The Sax Show

In the final episode of our first series we catch up with Jay Craig - a name synonymous with Baritone Sax on the UK music scene. Jay has many years of experience playing Sax in some of the worlds finest bands inluding a spell in the Buddy Rich Big Band, playing with Frank Sinatra and the BBC Big Band amongst many others. He has also appeared at the Proms with the John Wilson Orchestra and can be found playing on many West End shows in London. This is a relaxed retrospective of some of his life and times in the business and how it has changed, one not  to miss for Sax players of all levels.

We also check out the new Jupiter and Cannonball Baritone Saxophones, and demonstrate them briefly for you to hear. 

This is the last episode of Series 1, we will be back with Series 2 in due course so please stay tuned to our Facebook & Twitter pages for more info. Thanks for listening and also thanks to the show supporters: D'Addario Woodwinds, Cannonball Saxophones & Yanagisawa Saxophones plus of course Dawkes Music.

This week we feature legendary Saxophonist John Harle. John Harle is an Ivor Novello award-winning saxophonist, composer, and record producer, whose work spans across musical genres from classical to contemporary pop.

He has performed with countless orchestras and conductors worldwide and has sold over 500,000 CDs in the classical field alone.

Quite simply, John Harle is the 'Godfather' of British Saxophone playing...don't miss out on this exclusive audio interview where he discusses his new book which is the result of his lifetime of performing and teaching. This is one not to miss for Sax players of all abilities & genres.

Also on Episode 7 we have a 'Gear Review' featuring student Alto Saxophones. We welcome back Justin Swadling to test out the Windcraft WAS-110 Alto Sax and the Yamaha YAS-280 Alto Sax. Our own Alastair Penman also demonstrates the two models and we chat about the differences and some of the important things to look out for when buying a student Alto Sax.

Thanks as ever to our sponsors; D'ADdarrio Woodwinds, Yanagisawa Saxophones and Dawkes Music. For more about John Harle please visit http://www.johnharle.com

American Jazz Saxophonist Greg Abate joins us on Episode 6 of The Sax Show. We discuss his long career in jazz including colloborations with jazz greats such as Phil Woods, Gary Smulyan and the UK's Alan Barnes. We discuss life on the road, the challenges of playing with different players and much more. This is a great insight into the life of this well respected and multi-album recording artist. For more info on Greg Abate check out www.gregabate.com

Also on the show Alastair demonstrates the Yanagisawa AWO10 and AWO20 professional model Alto Saxophones. Alastair and Sam discuss the differences of bronze and brass saxophones and also more of the Yanagisawa range. As usual we have audio clips of the instruments so you can hear them back to back as well as getting our thoughts.

As ever we'd like to thank our show sponsors; Dawkes Music, D'Addario Woodwinds & Yanagisawa Saxophones. Their support of the show, and musicians in a wider context helps keep the show coming.

We love to hear from listeners with any thoughts or sax related queries, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or get in touch via www.thesaxshow.co.uk or www.dawkes.co.uk

Top UK Saxophonist Rob Hughes joins us on Episode 5 to share his insights of the music industry and the way forward to educating the next generation.  Rob Hughes is a highly sought after musician, best known for his work with internationally renowned pop artists, which include; ABC, Billy Ocean, Gary Barlow, Gloria Gaynor, M-People, Rick Astley, Anastacia & Lulu to name just a few.

Rob also talks with us about his studio recordings, most notably his debut album, Butterfly, released in 2006. We are also introduced to both of his tuition books; Free to Solo and First Steps both of which are available through his website www.robhughesmusic.com

Also on Episode 5 Rob tested some metal tenor and alto mouthpieces for us;

Theo Wanne Shiva Tenor Sax Mouthpiece

Yanagisawa Metal Tenor Mouthpiece

Ishimori Wood Stone Alto Metal - Groove

Ishimori Wood Stone Alto Metal – Smooth

Thanks as usual for listening, if you have any questions or want to keep up with us please visit www.thesaxshow.co.uk or catch up with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

We’d like to thank Dawkes Music, Cannonball Instruments and D’Addario Woodwinds for supporting the show and making it possible to bring this podcast to you for free.

