

Bad Weather and Reeds
Have you ever noticed that your reeds don't play the same when the weather changes? Here in southern California it is about to rain and I can definitely feel how the weather effects my reeds! The extra humidity in the air can make your reeds play stuffy and weak. The tips of reeds become wavy and brittle and don't create a good seal on the tip of the mouthpiece. Don't throw away those water-logged reeds though, they should bounce back just fine after the weather gets nice


New Yamaha Neck Strap
I recently got a new neck strap that I am thrilled about! The Yamaha Air Cell neck strap is a simple device that works great! I have always fluctuated between modern shoulder harness straps and conventional neck straps, but I found that the shoulder harness straps create more tension on the lower back. The reason for this is that shoulder harness straps don't provide the proper positioning for playing with good posture. I'm happy to report that with the Yamaha Air Cell Ne


Jerry Garcia
I have recently been listening to a lot of music by guitarist Jerry Garcia from the Grateful Dead, and was unaware that he is missing the majority of his middle finger on his right hand! It is amazing that he could overcome this challenge and make amazing music throughout his life. He was a true melodic improviser, playing blues lines derived from simple motifs and minimalistic vocabulary. Along with the free form jazz influenced solos found throughout the bands' music, th


Holiday Events in Redondo Beach
Here is a website with holiday events in Redondo Beach. There will be some great live music I'm sure! https://www.southbayevents.com/holiday-season-south-bay/ #southbay #redondobeach #Manhattanbeach #music #pier #holidays


Charlie Ventura
Happy Holidays! While listening to one of my favorite Jackie Gleason holiday music records, I was mesmerized by the tenor saxophone tone blaring through my hi-fi system. It was non other than the legendary tenor saxophonist Charlie Ventura. He is one of the most underrated saxophonists in history and deserves to be a household name amognst notable tenor players. What a lush, gorgeous sound! #tenorsaxop #tone #sound #jazz #christmas