Tim Price Bloggin' For D'Addario Woodwinds - Ciao 2013...Yo- 2014! Paix et amour to everyone.

~2013 has come and gone rather quickly, and is the culmination of a year starts to show it's end, the year wasn't bad at all, not to shabby,numerous writing and playing projects went great, and the challenge of balancing travel/performing with teaching. This week I’m able to wind it all down with family and relaxing and catch my breath before things heat up again.The year was a good one. My band Jazz-A-Delic played Berks Jazz Festival..The band has never sounded better. Several of the members are out and about working in the greater Philly area and beyond. Mark Ammett, Randy Sutin and Sean J. Kennedy are world class players, and great friends, they all have done a wonderful job. Google their names if you will...they are not people who invented themselves when Facebook started or for the cheap thrill of seeing their face in an endorsement- they as I said- are world class musicians. The challenge, as is always the case, was to find the meeting place between jazz and groove music and show our roots in many musics, it is working and I am enjoying it. To me, it is one of the best bands I've lead recently. where all the genres are acknowledged in a respectful way. We will see how it all develops. We'reavailable worldwide..contact me for bookings. ~ I've also started to play with drummer Bill Goodwin in various projects.We did an excellent concert duo series at Michiko studios, that my friend Roberto Romeo produced. Roberto set this series apart and has booked some of the most unique and fresh sounds to hit NYC in a long time. Each band was different, each band carried a different message in the music. ALL...were duos.The concert at Michiko Studios was beyond words for me. To be able to be myself & create with the legendary drumming of Bill Goodwin in a environ of positive listening, attention and knowledge inspired me deeply. I'd like to thank Bill Goodwin, being the person he is. We've played in some very cool gigs together, and this one really had both of us thinking that we need to do more of this. And we will! You are a beautiful soul Bill & someone I always look forward to being in the music with. Thank you Bill. Also- huge thanks to the guys at Robertos for their tech help, assistance. Luke, Alberto ya'll rock hard- thank you. Of course the man himself Roberto Romeo. THIS CONCERT....and the duo series that is going on here is totally about the music. Which is the WAY IT SHOULD BE. Roberto knows as I do ( and hopefully you too) that the music is bigger than all of us. That's what's on my mind! Bill & I had a great time- and the vibes in the notes & tones for David S. Ware & Bert Wilson were there. Thanks to all who attended and showed real support by being there and...listening. ~ I'm also playing on a new cD with this amazing band with Sean J. Kennedy.On this new CD by Sean J. Kennedy....you can buy it at CD Baby. It has great tunes, players who are world class & I'm proud to be associated with. Check it out.The front line featured on HEY! WHERE'S MY TUX?! http://www.cdbaby.com/seanjkennedyband — with Erin Stroup, Mark Amentt, Dave Champion, John Stenger, Tim Price and Bob Wagner. Some of the best cats and great people, Sean's charts and the music is inspiring.Please check it out. ~ Also-Ernie Watts came by my home to hang in the start of October.He comes here a lot- we play music, listen to music and talk about music. I'm a lucky guy. I live in Reading, Pa- and he rents a car- when he's close and comes by. This time he brought his sister Theora and his wife Patricia. We had some amazing spinach pies I brought from NyC, and some Italian soup I made special for the day. Inspiring and for real. as I said..THIS..Is why I play music. It's all about the music too, anything else is just...anything else. We're here to play music, keep the brotherhood going and further the music as much as we can. I've known Ernie about 28 years and we always hang like this when we are near each other. Like I said- It's about the music.2014 STARTS THIS SATURDAY WITH... Saturday January ....1/4/ 14 ; The Lafayette Bar/ Easton, Pa-Easton, Pennsylvania 18042 ..Tyrone Brown is the bassist, and I am very fortunate to have guys like him and Bill Goodwin & Randy Sutin to inspire me in the music we play. As many might recall Tyrone was the bassist with Max Roach for the last few decades, and someone I loved on early Pat Martino records too. Add Bill Goodwin drums & Randy Sutin on vibes, Tibetan nipple gongs and the cool vibe & food at the Lafayette Bar along with my man Tunsie Jabbour great vibe and healthy food- I might play all night.....Looking forward.And...there you have it. Ciao 2013...YO 2014! Forward motion for sure! Paix et amour to everyone. ~ Tim Price...

Tim Price Bloggin' For D'Addario Woodwinds- Merry Christmas and spread some goodwill all year.

