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Jeanette

Cafe Moderator Café Supporter

Last reply Yesterday at 8:30 PM · posted in Breakfastroom (chat and relax...)

Miscellaneous Too Hot to Handle

An article on the news tonight caught my attention.

They were discussing how hot drinks are implicated in oesophageal cancer. It's a specific type of cancer and

Very hot drinks may damage the food pipe and increase cancer risk

As someone who likes their tea and coffee hot, I might be best leaving it a few minutes to cool.

Do you drink your brew hot?

Jx

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turf3

Thursday at 8:11 PM

The all time champeen.

Service life is measured in centuries.

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skeller047

Thursday at 8:29 PM

turf3 said:
View attachment 37106
The all time champeen.

Service life is measured in centuries.

The modern equivalent:

Me, I am a fan of electricity….

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turf3

Thursday at 10:34 PM

skeller047 said:
The modern equivalent:
View attachment 37107

Me, I am a fan of electricity….

The thing about that one is you have to grip it hard in the non-cranking hand, whereas the old reliable Spong either clamps to the edge of the table or is screwed to the wall.

Every morning when I was a boy one of my chores was to grind the morning coffee for my parents. (I was too young to drink coffee.) It only took two or three minutes to measure out the beans and grind 'em.

skeller047

Friday at 12:25 AM

turf3 said:
The thing about that one is you have to grip it hard in the non-cranking hand, whereas the old reliable Spong either clamps to the edge of the table or is screwed to the wall.

Every morning when I was a boy one of my chores was to grind the morning coffee for my parents. (I was too young to drink coffee.) It only took two or three minutes to measure out the beans and grind 'em.

That particular one can grind 20 grams of coffee in 49 seconds, according to a reviewer. 20 grams is a typical amount for a large pour-over cup, and is more than the typical espresso shot.

In comparison, my new grinder grinds that amount (actually about 22.5 grams) in less than 15 seconds, at a fine pour-over grind setting. That is why I am a fan of electricity. And I also have an electric fan (I needed it today!)

Your story is nice, though it borders on child abuse. Why make the kid grind ‘em if he can’t drink ‘em???? I mean, kids in South America (Brazil and Colombia) start with coffee and milk as young as 6 or 7…. I started drinking coffee while on fishing trips with my dad and grandfather. I was 11 or 12.

PigSquealer

Friday at 1:26 AM

skeller047 said:
That particular one can grind 20 grams of coffee in 49 seconds, according to a reviewer. 20 grams is a typical amount for a large pour-over cup, and is more than the typical espresso shot.

In comparison, my new grinder grinds that amount (actually about 22.5 grams) in less than 15 seconds, at a fine pour-over grind setting.

I assume you’re working from roasted beans ? Did you actually measure grams output & time duration ? Hope you didn’t get cheated with false advertising.

skeller047 said:
That is why I am a fan of electricity. And I also have an electric fan (I needed it today!)

You’re good until the grid pops a fuse. Even with those big arse windmills close by. Stuff happens !
Fan on today ? IIRC you’re close to the shoreline? I’d guess 75° is roasting hot ?

skeller047 said:
Your story is nice, though it borders on child abuse. Why make the kid grind ‘em if he can’t drink ‘em???? I mean, kids in South America (Brazil and Colombia) start with coffee and milk as young as 6 or 7…. I started drinking coffee while on fishing trips with my dad and grandfather. I was 11 or 12.

Humm, I remember being assigned chores around the household at an early age. Like maintaining the kitchen waste bin at 5. I also remember doing extra effort work. The reward. “A cup of coffee with Dad on Saturday morning”.
I need to look in my box of family photos and notes saved from my mom. It think there’s a document of this event.

ghostler

Yesterday at 4:48 AM

PigSquealer said:
You’re good until the grid pops a fuse. Even with those big arse windmills close by.

Spoke with the local power company rep who visited us at work one day, about 23 years ago. Topic of wind energy came up. Year before in the heat of July, they had to run their coal fired plants and natural gas turbines on full because their wind farm at White Deer about 40 miles northeast of Amarillo wasn't able to fill the void because there was insufficient wind. Air conditioning demand was very high.

Utility grade turbines then required at least 15 mph winds to produce utility grade power.

skeller047 said:
It was 95 in San Francisco, and 93 on the coast where I live on Wednesday. Along the bay shore, it hit 100 in a few places, and it went to 110 inland. The Bay Area has what are called “micro-climates”. It’s not uncommon to see a 40 degree difference in temperature in places 30-40 miles apart.

