Mention the Beets name pretty much anywhere in the world, and any jazz enthusiast in the room will know what you’re talking about: quality, and a strong brand of bop and swing. 

And swing… that’s one thing tenor saxophonist, Alexander ‘The Hurricane’ Beets brings each year to the Amersfoort World Jazz Festival and every festival and show he performs.

His nickname ‘The Hurricane’ comes from his explosive and expressive playing.  

Much like (and with) his brothers, Beets has performed on stages around the world. 

His mix of swing and ballads, standards and originals has swooned audiences from Poland to Thailand and from Canada to India.

As a jazz-saxophone player he gave over 2000 concerts around the world, played on more than 30 CD’s and DVD’s. 

Besides that, he runs Amersfoort World Jazz Festival, curates Leusden Jazz and is one of the founders of World Jazz Network, keeping jazz delegates across the globe connected and improving international mobility for young jazz artists.

Celebrating his personal heroes, Dutch tenor saxophonist Alexander Beets’ newest album, Big Sounds, is a compilation of favorites and a tribute to Gene Ammons, Stanley Turrentine, Ike Quebec and Hank Mobley with legend-inspired originals. 

Try not tapping your foot to the opener Blues for the Legends, with swinging solos by not just Beets himself but also Miles Davis Institute-acknowledged trumpeter, Ellister van der Molen.

The new album is out on Oct. 15, 2021

In this episode, we talked about:

* Influence of his’ musical heroes on his playing

*  What makes him perform with confidence

* How Alexander organizes major jazz festivals

* His upcoming album release, Big Sounds

* and more

 

Links:

Website: www.alexanderbeets.nl  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexander.beets.9 

Resources:

YT Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6hxq7nHaj8 

Amersfoort Jazz Festival: www.amersfoortjazz.nl  (festival director)

JazzNL: www.jazznl.com  (boardmember)

World Jazz Conference: https://jazznl.com/world-jazz-conference/ 

You can watch the video of this interview (& Subscribe to our channel!) here:

Mention the Beets name pretty much anywhere in the world, and any jazz enthusiast in the room will know what you’re talking about: quality, and a strong brand of bop and swing. 

And swing… that’s one thing tenor saxophonist, Alexander ‘The Hurricane’ Beets brings each year to the Amersfoort World Jazz Festival and every festival and show he performs.

His nickname ‘The Hurricane’ comes from his explosive and expressive playing.  

Much like (and with) his brothers, Beets has performed on stages around the world. 

His mix of swing and ballads, standards and originals has swooned audiences from Poland to Thailand and from Canada to India.

As a jazz-saxophone player he gave over 2000 concerts around the world, played on more than 30 CD’s and DVD’s. 

Besides that, he runs Amersfoort World Jazz Festival, curates Leusden Jazz and is one of the founders of World Jazz Network, keeping jazz delegates across the globe connected and improving international mobility for young jazz artists.

Celebrating his personal heroes, Dutch tenor saxophonist Alexander Beets’ newest album, Big Sounds, is a compilation of favorites and a tribute to Gene Ammons, Stanley Turrentine, Ike Quebec and Hank Mobley with legend-inspired originals. 

Try not tapping your foot to the opener Blues for the Legends, with swinging solos by not just Beets himself but also Miles Davis Institute-acknowledged trumpeter, Ellister van der Molen.

The new album is out on Oct. 15, 2021

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

In this episode, we talked about:

• Influence of his' musical heroes on his playing
•  What makes him perform with confidence
• How Alexander organizes major jazz festivals
• His upcoming album release, Big Sounds
• and more

Be 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!

One of the most decorated saxophonists of her generation, Nicki Roman, has won prizes at prestigious competitions such as the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Solo Competition, Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Solo Competition, William C. Byrd International Competition, Fischoff, and the Kate Neal Kinley Memorial Fellowship. 

Her latest album, Unquiet Waters, features expressive works from innovative composers that push the boundaries of classical saxophone.

She has been a featured soloist with the Eastman Symphony Orchestra, Eastman Wind Ensemble, UW-Milwaukee Wind Ensemble, Illinois Wind Symphony, University of North Florida Orchestra, and the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. 