The saying "Making Spirits Bright" this Christmas season is my vibe here.Here's a suggestion that won't cost you a penny but will certainly be appreciated by the recipients. Be nice to your loved ones and those in contact with you! Now I know you may think this is a silly thing, but how often do we take husbands, wives, kids, parents for granted? Wouldn't it be nice if, instead of getting them something they don't want, you actually did some things they would appreciate? I'm not talking about anything elaborate here, just those little everyday things that might make life easier for your loved ones. Husbands & wives, how much do you think your spouse would appreciate you doing some of his or her chores without being asked to help out? Kids, how much do you think your parents would appreciate you doing your chores or helping around your house a little extra? These are the kind of things that can really have an impact on the recipient and "Make Spirits Bright" this Christmas. Check it out. ..... I'm reading a great book-The Boston Jazz Scene- By Richard Vacca. This book is an amazing read, and a must for those who know about the hub of jazz that Beantown has turned out. It is a must. The music I'm checking out is Birth of the bebop Bird on Tenor 1943, I finally found a vinyl copy on Stash records- So far I have yet to see one on CD. But to hear Bird on tenor....well...you just got to hear it. It's a lesson. Also- Bird in Time 1940-1947 [Box set] on ESP recordings. Bird in 1940 through 1945 was something unique- so much there to enjoy and learn from.The music on here is the pinnacle of of the absolute best.Find it and listen to it. You'll love it! ~ I wish you all Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Make a spirit bright and spread some goodwill too. - Tim Price

Tim Price Bloggin' For D'Addario Woodwinds - Be Yourself.

BE YOURSELF – music is a language. Do you know that out of 6.6 billion people in this world, nobody looks alike? Even an identical twins have different thumbprints. Not only humans, but also plants and animals differ from each other. Isn’t this amazing? Do you think this is merely a coincidence? Absolutely not… Existence has purposefully made us different from each other – but why? Because no other joys are comparable to the ones by being your own true self. Only through your own originality, you can experience the eternal joy of life.But the question is if there is so much ecstasy and joy in being oneself, then why cannot we be so? What are we so afraid of? What is keeping us from this source of ultimate blissfulness that could flow into our lives any moment? First, you need courage. Yes, a tremendous courage to fight back and resist those factors that have been prohibiting you from becoming your own person or simply being yourself. Yes, you need to stand up for your rights and protest against all the impediments that have been posing threats to your growth. You need to act on your own. Don’t think that someone will come and rescue you. You are your own messiah. You have to show tremendous courage to make your own decisions. You might be condemned, you might be ridiculed, you might be threatened – but you should not give up your fight. You are fighting for your own inner freedom; you are fighting for your own individuality, and your own originality. Be a rebel and start your inner revolution before it is too late. Your original self is the most beautiful, highest and eternal gift that has been given to you by your own existence. So don’t give up, and don’t compromise for something lesser and temporary. Second, you need to drop your fear. Society has been instigating fear among people for centuries, and so far, has succeeded in creating a wall between you and your growth. It’s about time that you bring that wall down. This can only be done, when you are not afraid. Yes, you will face challenges. Yes, you may be mocked, you may be rejected, you may be condemned. Others and society will do all their best in preventing you from achieving your mission. They will keep creating a wall of guilt and fear in you, but you shouldn’t be afraid anymore. Remember, you have already begun an inner revolution; its fire will conquer all the hurdles in your path. Don’t surrender. Face all the insurmountable difficulties with great courage. Others may try to bring you down, run you over, and topple you, but be strong. You have to be as strong as the trees that do not fall in a heavy storm. The trees which fall in the storm are themselves responsible for their death as they were too weak to face the strong wind. Yet, the wind wasn’t strong, instead the trees were weak. So drop you fear and be ready to face any storm in your way in being yourself. Third, is by accepting your responsibility. Yes, this is a very daring step. All the problems, all the source of our misery, is our own incapability to accept the way we look, act, and represent ourselves. The moment you accept this, you become responsible. By accepting yourself, you have embraced this responsibility, and you have given birth to a deep love for yourself. Once you start loving yourself the way you are, joy will shower you from everywhere. You will feel happier and blissful. Only then growth will blossom in your soul, and you will become the flower of your own self. A flower that radiates with its original fragrance that lives in freedom, and dies in utter satisfaction and glory… Fourth, awareness is needed. People have to become aware of a fact that every individual is unique and he/she has is meant to grow differently than others. Society, the parents, religion, politicians, and the educational system should be conscious of this fact, and allow freedom to every individual to choose their own path, support and motivate each individual to become their own flower. People should be provided enough love and nourishment to fully develop to their enormous potential. The individual should not be imposed, threatened, and swayed to become somebody they don’t want to be, as we all know the negative impacts of this approach. The child could have been a great poet, but his family forced him to become a doctor. The child could have excelled as an actor, but he was persuaded to become an engineer. This is why the child remains unhappy all his life – because he is not what he was supposed to be. Remember that a lily seed can only produce lily flower, not marigold no matter how much you wish or try. Similarly, you can mold a child to become the way you wanted, but you cannot mold his inner self, instead you make his life miserable when it could have been utterly joyful. To those grown up unconscious individuals brainwashed by the media and the pop culture, who want to look young forever or look like somebody else, open your eyes and peek once into your inner being. Do not waste your precious life in plastic hopes, be conscious of yourself, it is the most beautiful gift. Don’t be persuaded by people who simply want to exploit your vulnerabilities. Be strong, and learn to accept the way you are. You are already so beautiful. Only once you start loving yourself, you will be loved by everybody. - Enjoy your holidays...and really enjoy being YOU. - Thanks- Tim Price

