Saxophonist Mark Hartsuch has differentiated himself by producing amazing horn section recordings and live performances for the world’s top artists. He is most well known for working with India’s top music director, AR Rahman, both in live performance and studio productions. His other collaborations include Ranjit Barot, Mohini Dey, Mr. Eazi, Cece Winans, Bebe Winans, TV networks such as Disney and AE, and others.  

Mark attended the University of North Texas where he performed in the Grammy nominated One O’Clock Lab Band on Lab 2014 and Lab 2015.

Mark is most known for being the founding member, primary composer and arranger of the Dallas Horns, a 3-piece horn section that specializes in tight, funky horn lines.

In 2017, the Dallas Horns traveled to India and performed with legendary Indian musicians Louiz Banks, Gino Banks, Rhythm Shaw and others.

They also served as the Horn section for the Grammy and Oscar winning artist, AR Rahman.

The group also traveled to Qatar for the first and only performance held prior to the 2022 World Cup.

Mark’s newest album, India Jazz Casual, is available on Bandcamp HERE.

Mark Hartsuch is an endorsed artist with JodyJazz Mouthpieces, Gard Bags, Roland Instruments (AE-30). 

Get access to Mark's links on our site: https://saxophonepodcast.com

TIMESTAMPS   00:00 His introduction to music and how it became his solace 07:44 Differences in trumpet and saxophone playing styles 10:35 Transitioning to professional music 13:40 Experiencing the music industry 20:15 How he got into Indian music 27:20 The different vibe and swing in India 37:15 Mark’s standard of knowing a jazz standard 38:50 How Indian musicians play over the bar line 43:33 Music for musicians vs for the people 45:17 The challenge of balancing artistic integrity 48:31 Changes in popular music trends 51:17 Timelessness of classic songs 54:41 Interplay between melody and color using the song All of Me 56:10 Function of a horn arrangement 01:00:00 3 tenets of great musicians 01:01:06 Developing a full-stack show 01:03:49 The economics of performing 01:07:28 The reality of live performances 01:15:00 Advice for musicians 01:26:14 The intricacy that involves music production 01:34:58 The financial realities of music 01:43:39 The reality of the music industry 01:54:23 Pedagogical approaches to teaching 01:56:14 Developing a comfortable setup 01:59:16 The role of voicing in playing 02:05:42 Understanding air pressure in playing 02:06:29 The role of tongue position in playing 02:12:04 The role of doodle tonguing 02:21:28 The role of the oral cavity in sound production 02:24:34 The importance of enclosures in Bebop and the role of chromatic passing tones 02:33:43 Upcoming Performances and Collaborations 02:36:59 The Decision to Move to Nashville  

This show was sponsored by the Improvisation Made Easy Elite Coaching Program. If you’re a saxophonist with some experience improvising, and you just don’t know what and how to practice to get better at improvisation, Click HERE to book your Free Strategy Session call to get clarity on your next steps.

Saxophonist Bennett Wood is a freelance musician, composer and clinician. 

He was recently appointed as Director of Jazz Studies at Webster University. He previously held academic appointments at the University of Memphis, Mineral Area College, Texas State University, Texas Lutheran University, and Texas A&M University-Kingsville and served as the Interim Director of Education and Community Engagement and Education Coordinator at Jazz St. Louis.

Bennett is an experienced bandleader and an in-demand sideman. In addition to leading his own groups at nationally recognized venues, including Crosstown Arts, the Elephant Room, and Jazz St. Louis, Bennett has performed alongside internationally acclaimed musicians including Nat Adderley Jr., Ralph Bowen, Chris Cheek, John Clayton, Alan Ferber, Andre Hayward, Sean Jones, Doug Lawrence, Butch Miles, Allison Miller, Greg Osby, Bruce Saunders, Maria Schneider, Terrell Stafford, and Kenny Werner.

Bennett earned a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. He holds Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Bennett’s debut album, Space In Time, is available now on all streaming platforms. Physical CDs will be available soon on Wood’s website.

The link to his full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website.

In this episode, we talked about:

🎷 Common saxophone embouchure mistake when trying to play softer 🎷 Laryngeal flexibility and Jerry Bergonzi’s No Embouchure Embouchure  🎷 Thoughtful process of teaching that inspires students 🎷 Being aware of the audience’s perspective when performing 🎷 The biggest disservice musicians can do when pursuing teaching 🎷 And much more!

If you want to do something well, you have to be willing to be bad at it first - Christopher McBride

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Internationally acclaimed saxophonist, composer, and educator Kyle Brooks is a rising performer and pedagogue seasoned by and for the modern music industry.

Versed in multicultural idioms, Kyle has and continues to work with organizations that regularly present jazz, rock, hip hop, Bollywood, Malayalam, electronic, and salsa music, just to name a few.

