Tag: Interviews

Expert woodwind repairmen are among the most important professional associations for any performing artist. They often are the difference between having a good performance or a great one and allow us to achieve our potential. In this video, we examine the careers and artistry of four of the most respected woodwind repair technicians in the business—Mark Jacobi, Bill Singer, Tomoji Hirakata & Tony Salimbene. For anyone pursuing a career in woodwind performance, these repairmen should be familiar names. They come together here for the first time to share their insights and secrets in an inspiring roundtable discussion of their profession. Continue Reading →

This video is a behind-the-scenes look into the world of the players who are the foundation of any full reed section—whether in a pit band, big band, movie soundtrack, or a symphonic setting. The low reeds set the pitch center and help determine the overall volume, balance and rhythmical stability of any woodwind ensemble. The players of this “chair” also must have the type of personality that allows them to be flexible when working with lead players of a woodwind section in order to mimic their pitch, phrasing and rhythmic feeling. These are three of the best artists at all of these responsibilities that I have met in my career. This video allows the viewer to understand the levels of excellence and versatility that Reed V players must demonstrate on the baritone saxophone, bassoon and bass clarinet—the instruments that orchestrators tend to emphasize when writing for Reed V.
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Also available as a podcast. During the 35-year period that I have worked in musical theater, I have encountered a few conductors who carried forth their responsibilities with not only great talent and integrity but also created a positive feeling within the orchestra and cast. The three gentlemen interviewed here represent that type of individual Continue reading →

Also available as a podcast. This video interview with Rick Heckman & Dan Willis offers rare insight into the world of the double reed doubler. Rick & Dan discuss the nature of what today’s oboe doublers encounter on the job and offer solutions to performance problems. They also describe what they emphasize in their practice Continue reading →

Also available as a podcast. I met Larry Guy a number of years ago while freelancing around New York. Larry was always a colleague in the truest sense of the word—a team player and positive influence in the section whether playing principal, second or auxiliary clarinet. His sense of elegance in playing and professionalism on Continue reading →

Also available as a podcast. In this video segment, Keith Underwood provides invaluable information on historical flutes, recordings, exercises and a variety of other topics. He plays several of his historical instruments, including flutes previously owned by Tom Nyfenger and Albert Tipton. He also references recordings/videos by some of his favorite players (Rampal, Baker, Kincaid, Continue reading →

Also available as a podcast. I first met Keith when both he and I were studying flute with Tom Nyfenger in the late 1970s. He was one of Tom Nyfenger’s prized students and would sub for Tom on gigs, often with little upfront notice. Nyfenger recognized Keith’s tremendous technical prowess and ability to handle almost Continue reading →

Also available as a podcast. Jerry Dodgion was the first great lead alto saxophonist I experienced in a live setting when he headed the formidable saxophone section of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra beginning in the early 1970s. He made it all seem so easy and fun at the same time and I’ve never Continue reading →

Also available as a podcast. Charles McPherson has been a musical hero of mine for decades. The fact that we have become good friends over the past 15 years has only enhanced my respect for Charles as a musician and as a human being. He is a self-effacing individual who manifests integrity in everything he Continue reading →

Lawrence Feldman has the rare ability to imitate diverse musical styles on all of his woodwinds with great accuracy. His ability to capture the musical voices of renowned artists such as Dave Sanborn, Johnny Hodges, Michael Brecker, Les Robinson, Paul Desmond, Stan Getz, Benny Goodman, etc. has allowed him to remain a mainstay in the NY recording industry for over 40 years. Lawrence discusses this aspect of his talent and demonstrates on saxophone and clarinet the chameleon-like ability of a first-call studio musician. Continue reading →

I’ve known Lawrence Feldman since the mid-1970s, having played in a sax quartet with him for a number of years and worked with him on gigs in New York for close to 40 years. Lawrence is one of those rare birds whose love for music and desire to find new techniques to employ on his instruments has continued to grow after a lifetime of success in the music industry. Whether playing the lead alto chair for the Bob Mintzer Big Band, a classically inspired flute solo on a Tony Bennett record, or a vintage swing clarinet style for a jingle, Lawrence always seems to capture the perfect musical expression. Coupled with a Catskill-like sense of humor, he always brings a unique enthusiasm to any rehearsal or performance. Continue reading →