Tim Price Bloggin' For D'Addario Woodwinds- Developing Woodwind Focus.

This will help woodwind focus, and it’s easy too. Each day of the week choose one subject and work on it all day long. Pick your weak areas. A typical week might look something like this plan below :we want to equip ourselves with the right outlook. Write down realistic plans to improve your goals. This will develop a focus on what you are trying to accomplish. No matter what level your at as a musician. Monday: Just play, all day. Letting go, feeling your way up and down the sax, checking out the sound. Have fun and listen to your strong points. This usually starts out being abstract and works its way into more melodic playing. Doing this all day gives us plenty of time to really get the idea of the exercise. Write down notes to yourself on what you want to work on that week; then during the week approach your ideas one by one. Tuesday: Melodic playing. Today start to put two or more notes together that sound 'pretty'. Take a look at your REAL BOOK/ or any book of songs, and notice how some of the great tunes are made up of simple intervals. Some of them are short scale passages. This gives us a clue that it does not take much to write or play a good melody. Write at least one idea down a day, and it will help you to think melodically and will add more substance to any style.No matter what level your at. Wednesday: Quality over quality. What do you feel you need to make stronger? Take today and study it. Make friends with the area of your playing that needs more focus. As your thirst to improve grows add this Wednesday topic to your other days. Practice scales, licks, study other players styles on CD's. Thursday: New melodies and new chords. This day we take some of the melodies created on Tuesday and put them together. Don't judge your new pieces but keep trying until you find something you like. Remember you have all day to come up with something that makes you feel good. If you write two bars you are a big winner. Also, try to take the new chords and use them in some of the tunes you know. Or make up your own progressions with them. You are being creative this day. Be yourself, not someone you read about. Friday: Listen to music all day long, new and old CD's. Get inspired and make notes of the players' style, how they phrase, keep time, how they let space and silence become part of their solos. Can you remember a few ideas that you can play? Be eclectic! Listen to rock, jazz, classical, world music or spoken word. Be inspired this day. It's your day! Saturday: What caught your musical ear? Was there something this week that made you think differently? This is the day to investigate further and go deeper into that . Try to understand what moves you. If it caught your fancy, stick with it until it reveals itself to you. This day may change your life! Document this feeling you have. It is important for your future. Sunday: Review in your mind,think about the week of practice. Review things slowly- listen for improvements. Remember, intuition is your very best friend. Listen to it and be ready to act on it. If it sounds good, remember how you worked and focused on it to get it to that point. Arrange your seven days your own way. Add subjects that you love. Add new directions from time to time. Go slowly, enjoy the journey and grow within your own ideas. It helps to have a plan for the week, keep it loose like this so it can grow-for you. It will take a certain amount of pressure off and allows you to relax as you practice. Focus today so tomorrow your closer to your goals. Thank you and hope this helps everyone- Think creative. Tim Price Tim Price - Professional musician- educator- author -recording artist. In addition to giving private studio Tim has taught students from Tokyo and Texas to Tel-Aviv using on line instruction via SKYPE. One of the most in demand educators in New School University and New York Jazz Workshop. He is in the vanguard of education, in demand clinician, author and one of the innovators of jazz bassoon. www.timpricejazz.com

Tim Price Bloggin' For Rico Reeds- Happy Thanksgiving; Cookin' with T.P. - Salad w/Cranberry Vinaigrette !

