Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Tim Price Bloggin' For Rico- Saxophone Insights Articles and Interviews of Legendary Saxophonists ; SPECIAL SUMMERTIME INFO' BLOG !

Click here ; http://www.timpricejazz.com/articles/index.html Saxophone Insights Articles and Interviews of Legendary Saxophonists By Tim Price
Saxophone Insights Articles and Interviews of Legendary Saxophonists By Tim Price Click here ; http://www.timpricejazz.com/articles/index.html ntro to Saxophone Insights Articles and Interviews of Legendary Saxophonists By Tim Price It has been my contention that the most valuable viewpoints come from those who do. Thus, it’s logical to assume that any saxist who is surviving in this field, and doing it with success, is doing something right. The energies we all put into our craft; The years of apprenticeship and life-struggle, and the never ending open tuition to the school of hard knocks is always balanced by the intense commitment to the horn, and the pure love of playing it. This section, to all intents and purposes is a sort of portable omnibus (or as the late great Rahsaan Roland Kirk would say “A duty free gift for the traveler”) of sax creations - Musically, verbally and spiritually. The music these players create and talk about is a privilege to be a part of.
The music always has an infinite history and fertility, inexhaustible vitality, and at the same time, a seductive power of temptation - which inspires all of us who play – and offers the open-ended invitation to create as much as we can. The results, the waiting, the practicing at all hours, the talking of the music and constant study gives the music a breath of spirit, endless in motion and evolution. This will always be a source of awe and wonder to the fan or player. The legacy of the sax is a never ending landscape, at all times finite and infinite, both temporal and spiritual. The following observations, experience, gossip and serious reflection are an effort to bring you all closer to the vast dimensions of sax history, stars, life and times via the generous reminiscences of these artists. The following artists bring a similar devotion to what the horn and it’s history is about, but all create a different picture via personal viewpoints in experiences, achievements and success. The actions and concepts that lie behind these stories will give inspiration as well as insights into a never ending life’s work and study.
I wish to acknowledge the philosophies and insights of the saxists interviewed. you see, dear reader, many pros take different roads, but the basic roots are the same! This becomes more vivid as you read the interviews, and it’s why I included this section. This provides a wealth of advice and viewpoints. Enjoy all of it, and choose what works for you and apply it, and take heed to the hard-learned words of these one of a kind saxists. In closing this section, let me say, keep a hard edge on your playing, look forward to the heat and fervor of the expansiveness of the never ending saxophone. And above all, strive for tone.
ENJOY....These were done in diners on 43st in NYC, late night car rides after gigs with nothing but time and a love of all things saxophone at hand.Some were in my head for a few decades ( Osmosis ) or a patch of conversations via Georgie Auld when I met him when I played with Harry James big band when I was in my mid-20's. OR- thingsthat a magazine didn't have the insight to understand or even get a clue on. The Frank Lowe article....was one of many. I used to tape our hangs and loved Frank. He listened to everyone. Some were phone calls....where I got permission to record the call. For a hot minute I thought I had a publisher...haha. Till I realized I was dealing with a somaro who was hopeless as the day is long. Funny story- the " exec" of a huge music publisher told me...." Your got to be kidding. I have never heard a sax solo on any part of Pink Floyd -Dark Side Of The Moon !!!!! ".....It's funny now. But then, I came close to taking a trip to his office , but I had to realize that it was just another fessa in a suit behind a desk, with no clue.
I have things on Sonny Stitt and others from being in the same hotels, and festivals in the 70's etc. Sonny and I used to watch westerns, in the Maryland Hotel in Chicago on Rush St in the 70's. He was a very cool guy to me. Iheard him play my baritone sax in the room a few times, as well as Red Prysock use my bari on jams with me when I was doing a month run at " The Backroom" on Rusgh st with singer-house rocker - Milt Trenier. ( The youngest Trenier brother ) Anyhow- these are a few....Enjoy. Tim Price
Check out my Sax Lessons -NyC-Pa-or SKYPE http://timpricejazz.com/study.html Tim Price- On the Road (Promo) http://www.youtube.com/user/TimPrice.../2/YGaAWGW5gWo Info on SKYPE SAX STUDY W/ Tim http://www.timpricejazz.com/skype2.html STUFF TO SHED ON SOTW from Tim http://www.saxontheweb.net/Price/ Meet Saxophonist Tim Price / RICO REEDS ; YOU TUBE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGaAWGW5gWo

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Tim Price Bloggin' For Rico- Support Your School's Music Programs!

