What really makes a saxophone sound: the player, the lacquer… or even the stones? In Episode 264 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz sits down live at the NAMM Show 2026 with Dr. Randal Clark to talk about the Award-Winning Black Sapphire Cannonball Saxophone and the exciting new releases from Cannonball Instruments. ⬇️ Jump to your favorite moments using the time markers below: 00:00 Introductions 00:36 The challenge of creating a beautiful blue finish 01:21 The new 30th Anniversary Black Sapphire Cannonball Sax 02:15 How does lacquer affect the sound 03:57 How the necks for The Big Bell Stone series are unique 05:39 Paul Taylor cameo 03:24 The new Midnight Alto Sax and the effects from the powder in the lacquer 07:05 The difference between the matte black finish on the Raven vs the finish on the Midnight 08:11 The new Black Ruby alto sax 08:56 The importance of the Cannonball Instruments looking beautiful 09:17 The Cannonball Instruments stones and the importance of the density 10:18 The effect the ligature has on your sound

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Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE

Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔

To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music?

That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence."

Inside, you'll discover:

1. How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level
2. The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note)
3. And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop

Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense.

Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available ➡️ HERE

Trevor James Saxophones unveils exciting new models at the NAMM Show 2026! In this episode, Donna sits down with Sandro Massullo to explore the brand-new Soprano EVO Intermediate Saxophone, the upcoming Pro Model prototype, and the impressive Low A Intermediate EVO Baritone Sax. Donna shares what she personally loves about the Trevor James plus we also take a closer look at the thoughtfully designed bari sax case!

00:00 Introductions 00:47 The new Soprano EVO Intermediate Saxophone 01:56 The new Pro Model Saxophone - prototype 02:01 What Donna loves about the Trevor James saxes 02:39 The new Bari Sax Low A Intermediate EVO Model 03:37 How the Trevor James Bari Sax has stability on the keys 04:11 The Trevor James Bari Sax case 05:12 Where you can find the Trevor James saxophones

Explore more about Trevor James Saxophones and their socials-all in one place:

https://saxophonepodcast.com/the-new-trevor-james-soprano-and-baritone-saxophones-sandro-massullo-live-at-the-namm-show-2026-ep-263

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Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access?

By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as:

✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else!

Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!

Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE

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Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔

To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music?

That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence."

Inside, you'll discover:

1. How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level
2. The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note)
3. And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop

Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense.

Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available ➡️ HERE

Our third episode recorded live at NAMM Show 2026 is here, and this one dives deep into mouthpiece design with Jody Espina of JodyJazz! In Episode 262, Jody introduces the new Quasar Alto Sax Mouthpiece, demos it in real time, and explains the thinking behind its sound, response, and altissimo-friendly design. You'll also hear a standout demo from Baron Raymonde , plus one of your Patreon questions answered on the show. ➡️ Here's the timestamp of what we've talked about:

00:09 Jody warming up on the new Quasar mouthpiece 00:24 Introductions00:45 Jody demoing the new mouthpiece using various dynamics 01:01 Introducing the new Quasar alto sax mouthpiece 01:22 What inspired Jody to create this new mouthpiece 01:42 Considerations for making the altissimo easier 02:11 What makes the Quasar very unique 02:44 How to get more 'bottom' in the sound in the design 03:21 Saxophonist Baron Raymonde - background 03:34 Which ensembles/situations are best for the Quasar mouthpiece 04:29 What Baron loves about the Quasar 04:54 Baron demoing the mouthpiece (notice Donna and Jody's reaction 😳) 05:18 What Baron loves about the new Quasar 05:59 Debunking an altissimo register myth 06:55 A question from a Patreon subscriber 07:57 Difference between the Quasar and the SuperJet

Explore more about Jody Jazz Mouthpieces all in one place:

https://saxophonepodcast.com/the-new-quasar-alto-sax-mouthpiece-from-jody-jazz-live-at-the-namm-show-2026-ep-262

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Become a Patron today!

Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as:

✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else!

Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!

Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE

Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔

To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music?

That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence."