Original recipe makes 8 servings; 1/2 cup cider vinegar ; 1/4 cup cranberries ; 1/4 cup olive oil;2 teaspoons white sugar; 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper ; 2 heads romaine lettuce - rinsed, dried, and torn into bite-size pieces; 2 medium heads Belgian endive - washed, dried and chopped; 2 red Anjou pears; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped. Directions...In a saucepan, combine vinegar and cranberries. Cook over medium heat until cranberries soften. Remove from heat; add olive oil, sugar, salt and pepper. Place in blender and mix until smooth. Refrigerate until chilled....Core and julienne one pear, core and dice the other....In a large bowl, combine the Romaine lettuce, endive, diced pears, walnuts and Gorgonzola. Toss and drizzle with enough dressing to coat...Divide among salad plates and garnish with julienned pear. Top with any additional walnuts as well. ~ SO !! Just what ya'll need. Try it...you know you want to. It's easy and delicious...and when your family and friends say how great it is. Tell em'...RICO REEDS is what's happening on the bandstand, concert hall and...IN THE KITCHEN. Happy thanksgiving! Thankful for family, music, community.REMEMBER...It's our job to make things better. Enjoy your holiday everyone. - - Tim Price

Tim Price Bloggin' For Rico Reeds- watch what happens!

Do you ever find yourself avoiding being positive(optimistic) about something until you are positive(confident and fully assured) about it? The other problem with this sort of approach is that it cuts us off from the vital “spice of life” called variety. Life very rarely unfolds in straight lines. I’m willing to bet that if you look back on your life, some of your best experiences happened by “accident”, or maybe you now look back and see them as “coincidences”. There are many people who always need to be fully assured about the success of the outcome before they make a move. To them, it would be irresponsible or even foolish to make decisions and take actions based on a sense of raw optimism. After all, what sort of plan is that for success? Take these steps- and watch what happens! Challenge Yourself... Stand On Your Own Feet.... Live The Moment... Have Respect... Do Some Good.... BUT IN MUSIC...Fear and many times that fear holds a person back. It's to your advantage to get past this. Now! Sometimes this fear manifests itself in unproductive ways, such as procrastination. You find that you’re not following your map or making any progress towards your goals. If you "can’t get motivated," fear is probably at the root of your procrastination. In most cases where you find fear is causing inaction, the “cure” is taking action. You see, usually you feel so overwhelmed that you don’t even know where to start. But if you can just get started somewhere – anywhere – you’ll find that your fears start to melt away. Soon you’ll be able to take more focused, productive action. It sounds circular, doesn’t it? Fear is causing inaction, but the solution is to take action. How can that be? That means that in order to use action to cure fear, you need to let go of one major fear: specifically, the fear of taking the wrong action. Once you do that – once you give yourself permission to move forward even if things don't seem quite right – you’ll be able to progress faster on your goals and make those positive changes. Another way to stay motivated is to surround yourself with supportive people and accountability partners. Sometimes fear manifests itself as imagined productivity. For example, you may be taking a lot of actions but going absolutely nowhere. However, keep in mind what we discussed earlier with regards to choosing toxic friends and partners. Ensure that they truly are supportive. Note: Once in a while some of your own friends and family won’t believe in your dreams. If you talk about your goals, they’ll laugh and make it clear they think you’re foolish. If this happens to you – and if it’s someone that you need to see on a regular basis – then don’t talk about your dreams any more with this person. If they try to “bait” you or ask you to talk about your goals, answer politely but don’t give them any “ammunition” to fire back at you. Think on your own feet as I said before! This is just the beginning for you. Chances are, you feel energized and ready to take on anything. Your next step is to move now. If you wait, I promise you won't do "it." Imagine yourself accomplishing it. How will you feel? Why is this goal so important to you? Imagine people congratulating you. Think of the future, not the past. Once you’ve done that, create your road map. How will you reach your goal? What tangible steps will you take to get there? Next it’s time to observe and listen. How do you feel as you start working on your road map? Finally, find supportive people and reward yourself. And remember this: once you begin and continue, you deserve it! YOUR ASSIGNMENT IS...Surround yourself with like minds. People who have goals and visions. Get started and remember to have fun! Till next week- stay on your path and stay positive! ~ Tim Price

Tim Price Bloggin' For Rico- Happy Birthday Fred Lipsius.

