Why Don’t They Just Make Better Reeds? (And What You Can Do About It)

“Why don’t manufacturers just make reeds that work more consistently?”   If you’ve played saxophone for any length of time, you’ve probably asked yourself some version of this question.  It’s a fair question, especially when you’ve paid good money for a box of reeds and only one or two actually play well. In our recent

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A Cure for Boring Solos with Will Vinson

In a recent conversation with amazing saxophonist Will Vinson, we explored the challenges and breakthroughs that come with mastering jazz improvisation. Many students express frustration, feeling that despite their technical skills, their playing lacks excitement and creativity. Will shared his journey from being a shy musician in London to becoming an accomplished artist in New

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Tivon Pennicott Interview

Every Opportunity I Had Came From Jam Sessions – Tivon Pennicott

  Every opportunity I’ve gotten has been through jam sessions. That’s a powerful statement from the incredible saxophonist Tivon Pennicott, who has worked with legends like Ari Hoenig, Esperanza Spalding, and Gregory Porter. When we met up at the NAMM show, we had an amazing conversation that left me inspired, and I’m sure it will

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Altissimo OverratedUnderrated

Is Altissimo Overrated?

  Altissimo: Underrated by Many At the most recent NAMM show, I had the chance to ask a lot of great saxophonists their opinions on whether altissimo is overrated or underrated. Not surprisingly, the results were mixed. Several saxophonists, including Mindi Abair, Tivon Penicott, and Najee, believe the altissimo range of the saxophone is underrated.

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Overrated Underrated Mark VI

I Asked Pro Sax Players if the Selmer Mark VI is Overrated

  Are Vintage Saxophones like the Mark VI and Balanced Action Overrated or Underrated? At the 2025 NAMM show, I took the opportunity to ask several professional saxophonists their opinions on vintage Selmer Mark VI, Balanced Action, and vintage saxophones in general, in a game called “Overrated or Underrated.” Grace Kelly and Mike Phillips expressed

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