Top UK Jazz Saxophonist Simon Spillett joins us on Episode 4 to discuss what it's really like being a working saxophonist in this era. Simon is an award winning musician with a busy playing career, he also is a well regarded jazz historian and writer having recently penned the excellent 'Long Shadow of the Little Giant' book about Tubby Hayes, this is a fascinating chat with one of the UK's premier jazz saxophonists. Should you wish to know more about Simon please visit his site www.simonspillett.com

Also on Episode 4 Justin Swadling is back to compare the Cannonball GA5-B (Gerald Albright model) with the Yamaha YAS-82Z. These Alto Saxophones are perfect for jazz, pop, funk etc and Justin gives them a demo and chats with Sam and Alastair about the relatvie merits of each model.

Thanks as usual for listening, if you have any questions or want to keep up with us please visit www.thesaxshow.co.uk or catch up with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

We'd like to thank Dawkes Music, Cannonball Instruments and D'Addario Woodwinds for supporting the show and making it possible to bring to you for free.

Sax Players! Join us for episode 3 of 'The Sax Show' where we feature an interview with top UK Saxophonist & Composer Andy Scott. Andy is a leading figure in the Saxophone world, well respected for his original compositions including various exam grade pieces and also the amazing Group S (formerly Sax Assault) ensemble arrangements and performances. Join us as we chat with him about his history, his future and all things Saxophone related.

*Thanks to Andy & Astute Music listeners can download (for free) a pdf and playalong track for Andy's "Do I Really Have To" piece for Sax. Just follow the link below and enter the code SAXSHOW at the checkout to get it for free!

https://www.andyscott.org.uk/store/p21/Do_I_Really_Have_To.html

Also on episode 3 our gear review focuses on some of the most popular Alto Sax reeds on the market. We discuss and demonstrate the Vandoren Traditional, Vandoren V21, D'Addario Reserve and Selmer Reeds - find out which box Alastair literally couldn't even get into...oops!

Thanks for checking out the show, please drop by and say hello on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and visit www.thesaxshow.co.uk

As usual we'd like to thank our sponsors and supporters: Dawkes Music (www.dawkes.co.uk), D'Addario Woodwinds (www.woodwinds.daddario.com) and Yanagisawa Saxophones (www.yanagisawasaxophones.co.uk)

Join us again in two weeks time when we interview UK Jazz Saxophonist Simon Spillett...

Join us for episode 2 of 'The Sax Show' - a new Saxophone related podcast with pro player interviews, gear guides and demos and much more from the Saxophone world.

In episode 2 we catch up with top saxophonist Simon Willescroft (www.simonwillescroft.com). Simon is one of the worlds leading pop/commercial sax players and regularly tours & performs with artists such as; Duran Duran, Paloma Faith, Katie Melua, Seal, Michael Buble, Mark Ronson & many more. 

In this episode we also review and demonstrate the Selmer Concept & Vandoren AL3 Alto Sax mouthpieces which are ideal for classical, grade playing and concert bands. 

The sax show is hosted by Sam Gregory from Dawkes Music & Alastair Penman (Saxophonist). For more check out www.dawkes.co.uk and www.alastairpenman.co.uk 

There's plenty more Saxophone related content to come over the next few episodes so please keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and www.thesaxshow.co.uk

Join us for the 1st episode of 'The Sax Show' - a new Saxophone related podcast with pro player interviews, gear guides and demos and much more from the Saxophone world.

On Episode 1 we introduce the hosts Sam & Alastair and we have an interview with rising star Jess Gillam (www.jessgillamsax.co.uk). Jess has great enthusiasm and energy for the Saxophone and showed both talent and passion to recently succeed in the BBC Young Musician of the Year TV competition. 

In this episode we also review and demonstrate the D'Addario Select Jazz 5M Alto Sax mouthpiece vs the classic Meyer 5MM. We're joined by pro Saxophonist Justin Swadling (www.justinswadling.com) and we chat about the differences and what those mouthpieces would be suitable for. 

There's plenty more Saxophone related content to come over the next few episodes so please keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and www.thesaxshow.co.uk

Here's just a little taste of what's to come in Series 1 of 'The Sax Show' - a new Saxophone related podcast launching Friday December 16th.