In the discussion about online courses, I got into a discussion with @Pete Effamy that's I'd like to open up to all right here in "Playing". Pete broke down to three ways to sound "original", that is, to get a voice. What is a voice? Yes, a sound, a rhythmic approach, an articulation, intonation, all of the above and maybe more. If you think about Miles Davis, he doesn't really sound like much that went before him on that instrument.
Yes, I am the third, but I did the first step, listening to a lot of saxophone over decades. In fact, that's inhibiting in a way, not because I can't play some of what they played, but because I can!
I think aside from playing in a big band or doing weddings (nothing wrong with either), the pursuit of an original take on the saxophone is not easy. I would add listening to other instruments a lot, because that's what I did on guitar. I almost never listened to guitar. Piano was a huge help on the guitar. Now I listen to blues harmonica a lot, in addition to the more obscure saxophone approaches I can find.
Go ahead, dump you innermost thoughts about this right here, it's free, it's fun and it won't make you gain weight.
I think that there are only three ways to gain an individual style or sound:
- listen to loads of other players and your sound will be a concoction (pretty much everyone);
- listen to no-one and hope that technically you come out ok (I can’t think of anyone);
- come to the sax via a different instrument and adapt that knowledge (this is you, and no doubt a fair few others)
Yes, I am the third, but I did the first step, listening to a lot of saxophone over decades. In fact, that's inhibiting in a way, not because I can't play some of what they played, but because I can!
I think aside from playing in a big band or doing weddings (nothing wrong with either), the pursuit of an original take on the saxophone is not easy. I would add listening to other instruments a lot, because that's what I did on guitar. I almost never listened to guitar. Piano was a huge help on the guitar. Now I listen to blues harmonica a lot, in addition to the more obscure saxophone approaches I can find.
Go ahead, dump you innermost thoughts about this right here, it's free, it's fun and it won't make you gain weight.