Across North America, Europe, and Asia, Nicki has shared solo and chamber music performances at venues such as the China National Centre for the Performing Arts, Shandong University of the Arts, Zagreb Academy of Music, Krannert Center for Performing Arts, Rio All-Suite Casino in Las Vegas, Brevard Summer Music Festival, and the Zelazo Performing Arts Center. 

She has collaborated on several projects with Hal Leonard Publishing and has premiered over 30 works for her instrument. 

Nicki proudly serves as the Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She also presents clinics, recitals, and masterclasses at numerous universities throughout the year. 

She received her Doctor of Musical Arts Degree at the Eastman School of Music, and also holds degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of North Florida. 

Her former teachers include Chien-Kwan Lin, Debra Richtmeyer, Dale Underwood, Michael Bovenzi, and Bunky Green. 

Nicki is a Conn-Selmer and Vandoren artist, as well as a member of NASA’s Committee on the Status of Women.

We talked about:

* Articulation & the biggest articulation mistake most people make

* Her thoughts on a classical vs. jazz set-up

* What Nicki’s practice always starts with & one exercise she always plays

* How the Fuego Quartet formed & how they rehearse when everyone lives in different states

* Nicki’s new album, Unquiet Waters

* and much more

Links:

Website: www.nickiroman.com 

Fuego Quartet: www.fuegoquartet.com 

Unquiet Waters: https://www.ravellorecords.com/catalog/rr8055/index.html 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicki.roman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saxophonenicki/

Support the Show!

Show your love and support for the show by becoming a Patron.

You get Bonus content, early access to the video interviews, searchable transcripts of many of the episodes and more.

Just go to our Patreon site – we truly appreciate your support 😊

Check out the video of this interview below:

One of the most decorated saxophonists of her generation, Nicki Roman, has won prizes at prestigious competitions such as the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Solo Competition, Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Solo Competition, William C. Byrd International Competition, Fischoff, and the Kate Neal Kinley Memorial Fellowship. 

Her latest album, Unquiet Waters, features expressive works from innovative composers that push the boundaries of classical saxophone.

She has been a featured soloist with the Eastman Symphony Orchestra, Eastman Wind Ensemble, UW-Milwaukee Wind Ensemble, Illinois Wind Symphony, University of North Florida Orchestra, and the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. 

Across North America, Europe, and Asia, Nicki has shared solo and chamber music performances at venues such as the China National Centre for the Performing Arts, Shandong University of the Arts, Zagreb Academy of Music, Krannert Center for Performing Arts, Rio All-Suite Casino in Las Vegas, Brevard Summer Music Festival, and the Zelazo Performing Arts Center. 

She has collaborated on several projects with Hal Leonard Publishing and has premiered over 30 works for her instrument. 

Nicki proudly serves as the Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She also presents clinics, recitals, and masterclasses at numerous universities throughout the year. 

She received her Doctor of Musical Arts Degree at the Eastman School of Music, and also holds degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of North Florida. 

Her former teachers include Chien-Kwan Lin, Debra Richtmeyer, Dale Underwood, Michael Bovenzi, and Bunky Green. 

Nicki is a Conn-Selmer and Vandoren artist, as well as a member of NASA’s Committee on the Status of Women.

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

We talked about:

• Articulation & the biggest articulation mistake most people make
• Her thoughts on a classical vs. jazz set-up
• What Nicki’s practice always starts with & one exercise she always plays
• How the Fuego Quartet formed & how they rehearse when everyone lives in different states
• Nicki’s new album, Unquiet Waters

Support the Show!

Show your love and support for the show by becoming a Patron.

You get Bonus content, early access to the video interviews, searchable transcripts of many of the episodes and more.

Just go to our Patreon site – we truly appreciate your support 😊

Chances are, you’ve heard the sound of Tia Fuller before.

If you saw the blockbuster Pixar film, Soul, Fuller served as the sound behind the music of animated character “Dorothea Williams,” the sassy saxophonist (voiced by Angela Bassett).

If you’ve caught any of Beyonce’s tours, Tia was part of an all-star All-Female Band, that also appeared on the Today Show, Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Ellen Show, The Grammy’s, World Music Awards and many others. 