Yes, I remembered that. Back in the 1980's, it wasn't unusual for the temps to be below 60ºF (16ºC) in July in Presideo, San Francisco mid day. Yet in Fresno across the Bay, it would be up in the 90ºF's (32ºC+).

Here in the high desert of Eastern New Mexico, we are lower in humidity and 40ºF (22ºC) temperature difference between night and day is the norm.

skeller047

Yesterday at 8:03 PM

ghostler said:
Spoke with the local power company rep who visited us at work one day, about 23 years ago. Topic of wind energy came up. Year before in the heat of July, they had to run their coal fired plants and natural gas turbines on full because their wind farm at White Deer about 40 miles northeast of Amarillo wasn't able to fill the void because there was insufficient wind. Air conditioning demand was very high.

Utility grade turbines then required at least 15 mph winds to produce utility grade power.

Yes, I remembered that. Back in the 1980's, it wasn't unusual for the temps to be below 60ºF (16ºC) in July in Presideo, San Francisco mid day. Yet in Fresno across the Bay, it would be up in the 90ºF's (32ºC+).

Here in the high desert of Eastern New Mexico, we are lower in humidity and 40ºF (22ºC) temperature difference between night and day is the norm.

Yes, Fresno is "across the bay" - in the sense that it is a couple hundred miles south east of San Francisco. Walnut Creek, on the other hand, is only 30-some miles, and is often 30-40° F hotter than the city. The combination of a small mountain range and a strong off-shore marine layer makes for a lot of variation.

Where I live in Pacifica, I am near a mountainous point that extends 1/4 mile or so into the ocean, forming a small bay. As a result, the coastal fog is often blocked from coming into the bay, and temperature at my house is 5°+ higher than on the point, a mere 20 minute walk away. It can be sunny at my place, but totally socked in on the point. Local conditions rule the weather here.

Having just spent a week in Palm Springs I am aware of the day-night temperature difference you live with. You are welcome to it 🙂

ghostler

Yesterday at 8:30 PM

skeller047 said:
Yes, Fresno is "across the bay" - in the sense that it is a couple hundred miles south east of San Francisco.

By bad, goes to show how long ago I lived in California, (left CA in early 1990's) meant Oakland and east of it Stockton.

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christravs

Last reply 14 minutes ago · posted in Saxophones: gear, playing, repair, impro

Saxophones Wireless mic and reverb effects

Been playing a year now and looking at getting a wireless clip on mic. The Isolo Choice mic comes with mic, transmitter and receiver WITH effects like echo and reverb. Thinking of getting one but concerned will it be ok in the UK it ships from Taiwan. Assuming the 9v power supply can be used in UK. It’s the effects I am after. Anyone in UK bought one they are £425. Thanks . Chris.

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John Laughter

Aug 31, 2019

SAM ASH website. Product info;

You Are Now Free to Roam About the Stage.
Featuring the world's smallest clip-on transmitter with a shockmounted microphone and adjustable gooseneck, this frequency-agile UHF wireless system provides high definition sound and 300' of reliable wireless operation for saxophones, trumpets, trombones and other wind instruments.

ATX-tend Your Reach
The AWX system continues Samson's longstanding commitment to wireless innovation. Designed to be an extension of your instrument rather than a separate component, the ATX Wireless Transmitter clips directly to your instrument bell with no beltpack or cable necessary and lets you rule the stage with confidence. It provides infrared sync to wirelessly match the receiver and transmitter frequency, easily accessible Gain and Mute controls, a battery life LED indicator and an 8-hour rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

Mic the Wind
The ATX transmitter features a HM60 condenser microphone with 3-point halo isolation mount to minimize any noise caused by mechanical vibration. The mic capsule offers a supercardioid pickup pattern that handles up to 125dB SPL, ideal for handling the sudden attack of wind instruments. The HM60 also offers an 8.5" adjustable gooseneck (with P3 connector) for optimal mic placement in front of your instrument’s bell.

Road-agile
Offering frequency-agile operation, the system's rack mountable CR99 Wireless Receiver provides 80 selectable channels for reliable performance no matter where you are. The receiver's True RF Diversity design minimizes dropouts, while tone key technology prevents unwanted noise when your transmitter is off or out of range.

