Saxophone beginners Come on now, join the band....(Beginners blog)

[cappers]

@GCinCT @ESJohn @Digger2054 @MikeMorrell (DM) Thank you for your comments and support.

I didn't think anyone would be particularly interested in seeing my 'progress' except perhaps other starters who were wondering if joining a band/group/ensemble as a beginner would be of benefit (YES!!!). The threads by @Taz and @Chris98 inspired me and I was encouraged by reading them.
Playing the saxophone - How to Blag it as a Saxophone Player
https://cafesaxophone.com/threads/Chris-beginners-diary-take-ii.155/

Rather than posting my attempts at improv at every gig I attend, I think a six-monthly update and review might be more appropriate. Or a post if anything interesting or amusing happens at a gig or rehearsal. A longer break between my playing samples might give a clearer idea of any progress made.

@Pete Thomas @Jeanette - is it possible and would you object to making this thread a blog or would you prefer it remain as it is? Feel free to edit the title to be more reflective of the topic, beginner/amateur band/progress and put it where you think best.

@Taz summed it up for me "There are a million sax players out there who are leaps and bounds better than me. I put it down to confidence. I’ve got a fairly large personality, a loud horn, and the guts to blow it (good or bad) in front of people."

Thank you.

 

[Pete Thomas]

So I'll make this my last 'progress' post.

Why not keep posting your progress?

I don't see a problem with the thread continuing

@cappers keep the thread going!

I agree, keep it going!

 

[cappers]

You are all suckers for punishment A paranoid voice in my head told me they just like seeing you make a fool of yourself, but I know that's not true (I think!). Don't really care as I'm only doing it for my pleasure, if anyone likes it all the better

I agree, keep it going!

@Pete Thomas OK. Can you retitle it as a beginners blog or just leave it as an ongoing thread?

 

[Digger2054]

You are all suckers for punishment A paranoid voice in my head told me they just like seeing you make a fool of yourself, but I know that's not true (I think!). Don't really care as I'm only doing it for my pleasure, if anyone likes it all the better

It most certainly isn't true.

I don't think it matters how good you are, there's always someone better, or something you can improve on, and always that self doubt you're not good enough.

But you've gotten off your backside and joined a band, as have I, and it's great fun. Keep updating things, and it might just encourage 1 other person to think I'm going to give it a go!

I've struggled with timing/rhythm, and like my last rehersal, it proves that something is clicking, it's progress in some form.

 

[Pete Thomas]

@Pete Thomas OK. Can you retitle it as a beginners blog or just leave it as an ongoing thread?

Done.I've also added it to the member blogs list/widget (in sidebar on desktop or below on mobile)

 

[skeller047]

I don't think it matters how good you are, there's always someone better, or something you can improve on, and always that self doubt you're not good enough.

Pablo Casals, in his 90’s, when asked why he still practices, said “I think I’m making progress.” Music is so wonderful. True of any art, really.

 

[MikeMorrell]

@GCinCT @ESJohn @Digger2054 @MikeMorrell (DM) Thank you for your comments and support.

I didn't think anyone would be particularly interested in seeing my 'progress' except perhaps other starters who were wondering if joining a band/group/ensemble as a beginner would be of benefit (YES!!!).

Rather than posting my attempts at improv at every gig I attend, I think a six-monthly update and review might be more appropriate. Or a post if anything interesting or amusing happens at a gig or rehearsal. A longer break between my playing samples might give a clearer idea of any progress made.
...

Thank you.

Hi @cappers,

There are a couple of reasons why I find your 'blog' - and all the valuable comments/suggestions you get - so interesting to read. And why I think you should continue it (just as and when you feel you have something to add!)

• First off, it's wonderful to read how your personal 'sax journey' and 'band journey' are going. With all their 'learning/playing' ambitions, doubts, frustrations, and successes. For many of us, our 'journeys' consist of endless repetitions of the same cycle at whatever level!
• Many/Café members and visitors* struggle - or have struggled - with similar things as you. So most Café members can personally identify with your personal 'sax/band journey' from their own experience
• Your 'leap of faith' in joining a band is inspiring. As is your progress since then. For me, it's not only about 'progress'. I've been impressed by your motivation and commitment to 'keep improving'. Your blog is inspiring for other 'learners' (at whatever level)
• You post good questions that get great responses (from which I too learn). Both are valuable for current and future members. And for visitors* too.