- - TODAY...Is Fred Lipsius birthday. He is 70. Happy Birthday Freddy. As you might know...Fred was the original saxophonist in Blood Sweat & Tears. He arranged,composed and played piano too. Fred truly is one of the great innovators in modern music. His saxophone playing is off the hook fantastic. As a tribute to Freddy...I posting an interview I did back in 1988, when I wrote for Saxophone Journal...on Fred. ( I did some studying with Fred in the 70's to in NYC...when he lived in Hastings On The Hudson. Every conversation with Freddy is a lesson- he's a long time friend. Plus hysterical...good times.) HAPPY BIRTHDAY...Fred. Many many more brother Scorpio....thank you for your inspiration. ARTICLE IS HERE.....http://www.fredlipsius.com/Price-Interview.html ENJOY...Tim Price

Tim Price Bloggin' For Rico Reeds- Remembering Charlie Mariano.

~ Remembering Charlie Mariano on his birthday. Happy birthday brother Scorpio! One of the real inspirations in my life & music. To me, Charlie is as important as Miles and Coltrane in jazz. He defined a way of playing & had a forward motion in his music that was his own. Totally inspiring. When I turned 18 while going to Berklee School Of Music ( it was called school then, and shortly after changed to college.) I paid extra to study privately with Charlie Mariano. It was a known fact he didn't teach private lessons but...he and I had a interesting rapport, so I asked & he said sure.So right near my18th birthday, Charlie had a spare nadaswaram...and asked if I wanted to buy it. So I bought it and started to study it with him.To really to be honest , it did a number on my chops at first. If you look at the picture, I'm holding the same nadaswaram, and over my shoulder is a great picture of Charlie, from when I did a feature article on him in Saxophone Journal. That was fun too, because I was way out of Berklee & Joe Viola calls me and said- you have to do this!!He knew our friendship. Charlie Mariano taught me this instrument in a very special way. Lessons would be hours. Sometimes Joe Viola would pop in to listen and check it out. At this point in time like I said, I was 18 and Charlie was 50. he had already played with Kenton, Mingus and a tribute to Coltrane record with Elvin Jones called " Dear John C". He is a timeless person. The nadaswaram really helped me understand the music of India and how it related to jazz. I was very lucky- and that helped me crystallize something that was in my mind. A life long inspiration too. At the time I used to hear Charlie play nadaswaram in Boston with OSMOSSIS, A raga-rock band he had that recorded for RCA. OK-this band kicked holy-azz in the way it sounded.They had two drummers, and a full rhythm section and vocalist. Plus Charlie!! They played " The Boston Tea Party" a Filmore style rock club, and opened for Zappa and Cream. Mariano's lines across the raga-rock grooves were transcendental. NOBODY -was playing like this. - God bless Charlie Mariano...a stellar human being and one of the _real ones_in this music. Happy birthday brother Scorpio.

Tim Price Bloggin' For Rico Reeds- STEVE BERLIN. Of the legendary band Los Lobos; A giant in rock & roll saxophone & more!

What knocks me out about Berlin, is that he knows how to make the_past_the future in the sax styles. To extend the idiom, past < which I love as much/more than anyone> .the backbeatin' cry of the honker lies a workin' mans sax player. STEVE BERLIN. Of the band Los Lobos. This guy stood/played aside of LEE ALLEN in the orignal LA starts of this band ( the Blasters ) and also plays great keyboards. ( eg-piano-organ) and does some world clas production. You need to go to a Los Lobos gig and hear this guy within the band. Check out where he puts the sax IN the ensembles and how he USES the Bari Sax within the bands unique sound. Steve has the roots. The soul. Of a REAL honkin' in your face sax demon. A no-holes barred, take no prisioners kickin' tenor player. BUT, that is within what he is doing in the tapestry of LOS LOBOS. Remember - " The Blasters" - Steve (with Lee Allen) is on "The Blasters" complete Stash recording set and he plays bari (along with Doug James) on a cut or two of Roomful of Blues "Live at Lupo's" recording. On "The Blasters" hit "So Long Baby Goodbye" Berlin plays classic rock bari sax counterpoint to Lee Allen's tenor. What knocks me out about Berlin, is that he knows how to make the_past_the future in the sax styles.One of the great sounds and styles in rock saxophone. Listen to him. Steve Berlin (born September 14, 1955, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American saxophonist, keyboardist and record producer, best known as a member of the rock group Los Lobos and, before that, Top Jimmy & The Rhythm Pigs, The Blasters, and The Flesh Eaters. Berlin is married and lives with his wife and children in Portland, Oregon. Berlin joined Tuatara as a side project in 1998 on their second album, Trading With The Enemy. As either a session musician or producer, Berlin has worked with the Crash Test Dummies, Backyard Tire Fire, Beat Farmers, John Lee Hooker, The Paladins, Faith No More, Dave Alvin, R.E.M., The Go-Go's, The Smithereens, The Replacements, Leo Kottke, Sheryl Crow, The Act, Los Super Seven, Rickie Lee Jones, String Cheese Incident, Alec Ounsworth (Clap Your Hands Say Yeah), Raul Malo, Rick Trevino, Jackie Greene, The Tragically Hip, Great Big Sea, The Bridge, Nathan Wiley, The Dandy Warhols, Making Movies and Deer Tick.[1] - Berlin is a 1st class person and very important voice in the saxophone. I'm shocked, at when folks talk about " rock sax" his name is not mentioned more. His bari playing with the " Blasters" is some great work. One of my students who loves " The Blasters" made me a lot of MP3s, and Berlin and Lee are killin'. Steve Berlin, also plays a lot of piano/organ from time to time w/LosLobos. Non the less, he's..OUT THERE...playing and a force to be heard. I'd say imho, he might be one of todays most important house rockers on tenor. He comes out of the mecca of greats like Lee Allen & Big Jay and Willis Jackson. his baritone sax playing is very original, and inspiring. Check out my friend and someone who is always on the case musically Steve Berlin. - Tim Price

