JEFF: Thanks for the tips man…that was just done with my daughter’s mobile, quick and last minute on the spot. I made this video because I got “tired” of responding to many e-mails, just don’t have the time so here’s a video for everyone LOL What I mean is on facebook alone, over the last month, I’ve made almost 1,000 friends in the music world alone…yes, I said 1,000!!! I posted the video collab I did with my guitar friend on there and the requests started coming, freaked me out! Just yesterday I got booked to do a benefit concert for the Challenged Outdoorsmen of American in June 11th here in Arkansas for folks who have disabilities; THEY contacted me…can you believe that?!? My new Sax instructor set that up for me, he said he had connections. I don’t expect ANYONE to do my ANY favors. Very cool and encouraging that these people actually WANTS to hear me playing, wants to hear the Altissimo, the Blues, etc.. LOL Seems like no matter where you go, people just can’t get enough of hear Blues, Rock, etc.. on the Sax…there’s very little other kinds of music that can compare with it (in my little opinion anyway LOL) With my webcam that I use to make videos–I don’t use the mobile, it’s real “shaky” as you can see–I have the ability to control all of those things you brought out….they’re a must as you mentioned. In terms of when uploads are going to re-start (I was doing them pretty regularly before), Wayne and I we’re working on a Collab together as he was having some technical issues with technology and I was trying to help him with those issues. As soon as my reeds come in the mail–ordering them next week–then I’ll start to upload again, probably around late this month. Speaking of uploads Jeff, would love to see you upload something too..we all need the encouragement. Sorry if you uploaded something and I missed it.
JOHNNY: I’m tempted to call the FBI LOL I wouldn’t say I’m diving deep into the MP scene, but my new Instructor (looked LONG AND HARD for one locally, always came up empty handed) took one look at me playing and basically said along the lines “I got just what you need” I connected with it instantly 🙂 I told you about his take on the “Good, Bad and Ugly” of my playing in my e-mail to you LOL For the most part, he just didn’t like the MP I was using–which the more I used it I came to the realization it wasn’t working either. He said I had a lot to be happy/proud about in terms of how far I’ve come, but brought out regardless of how many things a player can do on his Sax, despite the fact that I have 2 Trevor James Saxophones, without the right MP you’re NOT going to get a good sound…period. But he assured me that my playing was NOT bad by saying that LOL . The good news is that the few things he brought out hadn’t become bad habits, but without the proper help the COULD have become bad habits. I’m just really, really glad I found him when I did. Being THE MAIN instructor from UALR, I was afraid he was going to be an intellectual, die-hard jazz/classical theorist….please no one misunderstand where I’m coming from when I say that; there’s nothing wrong with Jazz/Classical music guys! That’s not what I mean at all. I just meant that, taking in mind where I’m at and where I want to go, I was afraid we would not “connect”. He just assured me that he does what he does because it’s a job, but that DOESN’T mean that’s who he is as a person. He then took my Sax and played and just KILLED it in front of me. I then realized I was in good hands 🙂 Speaking of private lessons Johnny, if you ever decide to open that up again, please contact me. I had intended to do more with you but this past year just had so, so much going on with helping my bro-in-law, moving into a new house, etc.. I’m amazed I even got regular practice in.
SXPOET: I’ve always recognized the value the having a good teacher…if anyone thinks for one moment I just stay at home, learn to play alone, etc.. they are COMPLETELY wrong. I don’t know of ANYONE who can pull that off, and if you can like I said above you’re crazy gifted!!! If I remember right, Johnny even needed help in the beginning..that’s just the way it is. As the saying goes “A blind man can’t lead a blind man: But if I may kindly suggest something–and this is something that was said to me through my new Instructor–DO NOT hold back from recording yourself, uploading to youtube, sharing videos with friends, etc.. As he compared it to a “mirror” and the mirror is never wrong! It reveals things to us that we can’t see ourselves when practicing and playing. It has NOTHING to do with “proving” anything to anyone..it’s all about ENCOURAGING others. The fact is that we learn A LOT by watching/hearing other players…can you imagine if Johnny never uploaded anything?!? Where would the rest of us be?!? Most of us wouldn’t even be on this site! I could have MOST CERTAINLY used your help/encouragement when I was going through the Altissimo course. I don’t hold back from hitting those notes, even it’s not always perfect! I upload them for other members to see, so that they can get the encouragement/help they need. For those of us who struggle with things, need help with things, etc.. one of the absolute best things we can do to HELP others on this site is to upload videos of our playing. But more than anything, it’s a ‘mirror’ for us, and the mirror ALWAYS reveals the truth 🙂