Inside, you'll discover:

1. How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level
2. The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note)
3. And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop

Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense.

Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available ➡️ HERE

Live from NAMM Show 2026: Donna sat down with Matt Ambrose, Chief Machinist and CAD Designer at Theo Wanne Saxophone Mouthpieces, to talk about the new partnership with JJ Babbitt and what it means for the future of some of the most iconic saxophone mouthpieces ever made. Donna and Matt talked about the classic Otto Link models, hard rubber vs. metal mouthpieces, modern production techniques, and Theo Wanne's continued evolution, including the Essentials Collection! 👇 Here's what we get into: 00:09 Introductions 00:41 The Big Reveal 01:26 How the partnership started 02:25 The Metal Otto Link - The NY 03:34 Super Tone Master 04:15 Double Ring Florida 04:45 The Metal LA 05:06 The Link tenor sax line in metal and hard rubber 05:18 More on the collaboration story 06:13 Hard Rubber NY 06:49 LA Hard Rubber 07:08 The nature of molding hard rubber mouthpieces 07:48 The new manufacturing process 09:05 Patreon subscriber question and Theo's process 10:42 Always innovating 11:23 Philosophy of working with JJ Babbitt 12:17 The reverence Theo pays to legendary mouthpieces 16:07 2025 Essentials Mouthpieces from Theo Wanne

👉 Explore more about Theo Wanne and their socials-all in one place:

https://saxophonepodcast.com/matt-ambrose-of-theo-wanne-saxophone-mouthpieces-the-new-partnership-with-jj-babbitt-live-at-the-namm-show-2026-ep-261

⭐️ Become a Patron today!

Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as:

✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else!

Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!

Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE

Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔

To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music?

That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence."

Inside, you'll discover:

1. How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level
2. The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note)
3. And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop

Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense.

Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available. & HERE

Recorded at the 2026 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, Donna sits down with saxophonist and educator Jeremiah True at the P. Mauriat booth to talk about what's new for sax players in 2026.

In this episode, Jeremiah shares insight into:

00:00 Introductions 00:48 Introducing the Black Lacquer Alto and Tenor Saxes 03:15 An exciting new collaboration with Boston Sax Shop 05:50 Boston Sax Shop Accessories Kit 06:23 P. Mauriat Touring Cases 08:23 the Low Bb Bari, PMB-302UL Model 08:50 Why Jeremiah prefers the Low Bb Bari for the music he performs 09:59 How the Low A changes the fundamental overtones 13:08 Upcoming performances at their booth 14:14 Patreon subscriber question 16:09 Bonus tip about the dark lacquer saxes

Explore more about P. Mauriat and their saxophones all in one place: https://saxophonepodcast.com/p-mauriats-new-saxophones-for-2026-live-at-the-namm-show-with-jeremiah-true-ep-260

__________________________________________________________________

Become a Patron today! ⭐️

Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as:

✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else!

Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!

Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE

Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔

To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music?

That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence."

Inside, you'll discover:

1. How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level
2. The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note)
3. And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop

Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense.

Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available 👉 LINK HERE

Donna is joined by Wesley Smith, a saxophonist, composer, and educator, for an intimate, in-depth discussion you won't hear anywhere else. Together, they slow things down, listen deeply, and unpack the thinking behind the music. 👉 Inside, you'll hear:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 08:06 Listen and reflect to "We the Funky" part 1
• 10:53 Tip from a Kenny Garrett Masterclass that impacted Wes' future compositions
• 12:04 Listen and reflect to "We the Funky" part 2
• 14:27 A tip from Walt Weiskopf to boost your saxophone articulation
• 15:09 Listen and reflect to "We the Funky" part 3
• 19:20 Performance tip for communicating with the audience
• 20:51 A community perspective on stage
• 22:58 Listen and reflect to "Baby Steps"
• 29:27 Juggling dreams and personal life
• 32:47 Listen and reflect to "Sunrise"
• 37:06 When did he start writing the album
• 38:50 Listen and reflect to "Ventura Penthouse"
• 43:48 The power of instrumental music and language
• 48:12 Being part of "Whiplash" the movie
• 50:11 His experience with other big artists

👉 Explore more about Wes Smith, his music, background, and socials, all in one place:

https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-wes-smith-how-the-power-of-community-skyrocketed-his-music-career-ep-259

__________________________________________________________________

Become a Patron today! ⭐️

Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as:

✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else!

Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!

Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE

Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔

To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music?

That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence."

Inside, you'll discover:

1. How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level
2. The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note)
3. And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop

Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense.

Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available 👉 LINK HERE

Ep 258 of Everything Saxophone features saxophonist, vocalist, and bandleader Augie Bello in conversation with Donna Schwartz. This episode focuses on musicianship, discipline, and continuous growth as a saxophonist. Below is a detailed timestamp guide to help you navigate the key highlights of our conversation with Augie Bello: 00:00 How Donna and Augie met and became close 08:25 People that influenced him to be better at playing 12:30 Turning point where he realize that music was his calling 14:43 Getting superstars for his Big Band project 17:04 The danger of slacking off 21:48 How he got so good with reading music 27:09 Why analyze transcriptions 30:21 Showing what's possible 38:32 The influence of Michael Brecker on Augie's playing 42:14 Lenny Pickett's influence 56:15 How he got close to Dave Koz and the support he gave Augie 01:08:23 Listen and reflect to Augie's solo on "Stop Drop and Roll" 01:16:56 Listen and reflect to "Stop Drop and Roll" (full audio) 01:24:23 Listen and reflect to "Window to You" 01:28:29 How he got into singing 01:30:47 Desire for growth never changes 01:42:12 Listen and reflect to "Behind Those Eyes" part 1 01:46:51 Listen and reflect to "Behind Those Eyes" part 2 01:50:55 Promotional plans for his latest album 01:53:28 Future plans 01:55:08 His experience touring with Teddy Swims 01:58:50 His socials and where you can catch him playing

Explore more about Augie Bello; his music, background, and socials, all in one place: https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-augie-bello-how-playing-with-joy-leads-to-success-ep-258

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Become a Patron today! 🥳

Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as:

✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else!

Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!

Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE

Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play? 🤔

To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music?

That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence."

Inside, you'll discover:

1. How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level
2. The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note)
3. And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop

Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense.

Click here to watch the masterclass now while it's still available ⬇️

https://donnaschwartzmusic.lpages.co/hto-fb-ads-lp-2025/?el=augie&htrafficsource=libsyn

Our final new episode of the year! 🥳 In this inspiring year-end conversation, Donna sits down with saxophonist Sergeant Seth Ebersole, baritone saxophonist with the Airmen of Note, to talk about mindset, practice, creativity, and the poetic influences behind his music, including his upcoming piece "Dear Emily." ⬇️ Find exactly what you're looking for in the episode by using the timestamps below: 00:00 Introduction 03:02 Earliest mentor/s 08:01 Why musical theatre is a big influence on him 11:36 Emily Dickinson's poetry in relation to his music 15:05 Inspiration behind his upcoming song 'Dear Emily' 26:19 Process for roadmaps for other musicians 30:13 Listen and reflect to 'The Very Nearest Room' 43:08 Listen and reflect to 'Any Happy Flower' 50:31 The best way to get through complicated harmony 54:58 The story behind his Instagram handle 58:58 What practicing is supposed to be 01:01:30 How to handle practicing in front of others 01:13:09 His audition experience 01:21:38 The right head space for musicians

🔎Explore more about Seth Ebersole, his music, background, and socials, all in one place:

https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-seth-ebersole-a-masterclass-in-mindset-for-all-musicians-ep-257

⭐️ Become a Patron today!

Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as:

✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content v Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else!

Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!

Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE

In Episode 256 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz sits down with the brilliantly innovative Andrew Hadro, whose approach to sound, texture, and baritone sax will leave you thinking long after the episode ends. Below is a detailed timestamp guide to help you navigate the key highlights of our conversation with Andrew Hadro: 00:00 Inspiration behind his new album 'Arch Music' 08:44 Listen and reflect to 'Drone Warfare' part 1 12:17 Listen and reflect to 'Drone Warfare' part 2 14:45 Why Andrew disabled one key on his saxophone 17:58 What he did because he was bored with long tones 19:07 Listen and reflect to 'Drone Warfare' part 3 21:19 Free improvisation in a group setting 25:11 Listen and reflect to _______ 31:18 His setup for recording 37:41 Why Andrew love his 100 year old Conn sax 41:42 Listen and reflect to _______ 42:58 How to do multiphonics 48:01 Listen and reflect to _______ 51:28 His musical background 01:00:14 Who fixes his horns 01:04:55 How he started the Jazz Bari sax site 01:17:09 Upcoming and future projects Explore more about Andrew Hadro, his music, background, and socials, all in one place: https://saxophonepodcast.com/baritone-saxophonist-andrew-hadro-sculpting-the-sound-ep-256 Become a Patron today!

Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as:

• A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows
• Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content
• Searchable transcripts for every episode
• Early access to episodes: hear them before anyone else!

Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!

💡 Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today!

💡This episode is sponsored by the free Masterclass, How to Improvise With Confidence Feel stuck playing the same licks? What if you could stop overthinking, ditch the sheet music, and take confident, expressive solos – anywhere, anytime? The free masterclass, How to Improvise With Confidence, has helped thousands of sax players break out of the rut and start playing with freedom.

It's not about memorizing more theory. It's about unlocking the instincts and tools you already have so you can finally solo the way you hear it in your head.

If you've ever felt glued to the page… avoided solos because you didn't feel ready… or wondered why you still don't "get" chord changes, this might be your turning point. Click HERE to watch the masterclass now while it's still available.

This week, Donna sits down with Paul Maslin, founder of PM Woodwind Repair and one of the most trusted names in the saxophone world. Paul's shop has been a go-to spot for pros and enthusiasts alike for over 30 years, and in this episode, he shares how he built a community around quality, craftsmanship, and love for the instrument. ⬇️ You'll hear: 00:00 How he got into music and schools he went to 05:31 The reason behind PM Woodwinds's success 08:47 Paul's repair mentors 10:25 Time it takes to do repairs 14:09 How Selmer makes their bells 17:34 Why the neck is so important 20:03 Always have a backup neck 22:33 Simple repairs and how to fix the octave key 26:36 What he means by a bent or pulled-downed neck 31:24 You're the one that makes the sound 32:42 Another simple adjustment every sax player can do 35:43 The real problem is halfway between… 39:21 Are all cheap horns bad? 42:20 Best brand for entry level saxophones 45:06 What to look for when buying brand new horns 46:23 Pro-level brands he carry 47:16 What to consider or check when buying used horns 50:24 Lacquer vs. no lacquer 52:33 Offerings in his shop 56:46 - Horn differences 58:15 - Selmer Supreme - black limited edition horn 01:03:08 - Sad reality of good shops going out of business 01:05:15 - The difficulty of looking for repair people Explore more about Paul Maslin and PM Woodwind Repair; their background and socials, all in one place ➡️ https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-how-pm-woodwinds-creates-a-saxophone-community-ep-255 Become a Patron today! 🎷

Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as:

• A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows
• Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content
• Searchable transcripts for every episode
• Early access to episodes: hear them before anyone else!

Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month!

💡 Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today!

💡This episode is sponsored by the free Masterclass, How to Improvise With Confidence Feel stuck playing the same licks? What if you could stop overthinking, ditch the sheet music, and take confident, expressive solos - anywhere, anytime? The free masterclass, How to Improvise With Confidence, has helped thousands of sax players break out of the rut and start playing with freedom.

It's not about memorizing more theory. It's about unlocking the instincts and tools you already have so you can finally solo the way you hear it in your head.

If you've ever felt glued to the page… avoided solos because you didn't feel ready… or wondered why you still don't "get" chord changes, this might be your turning point. Click HERE to watch the masterclass now while it's still available.