Saxophonist Mark Hartsuch; 3 Tenets of Being a Great Musician, Plus Tips on Tone and Improvisation

Update: 2024-12-12

Description

Saxophonist Mark Hartsuch has differentiated himself by producing amazing horn section recordings and live performances for the world’s top artists. He is most well known for working with India’s top music director, AR Rahman, both in live performance and studio productions. His other collaborations include Ranjit Barot, Mohini Dey, Mr. Eazi, Cece Winans, Bebe Winans, TV networks such as Disney and AE, and others.

Mark attended the University of North Texas where he performed in the Grammy nominated One O’Clock Lab Band on Lab 2014 and Lab 2015.

Mark is most known for being the founding member, primary composer and arranger of the Dallas Horns, a 3-piece horn section that specializes in tight, funky horn lines.

In 2017, the Dallas Horns traveled to India and performed with legendary Indian musicians Louiz Banks, Gino Banks, Rhythm Shaw and others.

They also served as the Horn section for the Grammy and Oscar winning artist, AR Rahman.

The group also traveled to Qatar for the first and only performance held prior to the 2022 World Cup.

Mark’s newest album, India Jazz Casual, is available on Bandcamp HERE.

Mark Hartsuch is an endorsed artist with JodyJazz Mouthpieces, Gard Bags, Roland Instruments (AE-30).

Get access to Mark's links on our site: https://saxophonepodcast.com

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 His introduction to music and how it became his solace

07:44 Differences in trumpet and saxophone playing styles

10:35 Transitioning to professional music

13:40 Experiencing the music industry

20:15 How he got into Indian music

27:20 The different vibe and swing in India

37:15 Mark’s standard of knowing a jazz standard

38:50 How Indian musicians play over the bar line

43:33 Music for musicians vs for the people

45:17 The challenge of balancing artistic integrity

48:31 Changes in popular music trends

51:17 Timelessness of classic songs

54:41 Interplay between melody and color using the song All of Me

56:10 Function of a horn arrangement

01:00:00 3 tenets of great musicians

01:01:06 Developing a full-stack show

01:03:49 The economics of performing

01:07:28 The reality of live performances

01:15:00 Advice for musicians

01:26:14 The intricacy that involves music production

01:34:58 The financial realities of music

01:43:39 The reality of the music industry

01:54:23 Pedagogical approaches to teaching

01:56:14 Developing a comfortable setup

01:59:16 The role of voicing in playing

02:05:42 Understanding air pressure in playing

02:06:29 The role of tongue position in playing

02:12:04 The role of doodle tonguing

02:21:28 The role of the oral cavity in sound production

02:24:34 The importance of enclosures in Bebop and the role of chromatic passing tones

02:33:43 Upcoming Performances and Collaborations

02:36:59 The Decision to Move to Nashville

This show was sponsored by the Improvisation Made Easy Elite Coaching Program. If you’re a saxophonist with some experience improvising, and you just don’t know what and how to practice to get better at improvisation, Click HERE to book your Free Strategy Session call to get clarity on your next steps.