Music is a gift that is life long. Plato once said that music “is a more potent instrument than any other for education”. You will find many teachers of young children who would agree with him. Recent research has found that music uses both sides of the brain, a fact that makes it valuable in all areas of development. Music affects the growth of a child’s brain academically, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
Music is academic. For some people, this is the primary reason for providing music lessons to their children. A recent study from the University of California found that music trains the brain for higher forms of thinking. Second graders who were given music lessons scored 27% higher on proportional math and fractions tests than children who received no special instruction. Research indicates that musical training permanently wires a young mind for enhanced performance. Music is physical. Music can be described as a sport. Learning to sing and keep rhythm develops coordination. The air and wind power necessary to blow a flute, trumpet or saxophone promotes a healthy body. Music is emotional. Music is an art form. We are emotional beings and every child requires an artistic outlet. Music may be your child’s vehicle of expression. Music is for life. Most people can’t play soccer, or football at 70 or 80 years of age but they can PLAY the clarinet, saxophone, bassoon and piano and sing. Music is a gift you can give your child that will last their entire lives.
TRY THESE ASPECTS- TO ASSIST AND ENRICH. __ Help kids go to a local concert - let them hear live music as a special thing. __ Donate a private lesson to some in need young learners. __ Contribute to 10+ months of instrument rentals - or donate some used instruments you buy at yard sales. __ Provide students with private lessons -by letting them mow your lawn etc- in exchange for tuition you assist with. __ Celebrate music yourself by sponsoring a concert. __ Donate a record collection, music books and CD's. OK... there are more of course but try these and make a difference.
Also- please check out my Rico Reeds video on this important topic. Tim Price on Continuing Support of Your School's Music Program http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VmT6kOmTjk ~ This is very important- Support music in the schools in every way you can. Till next week- practice your long tones and enjoy the sound. ~ Tim Price www.timpricejazz.com
ALSO KEEP IN MIND; SAXOPHONE WORKSHOP & CONCERT WITH JOHN GROSS & TIM PRICE Friday September 28th New York City. AT- Michiko Studios, 149 West 46th street. New York City. 10036 At 7:00....Join jazz legend John Gross for a saxophone workshop on Multiphonics for the Saxophone & jazz improvisation. John Gross is the author of "185 Multiphonics for the Saxophone, A Practical Guide" published by Advance Music. At 8:15....hear tenor saxophonist John Gross & tenor saxophonist & multi-woodwind player Tim Price & friends perform a jazz concert. FEE- $15 for both the workshop & concert. STUDENTS WITH ID- $10.00 .................... THANK YOU.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Tim Price Bloggin' For Rico - In My Own Dream....You gotta leave the house and live it....Reflections of David Sanborn, Paul Butterfield and more.