AWX Wind Instrument System

Frequency-agile UHF wireless system
80 operating channels across 24MHz bandwidth
Clips directly to instrument bell (no beltpack or cable required)
HM60 condenser microphone capsule with supercardioid pickup pattern
Up to eight simultaneous systems per frequency band (region dependent)
AC adapter and rackmount kit included

Get your Samson AWX Wind Instrument Wireless System today at the guaranteed lowest price from Sam Ash Direct with our 45-day return and 60-day price protection policy.

WARNING: This product contains DEHP, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects and other reproductive harm.

Things You Will Get:

CR99 Wireless Receiver
ATX Wireless Transmitter
HM60 Condenser Microphone
8.5" Gooseneck w/P3 connector
Removable 1/4-wave antennas
WindscreenAC adapter
Rackmount kit
Owner's Manual

See all Samson Instrument Wireless Systems

Tommy M

Monday at 4:20 PM

John Laughter said:
SAM ASH website. Product info;

You Are Now Free to Roam About the Stage.
Featuring the world's smallest clip-on transmitter with a shockmounted microphone and adjustable gooseneck, this frequency-agile UHF wireless system provides high definition sound and 300' of reliable wireless operation for saxophones, trumpets, trombones and other wind instruments.

ATX-tend Your Reach
The AWX system continues Samson's longstanding commitment to wireless innovation. Designed to be an extension of your instrument rather than a separate component, the ATX Wireless Transmitter clips directly to your instrument bell with no beltpack or cable necessary and lets you rule the stage with confidence. It provides infrared sync to wirelessly match the receiver and transmitter frequency, easily accessible Gain and Mute controls, a battery life LED indicator and an 8-hour rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

Mic the Wind
The ATX transmitter features a HM60 condenser microphone with 3-point halo isolation mount to minimize any noise caused by mechanical vibration. The mic capsule offers a supercardioid pickup pattern that handles up to 125dB SPL, ideal for handling the sudden attack of wind instruments. The HM60 also offers an 8.5" adjustable gooseneck (with P3 connector) for optimal mic placement in front of your instrument’s bell.

Road-agile
Offering frequency-agile operation, the system's rack mountable CR99 Wireless Receiver provides 80 selectable channels for reliable performance no matter where you are. The receiver's True RF Diversity design minimizes dropouts, while tone key technology prevents unwanted noise when your transmitter is off or out of range.

AWX Wind Instrument System

Frequency-agile UHF wireless system

80 operating channels across 24MHz bandwidth

Clips directly to instrument bell (no beltpack or cable required)

HM60 condenser microphone capsule with supercardioid pickup pattern

Up to eight simultaneous systems per frequency band (region dependent)

AC adapter and rackmount kit included

Get your Samson AWX Wind Instrument Wireless System today at the guaranteed lowest price from Sam Ash Direct with our 45-day return and 60-day price protection policy.

WARNING: This product contains DEHP, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects and other reproductive harm.

Things You Will Get:

CR99 Wireless Receiver

ATX Wireless Transmitter

HM60 Condenser Microphone

8.5" Gooseneck w/P3 connector

Removable 1/4-wave antennas

WindscreenAC adapter

Rackmount kit

Owner's Manual

See all Samson Instrument Wireless Systems

My CR99/ATX w HM60 mic for my sax works great indoors but embarrassed me w the excessive wind noise at a packed outdoor event. Is there another wind screen I can put over the existing one or do you have any suggestions ?? I never had this problem with the old airline systems (I had 2) and I want to stick with Samson.

PigSquealer

14 minutes ago

Tommy M said:
My CR99/ATX w HM60 mic for my sax works great indoors but embarrassed me w the excessive wind noise at a packed outdoor event. Is there another wind screen I can put over the existing one or do you have any suggestions ?? I never had this problem with the old airline systems (I had 2) and I want to stick with Samson.

Hi NorCal neighbor.
I would try contacting the Samson support directly.

Support | Samson

For more than four decades, it has been our goal to deliver the highest-quality customer service and technical support. Whether online or on the phone, we are here to answer your questions and provide you with the tools necessary to use your Samson products to its fullest potential.

samsontech.com

Click on “where to buy” and find a local dealer is another option.

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Pete Thomas

Cafe Moderator Commercial

Last reply 35 minutes ago · posted in Breakfastroom (chat and relax...)

Miscellaneous Do you have a “pet peeve”

And care to share it with us?

