By Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz
4.8
6060 ratings
The podcast currently has 417 episodes available.
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:
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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
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.
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
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.
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?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.
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
Kim Jay takes audiences on a captivating, magical, and awe-inspiring sonic journey with what has been called "a multi-instrumental dream, a cosmic one-woman ensemble".
Kim Jay has been performing as a soloist on saxophones since 2001.
Some of her main influences have been: Sarah Vaughn, Cassandra Wilson, Shirley Horn, John Coltrane, Grover Washington Jr, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.
Moving to Florida gave her the inspiration to also write songs.
Her albums include: “No Lack or Limitation”, “Here Now”, “Almost Sunny”, and “Quarantine 2020”.
She is currently in the studio working on more ear candy.
The link to her full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website.
Become a Patron, and for as little as a $2 donation each month, you get searchable transcripts for the episodes, Bonus videos with extra tips and content, a full Podcast directory, and the ability to suggest future guests.
Go to our Patreon site for more info.
We truly appreciate our supporters, who help keep the podcast running!
Born into a family tree of well-versed musicians, Ernie Delores (Caldwell) Shelby is a talented saxophonist, vocalist, and composer.
In elementary school, when the music department ran out of “girlie” instruments such as flutes and clarinets, she was given a choice between tuba and saxophone.
At the tender age of 14, a heckler in the audience named her “Lady Sax”®. And while Lady Sax®. is definitely musically blessed and anointed, she is also a business-woman; owning the music company Dimples, Company and EDSAS (Ernie D. Shelby Accounting Services).
In 2007, she founded the non profit organization, “Sisters in Song”. In 2010, “Sheation 1-2:22 It’s Not All Eve’s Fault”; a gospel musical that she wrote, directed, and produced; premiered in Chicago, IL. Her motto comes from the Holy Bible, Psalms 92:10.
She appeared with the Barrett Sisters, Vickie Winans, Jerry Butler, Freddie Jackson, Tina Marie, Patti Labelle, Roger and Zapp, Freddie Jackson, Little Milton, Mel Waiters, Wayman Tisdale, Nikki Giovanni, Terisa Griffin (The Voice Finalist) and many others.
The link to her full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website.
In this episode, we talked about:
🎷 How the Sax Girls Rock Inaugural Concert was conceived 🎷 How Lady Sax created her own lane 🎷 What all-female sax players should do
Want to support the show?
Become a Patron, and for as little as a $2 donation each month, you get searchable transcripts for the episodes, Bonus videos with extra tips and content, a full Podcast directory, and the ability to suggest future guests.
Go to our Patreon site for more info.
We truly appreciate our supporters, who help keep the podcast running!
Straight ahead Jazz Saxophonist, Vasilis Xenopoulos, is one of the most accomplished Greek jazz musicians of his generation.
He graduated with honors from the Berklee College of Music and gradually established himself as one of London’s up-and-coming jazz saxophonists.
He has worked with some of the best musicians in the International Jazz Scene as a band leader, a section leader, and a guest soloist on various projects.
Xenopoulos’ 1st album, Loud City, debuted in 2009 and has released 4 albums with various groups since that debut.
One of his most successful recordings was in 2017 with guitarist, Nigel Price. They created the XPQ (Xenopoulos/Price Quartet) and released the album, Sidekicks, which celebrates some of the most successful guitar/sax pairings in the history of jazz.
The Guardian praised him recently for being one of the leading examples of European jazz musicians who live and perform in Britain and bringing his continental element to the jazz scene.
The link to his full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website.
In this episode, we talked about:
🎷 Vasilis’ tip on how to improvise 🎷 The album he listened to for 3 weeks straight & how it influenced his approach to improvisation 🎷 His recommendations for mastering sight reading 🎷 Story about Andy McGhee and Cherokee 🎷 How musicians promote themselves today compared to 10 or 15 years ago 🎷 And many more!
Support the show and become a Patron!
For as little as a $2 donation each month, you get searchable transcripts for the episodes, Bonus videos with extra tips and content, a full Podcast directory, and the ability to suggest future guests.
Go to our Patreon site for more info.
We truly appreciate our supporters, who help keep the podcast running!