Fuller is a Grammy-nominated Mack Avenue recording artist, composer, educator and bandleader who is currently balancing the worlds of performance

and education, fulfilling a demanding schedule as both a busy touring, recording artist and a full-time professor at the Berklee College of  Music in Boston.

She has recorded five full-length projects with her own quartet and her most recent album, Diamond Cut, received a Grammy nomination in the Best Instrumental Jazz category. 

The album was produced by three-time Grammy Award winner Terri Lyne Carrington, legendary bassist, Dave Holland and drummer, Jack Dejohnette. 

Additionally, she can been seen playing regularly with Terri Lyne Carrington, Ralph Peterson Jr., Esperanza Spalding, Dianne Reeves, Rufus Reid and many more.

Fuller has also expanded her presence as a model and essayist being featured in J.Jill’s “Rhythm and Blues” campaign, Vanity Fair’s “Women in Jazz” issue, and wrote an opinion piece for NBCNEWS.com on “Sexism in Jazz.” 

Fuller has also graced the cover of Downbeat Magazine, Jazztimes, Saxophone Today, The Jazz Education Journal, and recently Japan’s, The Sax Magazine.

Her newest project, The Sax Loft,  is an online teaching collaboration with sax legends, Kirk Whalum and Jeff Coffin.

Fuller has received numerous awards and marks of distinction including, winning Jazztimes Jazz Critics Poll for best alto saxophonist (2018), and Downbeat Critic’s Poll-‘Rising Star’ two years in a row for Soprano Sax (2014), Alto Sax and Flute (2013). 

In 2018, she has also received the Benny Golson Award from Howard University, the Distinguished Alumnae Award and commencement speaker from the University of Colorado at Boulder and appointed as 2018’s Artist-in-Residence at the Monterey Jazz Festival.

As a Professor at Berklee College of Music, she also shares her expertise directing the Rainbow big band and All Stars, the Esperanza Ensemble, repertoire class, jazz improvisation, two jazz combos and the Christian Mcbride Ensemble. 

In addition, she produces and directs large production ground-breaking ensembles such as, the Beyonce, Bruno Mars and Ariana Grande Ensembles.

These groups focus on cross-collaboration throughout the college and is reflective of an “A-list” tour/production incorporating musicians, choreography, strings, dancers, video and lighting. 

As an artist, performer, and teacher, Fuller feels that she is fulfilling her purpose here on this earth, which is to “serve as a light for others.”

In this episode, we talked about:

* The importance of singing as a saxophone player

* Her newest project, with Kirk Whalum and Jeff  Coffin, The Sax Loft

* How she adapted as a musician during the pandemic

* Auditioning for Beyonce

* Her thought process when performing

* How she got the job for Pixar’s ‘Soul’ movie

* Her approach to improvisation today and back then

* One tool that really helped her playing

 

Tia Fuller’s Links:

Website: https://www.tiafuller.com/ 

The Sax Loft: www.thesaxloft.com 

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiafullerjazz 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tiafuller 

Fuller is a Grammy-nominated Mack Avenue recording artist, composer, educator and bandleader who is currently balancing the worlds of performance and education, fulfilling a demanding schedule as both a busy touring, recording artist and a full-time professor at the Berklee College of  Music in Boston.

She has recorded five full-length projects with her own quartet and her most recent album, Diamond Cut, received a Grammy nomination in the Best Instrumental Jazz category. 

The album was produced by three-time Grammy Award winner Terri Lyne Carrington, legendary bassist, Dave Holland and drummer, Jack Dejohnette. 

Additionally, she can be seen playing regularly with Terri Lyne Carrington, Ralph Peterson Jr., Esperanza Spalding, Dianne Reeves, Rufus Reid and many more.

Fuller has also expanded her presence as a model and essayist being featured in J. Jill’s “Rhythm and Blues” campaign, Vanity Fair’s “Women in Jazz” issue, and wrote an opinion piece for NBCNEWS.com on “Sexism in Jazz.” 

Fuller has also graced the cover of Downbeat Magazine, Jazztimes, Saxophone Today, The Jazz Education Journal, and recently Japan’s, The Sax Magazine.