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Grumps

Sep 9, 2026

I hate hearing existential threat parroted all the time. Having a degree in Philosophy I can assure you that there hasn't been an existential threat since John-Paul Sartre.

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MikeMorrell

Sep 9, 2026

Grumps said:
I hate hearing existential threat parroted all the time. Having a degree in Philosophy I can assure you that there hasn't been an existential threat since John-Paul Sartre.

(and @Targa). It's interesting to sometimes learn a bit more about some members via this (and other) threads! It reminds me (again) that cafe members have a common interest (music, playing sax). But have different backgrounds, home countries, interests and 'lives' (outside of music and playing sax!). And they have different things going on in their lives. Leaving aside 'sax playing level', this 'diversity' of cafe members enriches (for me) the sense of 'community' in the cafe!

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Doug-AK

35 minutes ago

A pet peeve that is difficult for me to ignore, other than drivers who should have failed their driving test, is the prevalence of logical fallacies in the commentaries/diatribes/arguments of pundits on nearly all media platforms. Ignoramuses abound in our current polarized political environment. I wish rhetoric was required from grade 5 and integrated into all language arts curricula.

Another closely related pet peeve is the misuse of statistics. It’s so bad, I believe that 9 out of 10 people misuse the actual statistical data they attempt to reference or just make it up because it sounds right 😉

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skeller047

Café Supporter

Last reply 47 minutes ago · posted in Breakfastroom (chat and relax...)

Miscellaneous What is “Politics”?

In the current thread on AI, Pete reminded us to keep politics out of the discussion, and to put side queries in another thread. So here is the side query…

When does a discussion become political? If something is an important societal topic (e.g., the state of music education, or the emergence of AI), there are certain to be politicians and government employees involved somehow. (Well, maybe not in music education, more’s the pity.) I’d like some clarity and perhaps a discussion on where the line is.

Case in point - government involvement in and support of health care. In most of the developed world, this is a non-issue. In the USA it’s a political hot potato. But this topic is important culturally and socially. Studies on strategies for extending lifespan. What tests to get, and where and how to get them. Seeking advice on a particular health condition. Etc. Here in the US, this can stray very easily into political waters - because of the various money, power and philosophical opinions around the subject.

So if I say “I think taxpayer funds should be used to provide a sensible baseline of health care support for everyone”, is that political? Or do I have to add something about a particular politician, or perhaps discuss specific legislation, to make it cross the line? “Joe Blow is an idiot because he thinks Medicare should be cancelled.”

I ask because topics like AI and healthcare affect us all, both as musicians and as humans in society. (Also as saxophonists, because some AI systems seem to think one needs 7 or 8 fingers per hand to play one!)

In the current discussion of AI, which is important IMO, there are obvious cultural and societal implications around the uses of AI. And these very easily stray into discussions of current political topics because various governments and government agencies are actively involved. Some guidelines on where to draw the boundaries of the discussion would be helpful.

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Colin the Bear

Yesterday at 3:55 PM

Politics. Where ideology supercedes facts.

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Grumps

Yesterday at 6:17 PM

Colin the Bear said:
Politics. Where ideology supercedes facts.

Or like the very first post here, innocently advocating what to do with other people's money. But hey, it's not political because that makes good sense, right? Everyone's for health, right? Not inflammatory. As if...

But therein lies the rub. Folks being political see their political pronouncements as just restating the norm. It is correct, therefore they are justified and they are compelled to tell people. Folks need to listen and agree. And if you don't? Self-reflection is out the window. Instead, they'll put a red hat on you; and most ignorantly so.

skeller047

Yesterday at 7:46 PM

Grumps said:
Or like the very first post here, innocently advocating what to do with other people's money. But hey, it's not political because that makes good sense, right? Everyone's for health, right? Not inflammatory. As if...

But therein lies the rub. Folks being political see their political pronouncements as just restating the norm. It is correct, therefore they are justified and they are compelled to tell people. Folks need to listen and agree. And if you don't? Self-reflection is out the window. Instead, they'll put a red hat on you; and most ignorantly so.

Well, that was not what I meant, sorry you took it that way. The line you objected to was in quotes, as an example; I was not stating my opinion. I have one 🙂, and will be happy to discuss it in person in January when I see you (I hope).

The fact that you, an obviously intelligent person, misunderstood my post just highlights the problem that Pete and Jeanette struggle with daily. In text, it's difficult to express subtle distinctions that would be obvious in a face-to-face situation.