~~ In the day....I saw the Paul Butterfield band twice, with David Sanborn. At thay point, nobody knew him in jazz circles, and he hadn't hit in the multitude of exposure that he did in pop solos that everyone is aware of as we speak.One of the last truly great blues bands that played as great live as they recorded, and in my opinion,was the band that started the avalanche of electric blues bands throughout the USA!
~ I ALWAYS THINK BACK....To this time of the year when I was a second year Berklee student in Boston. My girlfriend at the time had a great car-a new Fiat. We heard that Butterfield was going to be at a local blues bar on Cape Cod. So off we went, driving down to the Cape armed with wine, some items for the beach and great interest in hearing this band live. In that "era"...you could hear the band on the radio in Boston a few times a day. Not "pop" radio mind you, but serious radio stations that the DJ's actually took an interest in prompting things they knew of. Novel idea yes? HA-it was something that very much needs to be done today to boost REAL music back into the ears of those who can tell, and care.
~ So my friend and I get to the club, after checking into a great, and still existant beach motel in a close town. Man, the lure of that fresh air, the then inexpensive Lobster rolls, and a few glasses of wine in the motel and we are ready to go check out Butterfield. I was curious as there was a track the local radio played with a severely funky-blues sax solo on alto. We arrive, and as the band takes shape I note that Bloomfield had already departed for " The Electric Flag". The addition of guitarist Buzzy Feiten, a man whose take-no-prisoners style turned out to be a muscular combination of the sound of his two predecessors, Mike Bloomfield and Elvin Bishop. Led by Butterfield wailing on lead vocals and his patented Southside of Chicago harmonica, the band sounded as powerful as ever with a horn section that included David Sanborn on alto sax, Gene Dinwiddie on tenor and Keith Johnson on trumpet. From the first tune, there was no question that the band fired on all cylinders.
~ Sanborn was taking care of big business. His saxophone rose over the band in a way that was soulful funky and so real you could feel the grit in his message. For a guy that wasn't to much older than myself...I heard some real _dues_in this young artists style. The club had the vibe of that era....dumpsters of beer, wine and whiskey bottles in the back of the club facing ocean side, you could hear the band clearly on the parking lot- and chairs outside the club in the sand. It was a beautiful thing! As the night went on...and the band kept the flame high I noted with extreme interest the thumbprint David was playing with and placing on this music. As the summer ended, and fall hit New England we trekked out to a North Shore jazz club to hear the band again. This time they were at the famous " Lennys On The Turnpike". Again- the same band. David set the saxophone on fire with his beautiful concept. The band at this time was on the local stations in Boston had made rotation into the domain of John Lee Hooker, Otis Rush, Percy Mayfield, Lowell Fulson, Big Joe Turner, James Cotton, Mike Bloomfield, Jake Walker and more. The stand outs were not only the great horn section, Buzzy and Paul....but David Sanborns innovative sax solos drenched in a man with an agenda and story to tell. ~ THE BANDS INFLUENCE WAS ALSO INFUSED WITH THE BRILLIANCE OF TENOR PLAYER... Gene Dinwiddie. His presence was strongly felt, and forward motion in the music as well in years to come. Check out- FULL MOON someday. You'll love it.
~ In this ear what set the stage for years to come was.....DUES. To be blunt,David Sanborn has the depth and greatness that only comes with a player who has spent time....ON THE BANDSTAND. Time on the band bus in transit and time listening to the masters and finding a_TRUE_voice of his own. Time studying as well- via George Coleman for one. A clear path of a career of a master player who influenced generations! This kind of player-left the house! He took the road traveled...and as he did it influenced and inspired us all. Big love and respect to you David Sanborn for carrying the torch and setting a benchmark . Also, the passion and need to play is deep.
~ A consummate perfectionist with no bounds,always playing from the heart. CHECK OUT THESE YOU TUBE TITLES...To hear the era I'm talking about with the great Paul Butterfield ; Paul Butterfield blues band...In My Own Dream http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WllnGLeqQGw Paul Butterfield Blues Band - Morning Sunrise (Live At Woodstock 69') http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlKJjCN_ZI8&feature=related ~ So there you have it. Till next week, take a venture away from procrasta-net and hear some live music, check out where todays masters came from and do something nice for someone while your at it. ~ Tim Price www.timpricejazz.com

Monday, July 9, 2012

Tim Price Bloggin' For Rico- Listen, shed & play.

