Everything Saxophone Podcast

What does it take to build a successful career as a saxophonist while staying inspired, improving your technique, and enjoying the music-making process?   In Episode 279 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Jess Gillam shares her approach to saxophone practice, performance, managing nerves, and her journey to becoming one of the most celebrated classical saxophonists of her generation.   In this episode, we discussed: 00:00 Musical beginnings 03:50 The first songs Jess learned 07:23 Mentor that really helped her playing 09:47 The level of zoning in 11:07 Glottal way of tonguing 17:50 Her living the dream 19:30 Jess' current practice routine 21:26 The medium is the work 22:51 Gear and set-up 25:08 Her single 'Shine You No More' 26:44 Inspiration behind her new album 32:55 How she approach her shows 37:10 Her journey in getting big in the music industry 43:33 Reframing being nervous 59:47 Her projects for the year 2026-2027   Explore more about Jess Gillam, her music, background, and socials here: https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-jess-gillam-practice-performance-ep-279 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Patron today! 🥳 Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: ✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month! Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play?  To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music? That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence." Inside, you'll discover: How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note) And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense. Click HERE to watch the masterclass now while it's still available. 

What does it take to develop a signature sound and keep growing as a saxophonist?   In this episode of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz talks with multi-platinum saxophonist, composer, and producer Boney James about his musical journey, his approach to playing soulfully and authentically, and the story behind his new album, A Simple Man.   With more than three decades in the music industry and 20 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart, Boney has built a career around deep grooves, memorable melodies, and expressive saxophone playing. But he continues to practice, experiment, and look for new ways to grow as a musician.   Below is a detailed timestamp guide to help you navigate the key highlights of our conversation with Boney James:  00:00 Musical background 03:17 Boney's outlook on his success and future 05:25 Getting that first break 06:27 Bobby Caldwell gig that lead him sign his own label 08:56 Story behind his new album "A Simple Man" 11:03 His writing process 13:32 Listen and reflect to "I Belong To You" 15:58 Tips for accompanying singers 20:56 Tips for people wanting to play pop solos 22:53 Playing exercises to keep him in shape 25:25 His set-up 27:36 Thunderneck by Inderbinen 31:51 Thoughts and inspiration in making "A Sentimental Mood" 33:46 Listen and reflect to "In A Sentimental Mood" 41:20 His choice of reeds 44:33 Approach to soloing 47:12 His new album and upcoming shows 50:33 People that inspired him and help his musical journey   Explore more about Boney James, his music, background, and socials here: https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-boney-james-playing-soulfully-and-authentically-ep-278   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Patron today! 🥳 Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: ✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month! Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play?  To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music? That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence." Inside, you'll discover: How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note) And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense. Click HERE to watch the masterclass now while it's still available. 

What can curiosity do for your saxophone career?   For saxophonist, bandleader, and composer Nick Gomez, it has led to dream gigs, touring opportunities, film and TV work, and even building his own technology for musicians.   In this episode of Everything Saxophone Podcast, Nick Gomez takes us through his journey as a saxophonist, from getting started in music and attending Berklee College of Music to building a career that spans live performance, composing, touring, and the independent music world.   Belo is a detailed timestamp guide to help you navigate the key highlights of our conversation with Nick Gomez:    00:00 Introduction and how he got into music 08:53 Nick's set up 10:55 Review of KeyLeaves Vent vine 20:06 Which repair tools Nick travels with on tour 23:34 Tip to get an understanding of how your saxophone works 32:30 His life after attending Berklee 49:40 How it's like to promote as an independent artist 53:22 Building his own email platform, Dispatch, for musicians 01:03:44 All artists need to do this ONE thing at shows 01:20:12 Upcoming projects   Explore more about Nick Gomez, his music, background, and socials here: https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-nick-gomez-how-curiosity-landed-him-his-dream-gigs    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Patron today! 🥳 Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: ✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month! Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play?  To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music? That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence." Inside, you'll discover: How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note) And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense. Click HERE to watch the masterclass now while it's still available. 

What does it take to create a saxophone that delivers exceptional tone while still feeling natural and comfortable to play?   In this episode of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz sits down with Grammy Award-winning saxophonist, composer, and educator Alex Hahn.   Here, Alex shares his experience collaborating with Eastman on the development of the EAS 852 52nd Street Alto Saxophone.   In this episode:  00:00 Origins of the EAS 852 alto sax 02:11 The process of testing out the new prototypes 04:19 The importance of the saxophone neck 12:31 His process in setting his equipment right 14:46 Ryan Richman's goal for Alex 19:10 EAS 852 in a action 24:29 Testing the prototypes 27:43 The ergonomics compared to the first version or other horns 33:49 Alex as an educator 40:06 Upcoming projects   Explore more about Alex Hahn, his music, background, and socials here: https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-alex-hahn-introducing-the-new-eastman-eas-852-alto-saxophone-ep-276   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Patron today! 🥳 Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: ✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month! Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play?  To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music? That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence." Inside, you'll discover: How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note) And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense. Click HERE to watch the masterclass now while it's still available. 

What does it take to build a successful career as a saxophonist and multi-woodwind musician?   In Episode 275 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz welcomes Chad Smith, an accomplished Broadway saxophonist, multi-woodwind specialist, studio musician, and educator.   In this episode, Chad shares insights into his musical journey and discusses: 00:00 Musical background 05:18 How playing the piano helps as a saxophone player 09:10 How Chad got into music education 13:14 Total approach 21:50 Otto Link mpc in Met Opera 27:24 Importance of mouthpiece to your sound 38:52 How to double tongue 49:55 Single tonguing with efficiency 01:00:52 Listen and reflect to Sax Flight 01:02:57 Sax Flight - Each movement influenced by… 01:13:36 Vintage saxes vs. new 01:16:27 Playing in C melody   Explore more about Chad Smith-his music, background, and socials-all in one place: https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-chad-smith-what-piano-mouthpieces-tonguing-can-teach-you-about-saxophone-ep-275 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Patron today!  Love our content? Want even more behind-the-scenes access? By becoming a Patron, you'll get exclusive perks such as: ✅ A complete, always-updated listing of all our shows ✅ Bonus videos packed with behind-the-scenes content ✅ Searchable transcripts for every episode ✅ Early access to episodes— hear them before anyone else! Your support keeps the show running and fuels our ability to bring you the best content possible. And the best part? You can join for as little as $2 a month! Be part of something bigger. Join us on Patreon today! CLICK HERE Ever wonder what it would feel like to stop overthinking and just play?  To hear the changes, trust your instincts, and take confident, creative solos — even if you've always relied on the sheet music? That's exactly what you'll learn in the free masterclass called "How to Improvise With Confidence." Inside, you'll discover: How to simplify improvisation — so it works no matter your skill level The trick to creating solos on the spot (even if you were trained to read note-for-note) And how to actually make progress without getting stuck in the practice loop Thousands of sax players have already gone through it - and many say it's the first time improvising finally made sense. Click HERE to watch the masterclass now while it's still available.