What "makes sense" to one person can be "completely off base" to another; it depends on their experience and upbringing, and (perhaps less) on their natural proclivities. I wish it were easier to accept other people's idiotic opinions, but it just isn't....

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Jeanette

Yesterday at 8:13 PM

skeller047 said:
wish it were easier to accept other people's idiotic opinions, but it just isn't....

But what you think is idiotic, someone else will not. And that my friends is where the problems start....

It's that type of language that starts a trail of posts to be deleted.😘

Jx

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skeller047

Yesterday at 8:24 PM

Jeanette said:
But what you think is idiotic, someone else will not. And that my friends is where the problems start....

It's that type of language that starts a trail of posts to be deleted.😘

Jx

Yes - that illustrates exactly the problems you face. That line was delivered with tongue firmly in cheek...

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Jeanette

Yesterday at 8:58 PM

skeller047 said:
Yes - that illustrates exactly the problems you face. That line was delivered with tongue firmly in cheek...

Emojis can help get that point across 😏😘

PigSquealer

47 minutes ago

I’m for any party 🥳 ! Especially if there’s free beer & food >:)

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Grumps

Last reply 57 minutes ago · posted in Saxophones: gear, playing, repair, impro

Saxophones The Way Too Early 2027 Saxophone Symposium Thread

The dates have been announced for the 2027 International Saxophone Symposium hosted by the Navy Band at George Mason University: January 8-9.

Plan your trip now if you're coming from afar.

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skeller047

Yesterday at 8:15 PM

I know of Ben Wendel and Ryan Devlin. Both very good modern players, Ryan is noted for his very energetic "outside" playing, and Ben wrote a great book on playing altissimo. Ben is also deeply into electronics; he did a very interesting interview with Rick Beato on YouTube a few months ago. I look forward to meeting both of them.

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PigSquealer

57 minutes ago

skeller047 said:
I know of Ben Wendel and Ryan Devlin. Both very good modern players, Ryan is noted for his very energetic "outside" playing, and Ben wrote a great book on playing altissimo. Ben is also deeply into electronics; he did a very interesting interview with Rick Beato on YouTube a few months ago. I look forward to meeting both of them.

I look forward to hearing Ben play. The others I need to look up.
The interview Rick did with Ben was interesting. Just wild that Ben and Terrace Martin were High School band mates. Wasn’t there a thread on this interview when it came out ?

View: https://youtu.be/tMYcNZJm2Io?is=CbQxInNC3pXfKD9Q

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Doug-AK

Last reply Today at 5:36 AM · posted in Breakfastroom (chat and relax...)

Introduction Hi from Alaska! New on this site

Hi, everyone! While I am a new member here, I’ve been involved in sax forums since 2006. I’m a retired music teacher and have played tenor sax for 50+ years. I still have the old Buescher in the closet in favor of my MKVI. Like many others, I have a bit of GAS (gear acquisition syndrome), so I seem to be dangerous to my bank account. I look forward to the discussion and insights on the forum with all of you!

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PiccoloPirate

Today at 5:22 AM

Welcome aboard from South Florida.

I was once near Alaska, flying in the right seat of a B52, at about 40k.
I could see Russia looking forward, before making a U-turn.
Blue skies now just Blue water. 😍

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Doug-AK

Today at 5:36 AM

PiccoloPirate said:
Welcome aboard from South Florida.

View attachment 37201

I was once near Alaska, flying in the right seat of a B52, at about 40k.
I could see Russia looking forward, before making a U-turn.
Blue skies now just Blue water. 😍

I lived in Nome for 5 years. U-turns are still common along the International date line😉
I heard stories from locals that back in the day Soviet MiGs would fly low under the radar across the Bering Sea, pop up to wave “Hello” and drop back down as they were chased all the way to tomorrow.

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Jay L

Last reply Today at 5:13 AM · posted in Breakfastroom (chat and relax...)

Miscellaneous New to the site!

Hi,
I’m Jay and I’ve just joined. Looking forward to interacting with members.
Have a great day!

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PiccoloPirate

Sep 8, 2026

JayL,
Are you Superman's father, from Krypton?

PigSquealer

Sep 9, 2026

PiccoloPirate said:
JayL,
Are you Superman's father, from Krypton?