As a performer, Kyle has collaborated with artists and organizations such as Tesher, Shayna Steele, Diane Schuur, Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, Toledo Jazz Orchestra, and more. He can be heard on several recordings ranging from EDM to free jazz. Kyle also works with many grassroots musical endeavors, making contributions to ensembles including Kochuveettil Beats, Third Shore Collective, Jina Brass Band, and more.

Featuring lifelong friends and collaborators, his debut album, “Monarch”,  features original music inspired by the work of musicians such as Ben Wendel, Terrace Martin, and Marquis Hill.

In addition to having a full teaching studio, Kyle has presented clinics and masterclasses across the Midwest, primarily in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs.

Kyle is also on the faculty at Triton College.

The link to his full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website.

In this episode, we talked about:

🎷 Why Kyle prefers more resistant reeds 🎷 Putting this one common household item into your bell can solve so many problems 🎷 How he gets students to improvise 🎷 Why we shouldn’t take music personally 🎷 Kyle’s approach to composition 🎷 and much more!

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Asha Parkinson is a UK-based saxophonist and composer whose works cross the boundaries of classical, jazz, and world music.

Asha was a semi-finalist in the 2016, 2018, and 2020 BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year competitions. 

She graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with a Bachelor of Music Honors (1st class) in September 2020. 

Her saxophone and jazz teachers have included Mark Lockheart, Iain Ballamy, Christian Forshaw, Carlos Lopez Real, Trish Clowes, Simon Allen, Phil Meadows, Gareth Lockrane, and Nick Beston.

She formed her ensemble, Kalpadruma in 2017. Kalpadruma means ‘tree of life’, and her latest album, Possession, features this 14-piece group.

The Syrian Crisis (which started in 2011) inspired Asha to create the non-profit group, Voices Beyond Divisions, in 2016, when she was 16. 

She composed the piece, What War, based on quotations on a theme of peace from the Q’uran, the Talmud, and the Bible, with accompanying music bringing together ‘western’ and ‘eastern’ musical influences.

The first concert was held on January 19th, 2017, where children from Islamic, Jewish, and Christian schools joined gifted young musicians from the Purcell School of Music and Middle-Eastern musicians to sing and play for peace in the Middle East.

The audio podcast featured: Urban Fantasy and Permanent Verse from her latest album, Possession

The link to her full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website.

In this episode, we talked about:

🎷 Interesting conversations with classical musicians  🎷 How creativity is hammered out of you when studying classical music 🎷 The context of perfect pitch 🎷 The aim of the organization, Voices Beyond Divisions 🎷 And much more!

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Our Patreon supporters enjoy access to unique advice from the many saxophonists featured on our show.

These gems are shared nowhere else!

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Denis DiBlasio is a saxophonist, flutist, composer, arranger, and Full Professor and Director of the Jazz Performance and Composition Programs at Rowan University.

Denis was the Musical Director and composed and arranged for the Maynard Ferguson Band for 5 years.

He is a published author of five texts on jazz improvisation, and a recording artist for Encounter and RadScape Records with 12 CDs under his name.

His many compositions, arrangements, and articles are available through publishers such as Jamey Aebersold, Belwin, Hal Leonard, Kendor, and many others.

He is also a clinician and educator for the Yamaha Music Corporation of America.

You can catch his Bio, and all of his links on our website.

In this episode, we talked about:

🎷 Being a director of Jazz Studies at Maynard Ferguson Institute of Jazz 🎷 The importance of listening 🎷 Teaching and learning–now vs then 🎷 Influence of the big band era 🎷 His past, current, and upcoming projects 🎷 And much more!

Looking for pro saxophone tips from top players?

Our Patreon supporters enjoy access to unique advice from the many saxophonists featured on our show.

These gems are shared nowhere else!

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James Brandon Lewis is at the top of the international jazz world. He stands in the tradition of saxophonists such as Sonny Rollins, Albert Ayler and John Coltrane. 

With his powerful, direct and rich tenor saxophone sound and a lyrical quality that unfolds in both his solos and his compositions, he is causing a sensation. 

In 2021, the saxophonist and composer James Brandon Lewis had a career breakthrough with his tenth album, The Jesup Wagon. Inspired by the mobile agricultural education efforts of inventor George Washington Carver, the song cycle was hailed by critics for its dreamlike mosaic of gospel, folk-blues and catcalling brass bands. It was named Album of the Year at Jazz Times and Downbeat and a bunch of international jazz magazines, and it established Lewis as one of the provocative musical voices of his generation. 

Lewis has drawn the attention of many improvising artists, most notably the legendary saxophonist Sonny Rollins, who doesn’t offer effusive praise very often. Moved by Lewis’ deep, spirit-seeking sound, Rollins said “When I listen to you, I listen to Buddha, I listen to Confucius … I listen to the deeper meaning of life. You are keeping the world in balance.” 

More recent albums include For Mahalia With Love, Eye of I, and Transfiguration. 

Lewis’ quartet was honored with the German Jazz Award as Band of the Year 2023. 

You can catch his Bio, and all of his links on our website.