Tim Price Bloggin' For Rico Reeds- Some, call it conception!

Some, call it conception! When we change ourselves, the world changes with us, both in the way that the world is affected by our changed actions and in the changed way that we experience the world. It’s a thought process. It’s past a mouthpiece change..it’s a MIND SET. Some, call it conception! Creative thinking is the process which we use when we come up with a new idea. It is the merging of ideas which have not been merged before. New ideas are formed by developing the current ones within our minds. This evolution HAS to be brought on by practice. ( smile) Ongoing creative thinking is the continuous investigation, questioning and analysis that develops through education, training and self-awareness. Ongoing creativity maximizes both accidental and deliberate creative thinking. It is a quest for improvement which never ends. It is an acceptance of and a looking for continuous change that differentiates between ongoing creativity and mental inflexibility. Ongoing creativity takes time and practice to become skillful. Ongoing creative thinking soon becomes an attitude not a technique. The first step to take is to learn the creative thinking techniques so that you can use them deliberately to come up with new ideas. You will then be at an immediate advantage to those who do not know how to use them. You should then practice them to increase your skill at ongoing creative thinking. With practice you may even find it unnecessary to use specific techniques because you may soon have too many ideas without using them at all. - At this point in my life...it's concept. What, where and why I am in pursuit of this creative forward motion. Stop by November 2ed in NYC to hear Bill Goodwin and myself play at Michiko Studios. This is one of the real great places to play in NYC because it's 100% listening. No distraction or jive. MUSIC. THAT...Is a beautiful thing. Till next week- keep on your path- TIM PRICE

Tim Price Bloggin' For Rico Reeds- Mario Maccaferri, The Bronx factory with Michael Brecker and reed making. History & learning.