Bear in mind that your 'blog posts' don't necessarily need to about your 'progress' (see @Tenor Viol's blog). Feel free to add media clips of musicians that you like or who you inspire you (and perhaps others). As you say, "anything interesting or amusing" is often a good topic for a blog post.

Best wishes,

Mike

*Visitors: It's been years since I once helped @Pete Thomas analyse the 'visits' to the Café and the TTS website and things have undoubtedly changed a lot since then. The 'analytics tools' certainly have! From what I remember from back then, the Café had a significant number of non-members 'visitors' who 'arrive' at the Café and TTS via a search engine. Non-members visitors can browse and (I think) search the café, read threads but can't post or respond to anything. So just bear in mind that the Café (including perhaps your blog) may be read by non-member visitors too.

 

[cappers]

I'm flattered!

Being able to play music no matter how well, on an instrument I love, fulfils a deep and hitherto unrecognised need.

I have had a happy life, lovely close family, an interesting and enjoyable career, travelled to many amazing places, had some profound experiences but nothing beats the joy and satisfaction I get learning to play. For me it's meditative, totally in the moment, no mental chatter, peace.

Also, learning to play, read music, study theory, work with others has been beneficial for my physical and mental health. My lung health and capacity seems to have improved, my mind is kept busy and working, I sleep better and I'm having the time of my life!

Thank you all for your support and encouragement

 

[Pete Effamy]

I'm flattered!

Being able to play music no matter how well, on an instrument I love, fulfils a deep and hitherto unrecognised need.

I have had a happy life, lovely close family, an interesting and enjoyable career, travelled to many amazing places, had some profound experiences but nothing beats the joy and satisfaction I get learning to play. For me it's meditative, totally in the moment, no mental chatter, peace.

Also, learning to play, read music, study theory, work with others has been beneficial for my physical and mental health. My lung health and capacity seems to have improved, my mind is kept busy and working, I sleep better and I'm having the time of my life!

Thank you all for your support and encouragement

Playing an instrument is an achievement on so many levels.

A friend of mine is always full of stories of someone who has run this distance with that time etc.
Great.
But here’s a story about human endurance -

Here’s a musical instrument, study and practice as much as you can, and we’ll check-in in 40 years to see how things are going.

 

[cappers]

..........Here’s a musical instrument, study and practice as much as you can, and we’ll check-in in 40 years to see how things are going.

You'll have to dig me up as I'll be 111 in 40 years time
I'll study and practice as much as I can in the time left

 

[Vlad]

You'll have to dig me up as I'll be 111 in 40 years time
I'll study and practice as much as I can in the time left

I'll have a chat with you on the Ouija board then.. 😀

 

[cappers]

I was asked to continue blogging, so here is my solo over Green Onions last Sunday.
Some intonation issues but overall I'm quite pleased with it. Onwards and upwards!

 

[MikeMorrell]

I was asked to continue blogging, so here is my solo over Green Onions last Sunday.
Some intonation issues but overall I'm quite pleased with it. Onwards and upwards!

Sounds great @cappers!

Our Big Big Band MD regularly 'reminds' soloists (including me):
- to keep solo's simple and play in phrases (with gaps between them 🙂); ideally in synch with the backing
- to use rhythm and repeated patterns
- to avoid using too many 'embellishments' and 'variations' on written-out solos that are 'just for the sake of it'

Your solo ticks all these boxes🙂.

 

[Jeanette]

Definitely keep posting your journey 🙂

Jx

 

[Pete Effamy]

You'll have to dig me up as I'll be 111 in 40 years time
I'll study and practice as much as I can in the time left

Don’t be lazy, that’s no excuse!

 

[thomsax]

I like to read/take part of your saxophone journey. And others as well. So please keep 'em coming.

I think there is a need for new ways to deal with music. To cure loneliness, "upkeep" body and brain ..... . We need more concepts to learn and "thrive" with the music.

Our Big Big Band MD regularly 'reminds' soloists (including me):
- to keep solo's simple and play in phrases (with gaps between them 🙂); ideally in synch with the backing
- to use rhythm and repeated patterns
- to avoid using too many 'embellishments' and 'variations' on written-out solos that are 'just for the sake of it'

Your solo ticks all these boxes🙂.

