This is another installment of the live recordings NPR made at the Newport Jazz Festival 2009.  Not only is the Brian Blade Fellowship an amazing band with an incredible sound, it also features two phenomenal saxophonists Melvin Butler (Tenor) and Myron Walden (Alto Sax & Bass Clarinet).  The other members include Jon Cowherd on Piano [...]

Okay, I am VERY excited!  I just recently saw Esperanza Spalding and her band at the Schwartz Center at Emory University in Atlanta (my hometown).  This was my first time seeing her live and I can tell you I was not disappointed.  Esperanza is an unbelievably powerful performer.  Her artistry transcends label.  As one might [...]

I first caught the trio version of this group at Dazzle in Denver, CO.  They have since just come out with their debut album “Now vs. Now”.  The group was started and is lead by pianist Jason Lindner and includes Panagiotis Andreou (bass and vocals) and phenomenal drummer out of NY, Mark Guiliana.  They quote [...]

I had the amazing opportunity this past July to attend a week long workshop at SIM in Brooklyn with one of my all-time FAVORITE bands, Kneebody.  This is a group that combines aspects of jazz, hip-hop, indie rock, and pretty much anything else you could throw into the pot.  They are all extremely versatile, individualized, [...]

As you probably already know from reading my bio, I’ve been playing saxophone since I was six years old. That means I’ve been through a lot of reeds, mouthpieces, music, horns, and most importantly, teachers. I thought I could provide some tips on how to find a teacher based on what I’ve learned over the past few years. What Are [...]