Born in Toronto Canada, Joey Berkley moved to NYC in 1979 after graduating w/honors from the Music Program at Humber College.
A jazz musician firmly rooted in the tradition of Coltrane, Miles, and Monk, Joey Berkley incorporated these influences to develop his own sound.
Berkley’s career as a tenor saxophonist and recording artist has evolved through a variety of stages: from in-demand sideman to the founder/leader and composer/arranger of various bands including: The Joey Berkley Quartet, Funkasaurus Rex, Joey Berkley’s Bandits, The Joey Berkley Band, and more recently the single “Wired”.
In 2015 Mr. Berkley became the director of The Westchester Center for Jazz and Contemporary Music.
An educator with over 35 years’ experience, he developed a curriculum designed to challenge students with a commitment to excellence, focusing on the fundamentals of jazz and a commitment to artistic expression regardless of the playing level.
Prior to his role as director of the Center, he served over 15 years at Fox Lane MS/HS, Bedford, NY as their Woodwind Specialist, and directed both the Middle School and High School Jazz Ensembles.
2019 became a turning point in Mr Berkley’s life when he was forced to end a 40+ year career as a saxophonist due to a neurological movement disorder called Focal Dystonia in his left hand.
Unwilling to accept his fate, he found a solution at NIH in Bethesda MD in an experimental treatment for Dystonia.
On Friday March 12, 2021 Joey became Patient #2 and underwent brain surgery to implant an electrode into his brain and connect it to a battery near his collar-bone. Miraculously, this risky choice controlled the symptoms of Dystonia, allowing him to play again.
Joey was very public about his situation.
He is set to release “A Suite Life”on July 26, 2024. This cathartic release documents his experiences going through the life and career-changing brain surgery to regain his playing ability.
The link to his full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website.
In this episode, we talked about:
🎷 The importance of the physical relationship to the instrument 🎷 One embouchure for your entire range 🎷 Joey’s encounter with comedian, Andy Kaufman 🎷 The 1 question Joey has lived his life by (How bad do you want it) 🎷 Duke Ellington’s quote about music (good music vs bad music) 🎷 And much more!
Do you want to support the show? Become a patron!
For as little as a $2 donation each month, you get searchable transcripts for the episodes, Bonus videos with extra tips and content, a full Podcast directory, and the ability to suggest future guests.
Go to our Patreon site for more info.
We truly appreciate our supporters, who help keep the podcast running!
Chase Huna is a saxophonist, national recording artist, and songwriter from Palm Springs, CA who blends jazz, R&B, and pop into his style of music.
Chase started playing saxophone at the age of 10 after his dad bought him his very first sax for his birthday.
Chase put out his first song “On The Chase" to radio at 15 years old. This song was written and produced with the help of jazz guitarist and multi-billboard #1 song writer, Steve Oliver.
Chase continued to write new music with Steve every weekend between school.
He released his debut album “On The Chase" in January 2017. Since then, Chase has released a number of singles and full length albums to his name and is currently working on his 4th studio album.
His newest song release is “East Coast Swing”, which is what you are listening to in the background right now.
Most recently, Chase has been touring with folk-rock legend Al Stewart and his band The Empty Pockets. Al is best known for his songs “Time Passages” and “Year Of The Cat”.
Chase often performs with artists from the 70’s-80’s progressive rock era such as Ambrosia, John Ford Coley, Elliot Lurie (from Looking Glass), Walter Egan, and more!
Chase's future goals are to further his career as a live performer and songwriter.
He is endorsed by Cannonball Instruments.
The link to his full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website.
In this episode, talked about:
🎷 Importance of broadening your skills 🎷 Underslung vs traditional neck on the Cannonball Saxophones 🎷 Chase’s controversial perfect pitch statement 🎷 Emphasis on staying hydrated 🎷 How did he end up collaborating with producer Steve Oliver 🎷 And much more!
Wanna support the show?
Become a Patron, and for as little as a $2 donation each month, you get searchable transcripts for the episodes, Bonus videos with extra tips and content, a full Podcast directory, and the ability to suggest future guests.
Go to our Patreon site for more info.
We truly appreciate our supporters, who help keep the podcast running!
The podcast currently has 417 episodes available.
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