Her newest project, The Sax Loft,  is an online teaching collaboration with sax legends, Kirk Whalum and Jeff Coffin.

Fuller has received numerous awards and marks of distinction including, winning Jazztimes Jazz Critics Poll for best alto saxophonist (2018), and Downbeat Critic’s Poll-‘Rising Star’ two years in a row for Soprano Sax (2014), Alto Sax and Flute (2013). 

In 2018, she has also received the Benny Golson Award from Howard University, the Distinguished Alumnae Award and commencement speaker from the University of Colorado at Boulder and appointed as 2018’s Artist-in-Residence at the Monterey Jazz Festival.

As a Professor at Berklee College of Music, she also shares her expertise directing the Rainbow big band and All Stars, the Esperanza Ensemble, repertoire class, jazz improvisation, two jazz combos and the Christian Mcbride Ensemble. 

In addition, she produces and directs large production ground-breaking ensembles such as, the Beyonce, Bruno Mars and Ariana Grande Ensembles.

These groups focus on cross-collaboration throughout the college and is reflective of an “A-list” tour/production incorporating musicians, choreography, strings, dancers, video and lighting. 

As an artist, performer, and teacher, Fuller feels that she is fulfilling her purpose here on this earth, which is to “serve as a light for others.”

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

This episode was sponsored by 10mFan Mouthpieces

In this episode, we talked about:

• The importance of singing as a saxophone player
• Her newest project, with Kirk Whalum and Jeff  Coffin, The Sax Loft
• How she adapted as a musician during the pandemic
• Auditioning for Beyonce
• Her thought process when performing
• How she got the job for Pixar’s ‘Soul’ movie
• Her approach to improvisation today and back then
• One tool that really helped her playing
• and more!

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!

 

Ramon Manas, Founder of Odisei Music, and Creator of the Travel Sax wanted to find a way to practice his saxophone more.

His time was limited and his living situation didn’t allow him the freedom to practice whenever he wanted.

Because of that, he was starting to get self-conscious about playing at all.

Having an engineering background, Ramon got to work on creating the Travel Sax, a practice tool for saxophone players who were facing similar problems as he.

After much research, experimentation and prototype testing, he created the 1st version of the Travel Sax.

The reviews were great, but Ramon wanted to improve it even more.

After receiving feedback from backers and professional musicians, Ramon designed the prototypes for Travel Sax 2.

In this episode, I peppered him with every possible question I could think of that would help you decide if Travel Sax 2 is right for you.

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

We talked about:

• How Ramon Manas came up with the idea for the Travel Sax
• How it works
• New Color options for the keys and body
• How easy it is to make any repairs
• The differences and similarities to a typical saxophone
•  Mouthpiece compatibility
• Ramon does a sound demo
•  Internal sound vs. midi
• Standard mouthpiece vs. Travel Sax’s mouthpiece
• The case features and size
•  Limited time Indiegogo campaign for Travel Sax 2

Help support the show & get behind-the-scenes footage not shared anywhere else!

Visit www.patreon.com/everythingsaxophone to become a patron & help keep the great interviews coming.

Ramon Manas, Founder of Odisei Music, and Creator of the Travel Sax wanted to find a way to practice his saxophone more.

His time was limited and his living situation didn’t allow him the freedom to practice whenever he wanted.

Because of that, he was starting to get self-conscious about playing at all.

Having an engineering background, Ramon got to work on creating the Travel Sax, a practice tool for saxophone players who were facing similar problems as he.

After much research, experimentation and prototype testing, he created the 1st version of the Travel Sax.

The reviews were great, but Ramon wanted to improve it even more.

After receiving feedback from backers and professional musicians, Ramon designed the prototypes for Travel Sax 2.

In this episode, I peppered him with every possible question I could think of that would help you decide if the Travel Sax 2 is right for you.

