Introduction sax saver and xaphoons?

[Bobby G]

Hi Nic, to change your avatar (as the little pix are known), go to 'Personal', then 'Edit Settings'. In there is a space for an address for the image you wish to use as your avatar. I can't explain it very well as I am not using conventional Windows, most of my posting is done on a pda (little hand-held thing) which is nowhere near as flexible as a PC or laptop, but give it a try.

In the heading for your original post you mention sax saver, and say what a boon your sax is? By sax saver do you mean life-saver? I know it is for me, I can have a blow almost anytime, anywhere, so I'm playing sax far more than I ever played guitar. I find it keeps me very chilled if I can have a little play between jobs.

One thing I will emphasise for beginners and more advanced players alike; apart from 'proper practising', however much of that you decide to do as a proportion of your playing time, I think it's very good to just blow, muck about, see what you can discover, play along with the radio or CD's, try and work out tunes by ear, anything really as long as you are playing. Obviously this is going to depend on where you want to be with your playing (pro's and the ambitious or prospective pro's will probably do a lot more 'proper practise', fun, amateur or ear-players probably less), but about 90% of my playing is like this.

I am notoriously rubbish when it comes to self-discipline (it's very difficult to whip yourself ince you've got yourself tied up) but I do just love making music on my horn and it's something I need to do, so yeah, in that respect my sax (or guitar) is a life-saver, I'd go bonkers without it. There's definitely an almost therapeutic, self-discovering side to music-making however you do it.

Also, I guess what I'm saying is if you are just starting or haven't been playing very long, don't be put off by all the theory, scales, practise regimes etc, first and foremost enjoy your playing whatever level you are at, or aspire to. Personally I find the theory very interesting, but almost as a separate subject from my playing, although I am aware of some of it when I'm playing, but it doesn't rule the playing.

The thing is, there are as many ways of playing and learning as there are players, and they are all valid, so I think you just need to find what suits you best. Whatever way that is s'cool. Horses for courses an' that 🙂

Well, that's cleared that up then 😉

Cheers, Bob

 

[nicsax]

thanks bob,
for that
My sax is almost a life saver - I just love toplay and an hour goes by and I say to myself just one more blow and another half hour has gone by.

Its great as it keeps me warm, saves on heating!
its like a noisy meditation
I'm getting more interested as I go along in the theory and play scales just muck about with finger fiddling over different keys blow hard /soft improvise add little or larger notes as I play tunes from the numerous music I seem to have quickly amassed.

Went to see Ingrid Loebuck(?) last night in Kendal with Jonny phillips and Oriole and some others and that has really inspired me to blow a bit harder and squeak and puff and groan, though also tempted me to get some drums a piano cymbals double bass cello, pick up my guitar again, .................

In the middle of grievance procedure against my manager at work (part time) the sax is my only escape as she haunts me otehrwise - think I will 'win', if I dont I will be busking on the Cumbrian streets!

Mr Lucky has made me Ms Lucky very uplifted by it and encourage to fight on.

And thanks for the info on the avatar - will try my hand at that when the sax is out of reach!

Am not at all 'put off' by any of it - I like the whole process - its an holistic thing with me and no-one or nothing is going to take that away from me which gives me a GREAT Feeling.
Saxomophones (as my teenagers call it) should be available on the NHS - maybe I will start that as a\ new topic.
Again thanks for your interest and support
nic

 

[Bobby G]

Noisy Meditation I like that a lot. Perhaps a good title for your debut CD?

Jonny Phillips, who he? I used to play in a band with a Johnny Phillips. I wonder if he is the same one?

Cheers, Bob

 

[nicsax]

Hi Bob could be the same Jonny but this one is without an H - he used to live in Cumbria, plays guitar.

Yes I like the idea of Noisy Meditation for that is what it is!
Thanks for mentioning a debut CD I had not thought about a CD - tha's soemthing positive to aim for!

I am wondering if I can practise tunes enough to get them near perfect or with clever improvisation over any wrong notes, and give a little busk somewhere sometime.,,,,,,,!
Haven't got round to an avatar yet - maybe next Christmas!

Know any good simple tutors for jazz sax?

I am generally positive and someone said to day were you born laughing? what a nice thought. Difficult to laugh whilst playing the sax - another challenge!

nic