LISTEN ! The late George Russell,jazz legend has offered this knowing appreciation of his Jaki Byard: "Jaki Byard always personified the past, present and future of jazz, wherever or whenever one might have been fortunate enough to experience his challenging ideas. An icon in the history of jazz, Jaki was Art Tatum, Earl Hines, Bud Powell, Ran Blake, Cecil Taylor, and Bill Evans, all in one. Yet, like these fellow icons, he was his own uncompromising, unique, living entity. He isn’t a household name, but most likely his low profile is the result of an irresistible need to constantly reinvent himself, the sure sign of the consummate artist. His history, from Boston’s Storyville to the countdown year of the millennium, leaves us with a rich history of his music, his life and times, allowing us to experience the intense struggle of a dedicated artist to keep his essence alive while still making us laugh with him along life’s corridor. There will never be anyone who can take his place."
I remember when I got that first Live LP. I remember when the first notes of "Twelve" I'd never heard anything like "Twelve." I've still got it in my head decades later. Jaki, Joe Farrell and George Tucker and Alan Dawson. Lennie's-on-the-Turnpike as a small room, tight, compact, holding the sounds solidly in. Years later I heard Jaki at Lennies, with Alan Dawson, Harvie Swartz and Sal Nistico. Opposite Professor Irwin Cory the comedian. Music to live by- be inspired by and never forget. If your a musician you need to learn "Diane's Melody" that he wrote for his daughter and in the early years Herb Pomeroy recorded it for him.
SHED ; If your practicing improvising, knowing these will improveyour facility fast. All major scales All minor scales (natural, harmonic, ascending melodic) All (2) whole-tone scales Pentatonic scales Blues scales All diminished scales Chromatic scales Bebop scales (ionian add #5; mixolydian add Maj.7; melodic minor add #5; mixolydian b2 b6 add Maj.7; dorian add Maj.7; locrian add Maj.7) All of the above scales in 15 keys (7 sharp keys, 7 flat keys and the key of C) All dom 7th, min 7th, maj 7th, half dim 7th, dim 7th (and in versions) Dominant 7th arpeggios chromatically ii-V progression arpeggiated from the root ii-V pattern chromatically ii-V pattern moving up in minor thirds Flat 5 substitutes in all keys
LISTEN ; ~ Go find some recordings of Zoot Sims.Listen to Zoot for a few days. On you tube, buy some CD's and just enjoy this artist.Zoot Sims was one of the greatest tenor saxophone players in jazz.Remarkable,powerful emotional and irresistible.
Play; http://www.timpricejazz.com/lessons/PATFN2.pdf http://www.timpricejazz.com/lessons/newpdfs/majorthirdsinwholestepmotion.pdf http://www.timpricejazz.com/lessons/newpdfs/majorthirdsinwholestepmotion.pdf
SO.... Listen, shed & play. ~ Tim Price
ALSO- PLEASE REMEMBER ; Tim Price is available for a wide variety of tours, festivals, guest appearances and workshops. Tim Price is also available as a guest soloist with a small group or big band, and as a jazz clinician or guest lector. Tim is a Rico Reeds and Selmer saxophone artist. His books are published through Hal Leonard. Please contact Tim at: TimPriceJazz@aol.com Phone ; 610-370-1544 I TEACH IN NYC- READING, PA AND ON SKYPE. SKYPE MUSIC STUDY WITH TIM PRICE These SKYPE sessions with Tim Price are informal and relaxed, yet highly structured. If you are a novice improvisor or even a pro who has always felt there was more to learn, you'll truly enjoy these lessons. Hands-on "Real World" Learning , you'll more than simply learn-you'll do. By gaining new knowledge you'll create momentum that can transform your musical future. You'll sustain results. You'll discover multiple ways to produce real, sustainable results. Take advantage of Tim Price's 35 plus years of teaching, performing, recording & writing experience. Step by step online videos to help you improve your playing at a logical pace. On screen spoken help explaining how to reach your next level. Timpricejazz@aol.com for most current fee info.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Tim Price Bloggin' for Rico -Ella & Louis ! You can't live without it.

~ This is a CD that is a must for every listener,fan, student and musician. It's all here. A lesson to be enjoyed for decades.Two of the greatest popular musical performers of the 20th century, "Ella and Louis" together make beautiful music. "Stars Fell on Alabama," "Cheek to Cheek," "A Foggy Day," "Can't We Be Friends?," "They Can't Take That Away From Me," "Under a Blanket of Blue" - this is an unbeatable collection of pop standards.Truly a masterpiece for all time!
~ I have enjoyed this recording for years. For many reasons. It defines what jazz is. But also is available to every listener. The tunes are perfect, the band swings. Get my drift? For the student of jazz- this is one of the most important recordings in jazz. Not being aware of it is a crime. I have many of my University level students study these songs,learn them by ear to get a consummate swing feel- and melodic groove. They are also a must know- period.
http://www.allmusic.com/album/legends-of-the-20th-century-ella-louis-mw0002359703 ~For the listener, it is a recording that never gets old.It makes you feel good and has it's own health care plan going on every listen! Hope this opens some doors to something, you can't live without. Music like this offers the key to a gateway that you must travel for yourself. It's easier than you think! It's wonderful.This where it all comes together- it's all here. This amazing 1956 session is classic —"Cheek To Cheek" is a small classic—and the accompaniment by pianist Oscar Peterson and his trio joined by drummer Buddy Rich ups the swing ante considerably. Fitzgerald and Armstrong sound positively ebullient together, scatting and swinging their way through tunes by Gershwin, Berlin and Duke Ellington, and other well-known material, proving that putting two gifted performers with the right backing and the right song will create a magical song.
Enjoy your 4th of July everyone. Enjoy yourself and find the true place for you, you can be what you want to be, you can do what you want to do, you can have what you want to have. Your thinking is directed by your frame of mind.Spend some time with the people and thoughts that matter. Till next week- check out Ella and Louis. ~ Tim Price..... www.timpricejazz.com -