Yes, it's there. What to play is important but also how you play it. I always have my "albanska katt" (albany cat) that I play for. In the woodshed during the summer half-year or upstairs during the winter half-year. I got the cat from an albanian stevedore in 1969. He was, the stevedore, a well-educated musician who was sent out to the coast to work as stevedore and somebody else took his place in the city. Cultural revolution you know !!!. I "forgot" a Shooting Star alto at the hotel room but I didn't forgot the cat. I was 13 and I didn't play with cats, I guess it was the best he could do, but the cat have been with me over the years. Still listening .... . "The Albany Cat" loves Springsteen /Clarence Clemons, Rolling Stones/Bobby Keys, Creedence Clearwater Revival/John Fogerty ... easy saxplaying with lots of volume.

Keep On Honkin' !

 

[cappers]

Fun gig last night at our regular seafront cafe-bar venue. Busy with an appreciative audience.
A neighbour from two houses away was there by chance and when she saw me said "So you are the phantom saxophonist, I hear sometimes you in the garden!
I was down to solo on four songs, Tenor Madness, The Preacher, Moanin' and the Green Onions finale.
Here's my takes on The Preacher and Moanin'.
I think my tone is improving and I felt comfortable soloing.
Any comments welcome.

View: https://youtu.be/LlNm-ovd6Pc

View: https://youtu.be/K9BVJJ2c9kE

 

[MikeMorrell]

Fun gig last night at our regular seafront cafe-bar venue. Busy with an appreciative audience.
A neighbour from two houses away was there by chance and when she saw me said "So you are the phantom saxophonist of Meeching Road, I hear sometimes you in the garden!
I was down to solo on four songs, Tenor Madness, The Preacher, Moanin' and the Green Onions finale.
Here's my takes on The Preacher and Moanin'.
I think my tone is improving and I felt comfortable soloing.
Any comments welcome.

Wow, @cappers I'm amazed at how far you've progressed in such a short time. You mention that you 'feel comfortable soloing and this was (for me) immediately clear when listening. You sound so relaxed now when soloing! Your often 'laid back timing' just adds to my impression of a 'relaxed, confident soloist'. Who has all the time in the world to play his solo as he wants to.

I liked your solos: good 'phrasing' with variations and the repeated 'rhythm' in each phrase holds the whole solo together well. So many congrats from me! And it's wonderful that you decided to continue this blog.

One thing that I noticed on your 2 solos is that you play mainly on the lower register and on the lower notes in the upper register. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this! The main 'musical goal' for solos is to play something 'structured' that suits the music and that you feel comfortable playing.

But you might - at some stage and for some tunes - consider extending your range up to the higher notes of the upper register (C, C#, D, D#, E, F). Up to you.

In my Big Band, I don't often play the highest notes (unless written) or written-out solos in 'high notes' which I usually can't play but just improvise on in 'high notes'. The opposite is true in my 'Blues/Rock/Pop band'. Other band members really like 'screaming' (high note) sax solos. But I try to incorporate more 'lower register' notes, especially when starting (building up) and ending (building down) solos. But the peaks/crescendo's are still 'screaming' high notes. 😉

 

[LostCircuits]

I noticed the same thing as @MikeMorrell, good going and great progress! The only thing I want to add is to try and add a bit more accentuation in your playing, instead of do do do do da da daaa try d'doo d'doo da daba d'daa. It's a completlely new dimension of playing for you when you are still mostly concentrating on the note progression but it'll add a world to your playing, especially since it kind of forces you to play with a bit more attack. Eventually this will come by itself but it's something I wanted to give you a pointer / shortcut for what you may want to look into.

 

[cappers]

@MikeMorrell @LostCircuits
Thank you for your comments which I'll endeavor to take on board.

you play mainly on the lower register and on the lower notes in the upper register.

I know I tend to play more in the lower register and am trying to extend the range.
Until recently some of the higher and palm key notes haven't been that sweet so I avoided them rather than shrill shrieking.
At the last rehearsal the other tenor also mentioned playing higher. I'm not mic'd and amp'd so it will help cut throught the backings on the second rounds, and make my playing more interesting.
Practise makes perfect, time for more long tones work!

instead of do do do do da da daaa try d'doo d'doo da daba d'daa.

Yes. Now my articualtion is improving I will try that, thank you.

I'm still amazed at how things seem to be sinking in and the playing is becoming more fluent without me thinking my way through it. I noticed at one point during one of my solos I had my eyes shut as if listening to someone else playing the sax!

Oh what fun this is.