conductor 1:09:06

2M ago1:09:06

1:09:06

Alexandra Arrieche, Brazilian-born conductor keeps busy working with some of the most important ensembles and figures in both classical and pop music. With an ability to move masterfully between genres, she distinguishes herself as one of the most unique and exciting conductors of her generation. Alexandra currently serves as Music Director of the …

1
The Importance of Your Practice Engine 13:19

22d ago13:19

13:19

In this episode, Brent explores a crucial topic: the practice engine. He highlights the importance of mastering the art of practicing, explaining that it's not just about following routines but treating practice as a skill in itself. This approach, he emphasizes, differentiates amateur musicians from advanced players and is essential for significan…

1
Can I Work On Instrument Technique and Songs At The Same Time? 11:06

1M ago11:06

11:06

In this episode, Brent answers an insightful question from Robert Banagay about balancing technical proficiency with learning jazz standards. Robert, a musician returning to his instrument after a long hiatus, wonders if he can improve his technique while simultaneously diving into jazz tunes. Brent introduces the concept of the three pillars of ja…

1
God.Geocities.Gov 1:41:35

24d ago1:41:35

1:41:35

Talking Points: Mice in Missles, Soak A Bond, Jomblow I Choose You, Gaslighting Grandpa, MC Has A Mortgage, Don't Scream At The Cryptid, Quarterly Stephening, Sending Medical Diagrams, Can I Replace You, I Am The Giraffe, Summon A Bed, Conker's Coming If you'd like to watch the show live, join us on the first Tuesday of every month over at Twitch.t…

101
How to Compose For a Jazz Group 8:59

1M ago8:59

8:59

In this episode, Brent tackles a fascinating question from Bruno Morelos about composing for a jazz band. Bruno wonders how professional jazz musicians handle compositions, especially when each band member has a solo. Brent explains that jazz compositions often involve creating a theme with melodies and harmonic foundations, allowing musicians to i…

101
How Do I Not Overthink When I Solo? 10:02

1M ago10:02

10:02

In this episode, Brent tackles a listener's question about avoiding overthinking during solos. Anton Visser, a long-time listener, asks how to play more intuitively without feeling compelled to fill every bar with notes. Brent advises that while it's important to practice and understand the theory, the key to natural-sounding solos is to let intuit…

1
How Long Should My Jazz Solos Be? 10:37

2M ago10:37

10:37

In this episode, Brent addresses a great question from listener Mani Murray about the appropriate length of a solo in different musical settings. Brent emphasizes that a solo should last as long as it remains interesting and musically compelling. He discusses how to gauge when to end a solo, focusing on maintaining the quality of the music and avoi…

1
The Worst Mistakes to Make At a Jazz Gig 16:28

2M ago16:28

16:28

In this Fast Track Friday episode, Brent discusses the common pitfalls musicians face when preparing for and performing at jazz gigs. Drawing from his extensive experience, he offers invaluable advice to ensure you’re fully prepared and professional, such as the importance of being over-prepared, arriving early, and ensuring you have all your neces…

1
How Do I Learn Jazz Solos by Ear? 9:39

1M ago9:39

9:39

In this episode, Brent tackles a fantastic question from Arjun about mastering jazz solos by ear. He highlights the importance of this skill for learning jazz language and improvisation, while also clarifying that it's not the only way to learn. He acknowledges that different methods, such as theory and reading notated solos, can also be effective …

1
Is It Important to Notate Solos I Learn? 10:28

2M ago10:28

10:28

In this episode, Brent addresses a fascinating question from William Tino about the benefits of notating jazz solos. Brent explores the immense value of learning solos by ear, emphasizing how it enhances your ear, muscle memory, jazz vocabulary, and rhythm. This foundational skill is highly recommended by jazz educators and offers a significant ret…

1
How Do I Foster Creativity Before a Jazz Gig? 9:14

2M ago9:14

9:14

In this episode, Brent answers a listener's question about preparing for a jazz gig. Discover effective strategies for fostering creativity and reducing pre-performance anxiety. Brent emphasizes the importance of relaxation, the benefits of light warm-ups, and how listening to inspiring music can boost your creative energy. Whether it's taking a br…

1
The Characteristics of a Great Jazz Band 11:49

2M ago11:49

11:49

Join Brent in this insightful podcast episode as he discusses the essential characteristics of a great jazz band and its members. Responding to a question from Arjun in the Netherlands, Brent explores the importance of musicians supporting each other, focusing on collective music-making rather than individual performance. He cites how unselfishness…

1
Meet Joel from the Sax School Tutor Team 30:03

2M ago30:03

30:03

For our first episode in the "Meet the Tutors" series Nigel is talking with jazz educator Joel Purnell. You might know Joel from his "Triad Pairs" video on Youtube. Our Sax School Members know him as the brains behind our Explore Jazz series of courses. But, he didn't set out to be a jazz sax player, let alone one of the top jazz educators in the U…

1
Jennifer Roig-Francoli - Violinist, Author and Revolutionary Alexander Technique Instructor 1:33:22

2M ago1:33:22

1:33:22

From picking up the violin before even mastering speech, to gracing prestigious concert halls worldwide, Jennifer Roig-Francoli’s musical odyssey is as captivating as her performances. An international prize-winner, her talent has been featured in TIME Magazine. She’s also certified and accomplished Alexander Technique (AT) instructor, reshaping ho…

1
The Frame-Of-Mind Required for Jazz Improv 11:46

2M ago11:46

11:46

In this engaging Fast Track Friday episode, Brent discusses the crucial mindset required for jazz improvisation. He emphasizes the importance of focus, open-mindedness, and a willingness to make mistakes to excel in jazz improvisation. Brent stresses the significance of being open-minded to learning various approaches and techniques, even if they m…

1
How Do I Use Jazz In Other Styles of Music? 11:16

2M ago11:16

11:16

In this episode, Brent tackles a compelling question from listener Sebastian Watson about integrating jazz harmony and improvisation into other musical genres. Brent explores how studying jazz can deepen your musical knowledge and enhance your versatility, whether you're composing or improvising in different styles. By drawing from his own experien…

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