Howdy: newbie from Medway, Kent

[SimonB64]

Hi. I'm a 48 year old guitarist/singer who has fallen in love with the saxophone and been playing for a month or so. Only had a couple of lessons, but already got the bug big time. Pete Thomas' DVD is helping me a lot! Just introducing myself here...will be pestering you all with endless questions soon enough I guess.
Looking forward to spending some time on the forums with you guys.
Cheers,
Simon.

 

[kevgermany]

Big welcome from me. Have fun here.

 

[Pyrografix]

Hi Simon,

Welcome to the Madhouse!

Cheers,
Amanda

 

[Justin Chune]

Hello Simon, welcome to the cafe.

Jim.

 

[Mister Levity]

Hi Simon
I'm a 53 year old bass guitarist who got the Sax bug two years ago.I'm not far from you, I'm near Gravesend so if you feel like a get together to have a blow,drop me a message.
Good luck with the Sax,is it Alto or Tenor?
cheers
Alan

 

[SimonB64]

Thanks all for the welcome.
Hi Alan. It's an Alto. I actually started with a Tenor, but I have lower back problems and found it too heavy. Fortunately, I bought it from Robbie Fraser at Student Music Supplies.
He took the Tenor back and I got a Jericho J-6 Alto. I predict that a burly bassist would have no problem with a Tenor?
That'd be great to have a get together. Just get all this Christmas nonsense out of the way first..

 

[Mister Levity]

Hi Simon,great that you have an alto, you are correct I play Tenor (and yes I'm 6ft 2) we'll hook up after Xmas.
Do you play guitar in a band?

 

[SimonB64]

It's been just me and my acoustic for the past few years. Haven't played too much recently. I got into the Sax through listening to John Coltrane, so really wanted to play Tenor, but I'm finding Alto a fun challenge. Are you playing bass in a band?

 

[old git]

Welcome to the caff©, Simon.

ENJOY!​™

 

[Nick Wyver]

Hi from another Kentish person!

 

[TomMapfumo]

Hi Simon!

A Big Welcome to Cafe Sax from the Skabertawe Epic Sax Guy, down by yer in Wales, mind. If you ever want to resume Tenor then get a Jazzlab Sax Holder, which supports the instrument through using shoulders and abdomen and does not use the neck at all (makes a tenor feel about 2/3rds lighter!).

Alto is a brilliant instrument - Coltrane could only play Soprano and Tenor. Lots of good alto players, including Gilad Atzmon & Maceo Parker, around today, as well as Art Pepper, Julian Adderley, Charlie Parker and others of yesteryear.

Anyway, fire away with the questions.....................

Kind regards
Tom

 

[SimonB64]

Thanks again, all. Nice to see a few Kentish types on here.
thanks Tom. Actually I do now have a Jazzlab sax Holder. And it's great. I found out about it after I sent the Tenor back though! Maybe one day I will return to Tenor. Having fun discovering the Alto for now though. I'll be looking up some of the Alto players you mentioned. Been listening to a lot of Bird. Sublime.
Cheers!
Simon.

 

[Wade Cornell]

How about a free lesson. It's a demonstration only so Simon plays guitar and Levity plays bass.
Yes, you're welcome.

 

[Darcy_doo]

Hi there simon and welcome! I've only just joined and have started learning tenor sax.
I'm also from Kent, just outside Margate. Who is your tutor? we may have the same one!
Everyone here is real friendly and helpful, i'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as i do!
All the best,
Darcy.

 

[navarro]

Hi Simon and a big welcome. In the late sixties I did a gig in Rotherhithe (stand up comic.) and referred to the Smirking wenches of Redriff ( from an old Kentish Ballad.) very touchy crowd there and I had to be escorted from the premises by the Landlord. I wonder if it`s safe to go back.:shocked: Regds and have fun here. N.

 

[SimonB64]

Hi Darcy. I lived in Thanet for several years. Moved out of Margate 18 months ago. My tutor is in Gillingham. Allan Ryder. Hope it's going well for you with the Tenor. I've been getting some funny looks as I walk around Rochester doing my embouchure exercises.
Thanks for the friendly welcome. Be sure to pass on any useful beginners tips.........
Simon.

 

[SimonB64]

Hi Navarro. There's still a bounty on your head. I'd give it another 10 years or so.
Of course, if you do find yourself back here I can offer you protection and a fast horse out. Mind you, Rotherhithe is more London than Kent. They may have identity issues there. Thanks for the welcome!

 

[jazzdoh]

Welcome to the cafe Simon

 

[saxyman]

Hi Simon
Welcome from another Medway Man.
If you are interested in playing with others (of all levels) why not give Kaleidoscope a try, we meet Mondays or Tuesday evenings in Gillingham, there are beginner sax classes, intermediate Wind Band and even a Big Band. All very friendly.
If you would like any more information, just pm me.