Memory, reality....Mario Maccaferri, The Bronx factory with Michael Brecker and reed making. History and learning. - In 1939 Mario Maccaferri started to make reeds.French American Reeds Manufacturing Company it was called. Actually the machines were shipped to NY and he started at that point-in 1940 he invented a plastic reed- see picture. I am glad that I met him. In his last days he was making plastic violins that were almost as good as wood.When I went to his factory, on a weekly basis, as a reed-product tester consultant for Dave Guardala with Dave and crew and Michael Brecker, Mario in his 90s, came to work everyday in a shirt and tie. He sold 9 million plastic ukalalees in the 50s when Arthur Godfrey endorsed them on the air. The ukes came equipped with strings made by a then very small company, D'Addario! In the 30s he was director general of Selmer. Mario Maccaferri was in guitar manufacture in partnership with Selmer. They ran a workshop where the "Selmer - Maccaferri, " guitars were made that were immortalized by Django Reinhardt. During his time at Selmer, he had discovered and learned the technique of making reeds for saxophones and clarinets. Maccaferri oriented himself from then on with the making of reeds, creating his "French-American Reed Manufacturing Company." During WWII, Maccaferri developed a viable plastic reed, the Maccaferri Futurity reed. Endorsed by Benny Goodman and others, his reed making enterprise survived the hazards of wartime shortages and propelled him into a thriving business in plastics.With his plastics business on firm ground, offering clothespins, bathroom tile and a host of other injection-molded products. The guitar he made which I mentioned was also called a SELMER GUITAR.When he left the project ended. Very sad to say, the machines that the reeds are made on, some as massive as a locomotive, which were unreal and amazing,still from the 30's required his maintenance. When he passed, and left the planet- so did the reeds-and the amazing machines. To me- STEREO REED was something as close to a hand select reed as ever. It is HARD...but a unfilled reed. A pre- Rico jazz select if you will. - But think about it...this guy didn't just jump a bandwagon business wise. He paid some " life dues". Born in Cento, Italy, Maccaferri was trained as a classical guitarist and in 1926 became a professor at the Conservatory of Music in Sienna. His concert career continued until he sustained a hand injury in 1932. Within that tragic accident, he had developed a second career designing and manufacturing musical instruments. He was very generous to Michael Brecker and myself...Giving us all kinds of great reeds from decades before both of us were born...I was very lucky. Why? I'll tell you, you know how good Michael sounds on the stage. Well up close right aside of you it is mind blowing. I knew this from 1972 when I first met him. But in the"reed days" with Mario it became even greater. He'd play my SBA Selmer alto I had then...and blow our minds. Between Brecker and Mario, I truly learned a lot. Mario used to make these lunches for us, with homemade soup...and cheese. Mike and I would be trying reeds and getting silly. Artie Shaw and Goodman " in the day" used Mario's reeds. Shaw told me before he used the plastic Brillhardt reed-he used Mario's. I tried to center in on what Shaw used strength wise and he sais- ANYTHING HARD. Typical Artie Shaw. - One day Michael Brecker & I were getting silly, and soaking reeds in water and I spilled the glass of water on Mario. He said- " It looks like I pissed myself ( he was laughing too- having a good time)... THEN...His lawyer called....and Mario told the lawyer.."I'll kill you"....and the horse carrying you to your gave will smile. HA!!!!! Brecker & I went hysterical...to funny!!! That was the subject of many, many laughs between us. The same day- we couldn't stop laughing...Mike backed his Honda into a parking meter, as he was giving me a ride into the bus station in midtown from the Bronx. I picked up the tail light that broke and said to him..." I'LL KILL YOU"...totally lost in hysteria. Mike was real- loved to hang. HERE IS A FACT...Michael played a RUBBER OTTO LINK MOUTHPIECE... on Mockingbird- The Carley Simon hit. I thought it was the metal 4 star he had that Dave Liebman used with Elvin. When he told me that I was more than surprised. Sounds like metal to me. But . . . There is a lesson. CHOPS...101.PAGE 1- he will sound vibrant on anything. Same piece as on the "DREAMS" records. No baffle, no funny stuff- boom. LaVoz reed. - Mario laid all kinds of bassoon cane and oboe cane on me..as gifts which was stellar vintage cane.A warm hearted man. Plus, those crazy nylon clarinet mouthpieces he made. I miss guys like Mario & Michael- that_REAL_ in the business of music. Know how backed up by decades of trial and error. - Like I told one of my Skype students David Luscher when he asked me about Sonny Stitt and so on, I'm glad these things I learned came from the SOURCE, not a book. Mario passed in April 16, 1993- and yes I did attend his services. It shows things can be done and made in the USA too...it takes work and skill. Check it- Carly Simon - Mockingbird (Remastered)( RUBBER OTTO LINK MOUTHPIECE/LaVoz reeds ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAtWJ8J1DeA - I’m grateful I’ve had the opportunity to know these great people, in the grand scheme of life they all have helped me become a better musician and a better person. - TIM PRICE

Tim Price Bloggin For Rico Reeds- The path of a true "artist" is a rocky road. Plus- Bonus> COLTRANE SUBS!!