That’s Jor-EL not JayL 🤦‍♂️.
I’ll have one of whatever you’re drinking 🤪

PiccoloPirate

Today at 5:13 AM

Total confusion since the Bum and linguistics threads.
Correct me please:
His Dad is called Jor-El in California
and in anyplace named Melbourne,
he's JayL? 🙄

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PigSquealer

Café Supporter +

Last reply Today at 5:01 AM · posted in Saxophones: gear, playing, repair, impro

Saxophones Pork Tales: Saxophone Repair DIY Adventures.

Tales from a pig that likes to stick his nose into everything.

Paint that S. How difficult could it be ?

1) Search the net.
2) Find the color.
3) Order color.
4) Study task on University of YouTube, aka; For destruction by DYI presented by pro tech.

Do the cleaning & prep.

Paint and cleanup / detail the edges with hard cotton swabs. Sounds easy…… :confused:

Yeah tha guy Matt makes it look easy.
Anyone remember your first experience cooking bacon crispy while still in the frying pan !

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PigSquealer

Today at 4:44 AM

To final finish the areas I used a machine shop technique called scraping. Not for DIY use. This is difficult even with experience.

After scraping, the area was burnished with 0000 steel wool @ 90°. Area cleaned well (NO surface grit / dirt) Then burnished with hand burnisher. Finish with silver polish.

All twenty something locations done by hand.

PigSquealer

Today at 5:01 AM

Keep in mind this is just the solder cleanup stage. A full polish is on order too.

Still work in progress.

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Jeanette

Cafe Moderator Café Supporter

Last reply Today at 12:30 AM · posted in Breakfastroom (chat and relax...)

Miscellaneous Daily Check In

Good morning,

We thought it might be good to have a thread where you can just come and say hi, tell us what you are doing today, have a moan, share an idea that you wouldn't necessarily start a thread for ( we can always create a new thread from posts here if it became a substantial discussion).

It doesn't have to be sax related🙂

Basically an easy way to connect on a daily basis.

So to kick us off, I am writing this whilst prepping a casserole for the slo cooker as I am playing sax today with café sax and need a quick easy tea when I get home.

I am still suffering with a cough which will impact my playing today and I am worried as we are playing our first care home gig next Sunday!!

Have a lovely Sunday

Jx

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MikeMorrell

Yesterday at 6:25 PM

I got (nicely) fooled this evening! I'd finished my 'volunteer shift' at BredaPhoto and took 2 buses home. As I was getting on the 2nd bus, the driver said "Hey Mike, how are you doing?". I looked at him but didn't recognise his face. Which occasionally happens when I meet people I've briefly met before but in a completely different 'context'. So I said "I'm doing fine, how are you?" Other passengers were also boarding so I moved on and sat down.

But I kept thinking "He obviously knows me, but I don't recognize him at all". So I went back up to the driver to try and clear up my confusion and mild discomfort. So I said something like "I'm sorry, you obviously know me but I can't for the life of me recall when we met. Perhaps in a different situation?". He said "No, I don't think so, I've been a bus driver for years". And then added "I have to start my ride now ..."

So I sat there for another 5 minutes before it dawned on me: I was wearing a 'BredaPhoto volunteer T-shirt'. With a 'name button' with "Mike" (which I'd completely forgotten about!). When the 'penny dropped', I started laughing and shouted out 'Good One!' to the driver.

He'd obviously simply read my 'name badge' as I boarded and carried on the conversation as if he 'knew me'. Leaving me to figure out the 'clue'. His sense of humour made my day!

Mike

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PigSquealer

Today at 12:30 AM

Out walking the Dug this afternoon he discovered these.

Several people in the neighborhood leave baskets of seasonal fruit curbside. That’s $50 worth of pomegranates.

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ESJohn

Last reply Today at 12:17 AM · posted in Saxophones: gear, playing, repair, impro

Playing the saxophone "Bring Out"

One of our tunes for the Christmas season is A Charlie Brown Christmas (arr. Paul Murtha). Of course, one of the selections is "Christmastime is here" and I have a soli with another instrument for the phrase

Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year

I don't know what other instrument is playing as I've been concentrating on hearing the sound coming out of my horn.
It's easy and enjoyable to play except that I'm thrown off by the instructions by Murtha to "bring out". Does that mean the same as mf or f? Or is it referring more to the feeling of the melody at that moment? And if that is the case, how would I accomplish that? Our director has made no comments on it, but I haven't taken the time to ask her, either. Just curious as to your thoughts. Thanks!