We talked about:

* How Ramon Manas came up with the idea for the Travel Sax

* How it works

* New Color options for the keys and body

* How easy it is to make any repairs

* The differences and similarities to a typical saxophone

*  Mouthpiece compatibility

* Ramon does a sound demo

*  Internal sound vs. midi

* Standard mouthpiece vs. Travel Sax’s mouthpiece

* The case features and size

*  Limited time Indiegogo campaign for Travel Sax 2

 

Travel Sax Links:

Indiegogo Link: Until Aug 18, 2021: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/travel-sax-2-reinventing-electronic-saxophones/x/26994113#/

Website: www.odiseimusic.com (Travel Sax V1 and info of V2) 

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsWGkt_yOLwP2UFnTCAhyag

 Instagram: @odiseimusic https://www.instagram.com/odiseimusic/

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/odiseimusic

 

You can watch the video of this episode here:

 

 

Help support the show & get behind-the-scenes footage not shared anywhere else!

Visit www.patreon.com/everythingsaxophone to become a patron & help keep the great interviews coming.

Billboard charting saxophonist, Chris Godber has become a highly sought after performer in both the Smooth Jazz & Gospel Jazz realms. 

His 2015 album “Starting Over”launched him into the Smooth Jazz spotlight with the chart topping hits Rain and Chill. 

HIs goal when he performs is not to just entertain, but to inspire.

At an early age, he was told he could not play saxophone due to the severity of his asthma, but he found a way to play anyway.

For over 20 years, Godber has been leaving others breathless with his soulful saxophone playing and inspiring testimony. 

Aside from being a chart-topping saxophonist, he’s also a Registered Respiratory Therapist, and has worked the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

His recent single, Essential,  is filled with positive energy reflecting the healing nature of music and the arts.

He has shared the stage and or opened up for a wide range of notable artists such as Mindi Abair, Marcus Anderson, Jackiem Joyner, Average White Band, Tower of Power, Dr. John, Snarky Puppy, Sara Evans, T. Graham Brown and even the live tour of Dancing with the Stars. 

You can read more of his Bio on his site HERE.

In this episode we talked about:

* Chris’s connection with recent guest, Jennifer Price

* His upbringing in a military family and how it influenced his appreciation of music

* Tips & breathing exercises (from a Respiratory Therapist)

* How he got into R&B and gospel music

*  How the saxophone is the closest instrument to the human voice & why singing is so important for success on the saxophone

* How he learned improvisation…and it wasn’t through formal training

* How Chris got into respiratory therapy

* Juggling work as a musician and respiratory therapist

*  Being an artist during the pandemic

* Upcoming projects and shows

Links

Website: www.ChrisGodber.com  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisgodbersax 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisgodbersax/ 

You can watch the interview here:

 

 

Billboard charting saxophonist, Chris Godber has become a highly sought-after performer in both the Smooth Jazz & Gospel Jazz realms. 

His 2015 album “Starting Over” launched him into the Smooth Jazz spotlight with the chart topping hits Rain and Chill. 

His goal when he performs is not to just entertain, but to inspire.

At an early age, he was told he could not play saxophone due to the severity of his asthma, but he found a way to play anyway.

For over 20 years, Godber has been leaving others breathless with his soulful saxophone playing and inspiring testimony. 

Aside from being a chart-topping saxophonist, he’s also a Registered Respiratory Therapist, and has worked the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

His recent single, Essential,  is filled with positive energy reflecting the healing nature of music and the arts.

He has shared the stage and or opened up for a wide range of notable artists such as Mindi Abair, Marcus Anderson, Jackiem Joyner, Average White Band, Tower of Power, Dr. John, Snarky Puppy, Sara Evans, T. Graham Brown and even the live tour of Dancing with the Stars. 

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

In this episode, we talked about:

• Chris’s connection with recent guest, Jennifer Price
• His upbringing in a military family and how it influenced his appreciation of music
• Tips & breathing exercises (from a Respiratory Therapist)
• How he got into R&B and gospel music
•  How the saxophone is the closest instrument to the human voice & why singing is so important for success on the saxophone
• How he learned improvisation…and it wasn’t through formal training
• How Chris got into respiratory therapy
• Juggling work as a musician and respiratory therapist
•  Being an artist during the pandemic
• Upcoming projects and shows

Support the show & get behind-the-scenes footage not shared anywhere else!

Go to our Patreon site for more info.

We truly appreciate our supporters, who help keep the great interviews coming.