The path of a true "artist" is a rocky road. We have all remarked when an innocent child speaks their mind and reveals something candid, with no worries about consequences, failure, or judgment that makes us think. We also know there is something envious about that special quality; raw freedom to express with no fears or hang-ups. When a young student drums on a desk, draws on a paper, or sings, sincerity is at its best. And it’s all valid because it’s sincere. Our attraction to music is a personal one. Sure, there are peer pressures, and multi musical purposes, but somewhere in our hearts we have our own musical tastes. To step forward and play what you feel might be your best move.I feel it’s tragic to not explore music and life through creativity and self development. I respect the ideal of traditional development of needed musical skills but not at the cost of creativity. No one should have to wait some undetermined amount of time to compose something or even think about composing something.Ditto with improvisation. Same with any writing or art. It’s sincere. It’s in the moment. The path of a true "artist" is a rocky road. It's like walking up wet glass at times but after a while it's fun.It is your business to keep the channel open.You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you.You'll note a slow emergence almost imperceptible. it will be something you never forget. Now's the time tell a genuine story, speak the truth, and someone will appreciate it.It is part and parcel of being an artist. Keep the channel open, and try your best.You'll learn something special. Been talking to my students about the many aspects of the creative mind set. Trying to just expand more ideas and thoughts. Here's some things that I'm coming up with ; Creativity is the bringing into being something which did not exist before, either as a product, a process or a thought. Right? So let’s apply this to ALL levels of saxophone playing, thought and improvisation. You would be demonstrating creativity if you: · Played something which has never existed before. · Reapply an existing lick or concept into a new area musically. · Develop a new way of looking at something (bringing a new idea into existence). · Change the way someone else looks at something. We are all creative every day because we are constantly changing the ideas which we hold about the world about us and our relationship with it. Creativity does not have to be about developing something new to the world, it is more to do with developing something new to ourselves !! When we change ourselves, the world changes with us, both in the way that the world is affected by our changed actions and in the changed way that we experience the world. It’s a thought process. It’s past a mouthpiece change..it’s a MIND SET !! Creative thinking is the process which we use when we come up with a new idea. It is the merging of ideas which have not been merged before. New ideas are formed by developing the current ones within our minds. This evolution HAS to be brought on by practice. Ongoing creative thinking is the continuous investigation, questioning and analysis that develops through education, training and self-awareness. Ongoing creativity maximizes both accidental and deliberate creative thinking. It is a quest for improvement which never ends. It is an acceptance of and a looking for continuous change that differentiates between ongoing creativity and mental inflexibility. Ongoing creativity takes time and practice to become skillful. Ongoing creative thinking soon becomes an attitude not a technique. The first step to take is to learn the creative thinking techniques so that you can use them deliberately to come up with new ideas. You will then be at an immediate advantage to those who do not know how to use them. You should then practice them to increase your skill at ongoing creative thinking. With practice you may even find it unnecessary to use specific techniques because you may soon have too many ideas without using them at all. By the way...The friend. COLTRANE.....Velocity and hard work. < Coltrane Substitutions > My Coltrane inspiration is HOW he did what he did, the pursuit of being inspired from the WHAT AND HOW of the knowledge, as well as the velocity of his genius. The man was one of the hardest workers.Check his six-box Prestige collection, in only a year and a half--the first session being in May 1957, the last in December 1958, he recorded ALL those recordings while touring and playing gigs. Coltrane chord substitutions of a basic ii-V-I with movement in major thirds creating an augmented triad. This is also know as "Coltrane Changes," etc. I'll post one of my favorites at the end here as well. Coltrane first introduced this on Blue Train on tunes such as Moment's Notice and Lazy Bird, and later on took things further on Giant Steps.The B section from _Have You Met Miss Jones_ served as inspiration for Coltrane because of the major 3rd modulation from D to Gb to Bb. Coltrane Substitution: 1) Here is a normal ii-V-I in C major: | ii | V | I || | dmin7 | G7 | Cmaj7 || 2) Now with the Major 3rds Cycle: | ii V** | I* V** | I* V** | I* | | dmin7 Eb7 | Abmaj7 B7 | Emaj7 G7 | Cmaj7 | This cycle has been used in many re-harmonization, far to many to even list! Here are some of the most accessible- and also the sky is the limit. With some creative ears and imagination they work in rock and pop too. Standard ; Dmin7- G7- CMaj7 Trane sub ; Dmin Eb7 Ab B7 E G7 C Standard ;Fmin7- Bb7- EbMaj7 Trane Sub ;Fmin F#7 B D7 G Bb7 Eb Simile rest of page. Abmin7- Db7- GbMaj7 Abmin A7 D F7 Bb Db7 Gb Bmin7- E7- AMaj7 Bmin C7 F Ab7 Db E7 A Gmin7- C7- FMaj7 Gmin Ab7 Db E7 A C7 F Bbmin7- Eb7- AbMaj7 Bbmin B7 E G7 C Eb7 Ab C#min7- F#7- BMaj7 C#min D7 G Bb7 Eb F# B Emin7- A7- DMaj7 Emin F7 Bb Db7 Gb A7 D Cmin7- F7- BbMaj7 Cmin Db7 Gb A7 D F7 Bb Emin7- Ab7- DbMaj7 Ebmin E7 A C7 F Ab7 Db F#min7- B7- EMaj7 F#min G7 C Eb7 Ab B7 E Amin7- D7- GMaj7 Amin Bb7 Eb F#7 B D7 G Thanks, and keep on your path. ~ Tim Price