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Gandalfe

Yesterday at 6:14 PM

I always bring up the volume on solos and in my whole career, no director asked me to play quieter. I also often mark interesting and fun parts of my chart as SOLO so that I will bring it out to be heard over the often thundering herd. Again, no director has ever asked me to play softer. But I do get a *lot* of "bring it out a little louder" queues from the big band director when I play bari.

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ESJohn

Yesterday at 11:35 PM

Gandalfe said:
I always bring up the volume on solos and in my whole career, no director asked me to play quieter.

ghostler said:
I always brought out the solos by picking up the volume

In the five years that I've been in the NHB, the words "you're too loud" were heard repeatedly by the band members. Our director for all of those years is now retired, but the words are very much ingrained in our brains. Only on rare occasions would anyone hear instructions otherwise, and generally those were the trombones. We would receive instructions for the majority of the band to play softer so that if a section or soloist was playing, they could be heard better. We're under different leadership now, so those words aren't uttered very often.
'Christmastime is here' is the last part of the medley. It's cool to be an important part of the what the audience will remember more than the songs that don't make up the beginning or the end. I also have a very nice part (along with many others) during what would be, lyrically, 'Christmastime is here'. I have four measures that have two beats of rest, and then alternating B and Ab, which I try to play softly in the background supporting the melody. These four measures are repeated, as is the soli.
I will do my best to be heard above the others without being obnoxious.

ghostler

Today at 12:17 AM

Normally if the conductor has full control of the band, the members shouldn't have anything to say about your dynamics except to mention if there is an intonation problem.

Playing too loud is usually directed at the brass because they can easily overblow the woodwinds. This is true also of saxes if not careful.

You got a new conductor who appears to be bigger on balance. Sounds like your band is turning over a new leaf, better horizons ahead. I'd forget the past and move on.

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aldevis

Last reply Today at 12:12 AM · posted in Breakfastroom (chat and relax...)

Miscellaneous watches

Before I subscribe a forum about watches, where I will realize that only expensive pieces made in 1962-63 are worth wearing,
is anyone knowledgeable about automatic watches and straps?

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Grumps

Yesterday at 2:46 PM

We have a jewelry store out in one of the nearby suburbs that has a fairly decent choice of watch brands and they have their own event each Fall where they'll have brand representatives come to talk about their watches and they'll set up a tent for free oysters on the half shell and give out swag bags. My wife and I went last year and got a good look at the place and had a pretty good time. The highlight of the event is a sort of costume party, where you "dress to the nines" matching your favorite watch and you get to give a one minute spiel to win a prize. Last year that prize was a $3,200 Fortis watch, but they gave out plenty of other nice prizes as well. And this year? I'm gonna win one.

So put yourself in my place. Which of your watches would you go on about and what would you wear? Some of the costumes I saw last year were pretty impressive. One guy came as an airplane and for sure they'll be someone in an astronaut getup. My idea is a bit more simple and is geared to plug for this store I have absolutely no relationship with. I don't expect to win the top prize, but I should place. And yeah, I'm not telling at this point what I'm planning, but what would you guys do? If you dared:

https://littletreasury.com/pages/time-out-watch-fair

Colin the Bear

Yesterday at 3:57 PM

A shop putting on free events is charging too much. imo

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Grumps

Yesterday at 5:15 PM

Colin the Bear said:
A shop putting on free events is charging too much. imo

Well perhaps now, if it wasn't clear before, I should point out that I'll likely never buy a watch from these folks, or anything else for that matter; though I'll give them every opportunity while I'm there to convince me otherwise. I'm just scheming to win a prize, eat free oysters and take home swag. Plus, I get to see watches I'd always wanted to see. Like Norqain last year. I saw them and I hated them. Win-win.

I've come to realize that every watch I own, but for two somewhat frugal cruise expenditures, were purchased new at the lowest price I'd ever seen for what I bought; then and now. I ain't gonna be able to make such deals at a shop like this. But again... if I see something I'd like to buy, they will have every opportunity to sell it to me; but at my price, not theirs.

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PigSquealer

Today at 12:12 AM

Grumps said:
I'm not telling at this point what I'm planning, but what would you guys do? If you dared:

I’m guessing you’re going as a Nationals fan wearing a Ravens watch.
I would go as a Pig playing on C sax with high hopes to win a Seiko Metronome.

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ESJohn

Last reply Yesterday at 11:57 PM · posted in Breakfastroom (chat and relax...)