In this episode, we talked about:

• What James means by a ‘Parallel Continuum
• How to get better at Bebop
• Not being exactly like the masters
• What people should do to study improvisation
• Is melody just passe`?
• And much more!

Looking for pro saxophone tips from top players?

Our Patreon supporters enjoy access to unique advice from the many saxophonists featured on our show.

These gems are shared nowhere else!

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Born in Tyler, Texas, and raised in Houston, Theresa Grayson began playing piano and saxophone in fourth grade, building her foundation through church performances from age 12. She studied under renowned musicians and earned degrees in music performance, jazz studies, and music education. Theresa has been a dedicated music educator since the early 2000s. She is currently teaching music in Ft. Bend County and continues to inspire through her teaching.

Theresa's music career includes the release of her debut album, It’s All About You, and her follow-up, Live2Love, featuring chart-topping singles and a blend of genres like gospel, pop, and R&B. Her latest project, World Blue, showcases her global influences and features collaborations with artists like Marion Meadows and Michael Ward.

On stage, Theresa has performed across Texas and beyond, sharing the stage with jazz greats like Peter White and Mindi Abair. Her performances include notable festivals and events such as the Houston International Jazz Festival and the Idyllwild Jazz Festival.

Theresa’s music reflects her mission to create a multicultural celebration through jazz, evident in tracks like “Crane’s Dance” and her cover of “We Are The World.”

Read more about Theresa HERE.

In this episode, we talked about:

🎷 Theresa’s instruments and performance Style 🎷 Her influences and mentorship 🎷 Her future plans and community engagement

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Joyce Spencer, an award-winning saxophonist, flutist, and vocalist from Dallas, Texas, showcases a diverse range of musical styles. Her repertoire spans traditional to contemporary jazz, classical to R&B, funk, fusion, blues, pop, and Gospel/Christian.

With a background in instrumental music education, Joyce holds a Bachelor of Music Education and Performance. After a 20-year corporate career, she returned to her passion for music as an independent artist. She composes and produces her own albums and singles, including "Sweet Dreams," "Many Colors," “Cherish,” “Sax-O-Phunk,” and “Nature Walk.”

Joyce's music has garnered global recognition, earning her prestigious awards and features in magazines, radio stations, and Indie Artist Charts. Her accolades include an NAACP-Garland Award, Black Women in Jazz Award, Grammy consideration, and various other media mentions.

For 14 years, Joyce has been performing with her band, Joyce Spencer and Expressions. In 2020, she expanded her musical repertoire by adding a Sade Tribute Show to her performances.

In addition to her own band, Joyce is a member of Jazz in Pink Band, The Satin Dolls Band, and I.Tina, a Tina Turner Tribute Band.

The link to her full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website.

🎷 What motivated her to join this event for Sax Girls Rock 🎷 People that influenced her the most 🎷 Joyce’s live performance of Cold Duck Time by Eddie Harris

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Nancy Saenz, aka ‘Lady Woodwind’. Started her musical journey at Marshall Jr High School in the heart of Houston’s old barrio Northside.

She started on flute, going to many competitions all over Texas. Nancy was introduced to the saxophone in high school, and quickly excelled, going to many jazz festivals and winning Jazz Musician of the Year.

Nancy has performed with local Tejano groups, recorded a CD, arranged songs and co-wrote a polka song for saxes.

In February 2024, she was awarded the Tejano Legends Award special artist recognition for her contributions to Latin Music.

She also performed with and wrote horn parts for the Grammy-nominated group, SISTER SISTER. 

She received a commendation from Sheila Jackson Lee for her contributions in music, and earned the name, Lady Woodwind, for being fluent in all woodwinds. 

Nancy has her own CD out, Just Me, available on her Bandcamp site.

She performs at South by Southwest every year, as well as all over the United States, and  Europe.

The link to her full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website.

In this episode, we talked about:

🎷 Her influences when it comes to tone 🎷 What motivated her to attend Sax Girls Rock concert 🎷 Influences when it comes to style and technique

Want special tips from world-renowned saxophone players?

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Allana Southerland Prince started playing clarinet in Middle school. She loved music so much, she added saxophone, piano, and flute to the mix.

She went to Douglas Anderson School of the Arts for High School and that’s where she knew she had a passion for music. 

Allana graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor’s in Jazz studies.

She became a bandleader, and started bands such as Tre Jazz and The Fusion Band.

In 2004, she formed her current band, Party in a Box Band, which performs for corporate and private events all over the United States. 

Allana is also proud to have a Masters Degree in Education, and she teaches students of all ages as a private teacher.

Check out her Facebook and Instagram feeds for the latest performance dates.

You can catch her Bio, and all of her links on our website.

We talked about:

🎷 What motivated her to join Sax Girls Rock 🎷 Her biggest mentor 🎷 Her upcoming projects

Want special tips from world-renowned saxophone players?

Our Patreon supporters get access to tips from many of the artists we have interviewed over the years.

These tips are not shared anywhere else.

To get access (and show your love for the show), go to our Patreon site for more info