Humor Today's memory

I've got to share this with everyone. My wife and I exercise twice weekly at the Cleveland Clinic medical center near us. The building houses facilities for physical therapy, sports medicine, a fitness center and a stat care facility. One entrance is generally used by the stat care patients and vice-versa.
Today, we were about to open the interior door that leads to the fitness center when an elderly gentleman using a walker and moving slowly, was coming through on his way to the exit. I noticed the t-shirt that he was wearing, which stated:
"I may be old, but I got to see all of the cool bands!" The shirt also had a sax framing the words to one side. It made me laugh, and I told him how much I enjoyed reading it. As much as he had difficulty raising his head, he looked at me and replied "Rock On!"
God bless him! He made my day!

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ESJohn

Yesterday at 11:57 PM

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Direct Current

Last reply Yesterday at 11:56 PM · posted in Saxophones: gear, playing, repair, impro

Playing the saxophone Double Lip Professionals

This might not be well known.

Who are recording / touring professionals that are double lip players?

Or anyone playing to an audience. However, I thought it'd be interesting to learn the names of players we knew from recordings and concerts.

Not meant to debate technique merits. But I won't storm out if you do.

Finally, is DOUBLE LIPPER a term? Hopefully that won't get me barred.

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Pete Thomas

Feb 1, 2024

I believe Lee Allen used a double lip embouchure.

Direct Current said:
Finally, is DOUBLE LIPPER a term? Hopefully that won't get me barred.

I haven't heard the term, but it's obvious what it means in the context of saxophone or clarinet playing so why not. I don't understand why it would get you barred though.

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Direct Current

Feb 1, 2024

Pete Thomas said:
I haven't heard the term, but it's obvious what it means in the context of saxophone or clarinet playing so why not. I don't understand why it would get you barred though.

Because I really appreciate you and the Cafe Pete Thomas and I'm never sure how something might be taken as naughty. Probably my mind is the problem. Thank you!

Jeanette

Feb 1, 2024

Direct Current said:
Because I really appreciate you and the Cafe Pete Thomas and I'm never sure how something might be taken as naughty. Probably my mind is the problem. Thank you!

We don't bar people very often and certainly not without a conversation first 🙂

Jx

KMSRI

Yesterday at 11:56 PM

Hi all,

I'm currently reworking my set up, thanks for some health and DENTAL problems. All the above is helpful. Thanks

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Pete Thomas

Cafe Moderator Commercial

Last reply Yesterday at 11:56 PM · posted in Great music and favourite Videos

Miscellaneous Music Land - Walt Disney

Very clever, cute but (obviously) dated 1935 animation. A war between "jazz" and "classical" but I'm not sure purists would agree wit either term. Still it's fun

View: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8jjqb5

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Tuppertn

Yesterday at 9:49 PM

Ah, those were...different times.

Even back then AI didn't know how to draw a saxophone.😉

ghostler

Yesterday at 11:56 PM

Movie ending, think we could use the Bridge of Harmony in our discussions? 😉

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mizmar

Café Supporter

Last reply Yesterday at 10:21 PM · posted in Saxophones: gear, playing, repair, impro

Playing the saxophone Falling from Altisimo A?

In an arrangement of Oye Como Va, by Johnny Ferreira we have

DFDFDFA on the second register, then at the top.

I'm just about stable on D to altisimo A - good exercise for me!

But G is quite far away, fungering wise..
My best alt A is L23+a side key.

How would you approach the fall?

Thanks.

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Pete Effamy

Yesterday at 10:02 PM

Just lip.

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Pete Thomas

Yesterday at 10:08 PM

Pete Effamy said:
Just lip.

Yes, relax your jaw.

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mizmar

Yesterday at 10:21 PM

Hummm, gonna have to work on that to avoid stray overtones...

mpjbiker

Last reply Yesterday at 9:38 PM · posted in Saxophones: gear, playing, repair, impro

Mouthpieces Jody jazz DV Chicago tenor.

Anyone using one on tenor? What are your impressions and thoughts? Cheers!

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Tuppertn

Yesterday at 9:27 PM

My impression is that it's expensive. In fact, so expensive that I can't give you a playing impression.

Life would be so much better if I could afford one.

I'd sit out on my veranda overlooking the vineyards around the Seine and fondle my DV Chi while my servants fanned me and fed me grapes.

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r. giuseppe

Yesterday at 9:38 PM

Price was not that crazy when I bought it 20 years (?) ago. If it comforts you: The best mouthpiece I ever had (for me) is half the price…

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