"Five Long Years" with Colin James…getting that 1980's Sax sound?

[Michael]

Hi Johnny,
Some months ago, I remember reading a post on your forum where we we’re talking about the days you played with Colin James, and I read where you had talked about getting that 1980’s Sax sound in your playing. I can hear Reverb in the video–adds a very cool effect–but to get that very distinct sound in your playing, you didn’t have to use a different kind of reed the other than the Javas or anything like that? I know you’ve mentioned that you have used this Reed for many, many years. I think they’re great with the Guardala Studio MP that I have used since last year…but there’s always that one reed that plays awesome and will last forever while the others don’t play as good. Do you ever use any kind of tool to adjust your reeds so that they play better?

[john]

I think it was Jake that said he really loved the 80’s sax sound but in the 80’s I wasn’t trying to get an 80’s sax sound, if you know what I mean…
The sound of recording has to do with the production. The 80’s overall sound had a definite thing to it but my sax sound has nothing to do with the 80’s.
I have been playing the same the whole time. I don’t change my set up. I don’t want you to confuse a player’s sound with the sound of a recording production in general. You can listen to David Sanborn, one of the most recorded saxophonists ever, from David Bowie’s Young Americans from the 70’s through to today. His tone doesn’t change from decade to decade but possible the recording effects the producer uses can change, ultimately changing his sound.

[Michael]

That makes a lot of sense..I remembered some kind of question someone had about it, but couldn’t quite remember what your take on it was. I can hear loads of reverb in this video. In my new editing software that I’ll put to use for uploads starting in about a week, I now have the ability to use some tools like reverb; will be interesting to see how it turns out and have some fun with it. At the same time, I think there are big advantages to doing just “raw” uploads for you to critique….every mistake we make is magnified on a raw, unedited video.

[john]

Remember when using effects, just because we have one doesn’t mean we have to over-use it. they are meant to enhance a voice or instrument, not show off the fact that we have one!

[Michael]

Exactly….I had just planned on adding just a LITTLE bit of reverb and that was basically about it; just as a supplement to give it a pleasing effect. I have seen those kinds of videos on youtube that overdue it and I don’t like them…to me it’s kind of like wearing a mask of sorts and it’s not real; who knows how many mistakes they made in their playing and all’s they do is edit and produce it in a way to cover up those mistakes? Actually, some years ago my nephew had thought about doing an audition for “America’s got talent” and, if you read on their websites, he says they actually prefer raw, unedited videos v.s. edited. I can see where they would be coming from there.

[jake]

Yup, that was me looking for that 80’s BUZZ here in the new century. LOL. I’m actually hearing a little more every now and then while playing, must be its finally starting to come out a little bit. Bit of advice to all, be patient and persistent!! I’m just loving the sax! Got my 1st “PAID” gig coming up May 17th!! So exciting. Never thought I would be doing that when I started playing this beast only 2.5 years ago. I started out because it looked cool and I just wanted to play, never intended of gigging with it. Amazing where this adventure can take us!!
I can’t wait for your new course Johnny! I have been playing like crazy to prepare for this show! I love our mix but it will be so fun when I can have my guitar player just play and to be able to improvise away having fun! Right now I am working on many lead solos (written out by ear) which is great practice for me. So many of the songs we are playing didn’t have sax in them originally! I actually learned the lead solo to the end of Hotel California!!! Talk about a fun solo there, that’s a beast!! Hope it’s not too big of an issue but I plan on using all 3 of the saxes for this gig. Each sax brings its own uniqueness to each song.
Can’t wait to see the new saxophones in action Michael! You gotta be loving them! I’m hoping to move into a new tenor at some point later this year.
Cheers all!!

[Anonymous]

Thats cool Jake – see if you csn
upload some music from the Gig!
Seems like everyones got great
news – i’ve been invited to play
along in a jazz/swing band in a
few weeks time – so it’l be the
1st time for me playing the sax
in a band.

[Michael]

Being patient and persistent is always good advice Jake…and I most certainly welcome anyone’s advice/insights for sure. Without it, we don’t grow. That’s awesome news about your gig, we just never know where music (not just the Saxophone) can take someone; new places and friends. In the way of a reminder: As busy as you are practicing and getting ready for your gig, PLEASE DON’T FORGET about us having another go at our duet with “And I Love Her”…I would like to do another duet with you on your Bari too later on. In listening to us playing, in the backing up playing I see what the problem happened when we went from one key to another in the backing vocals; we didn’t account for the difference in Major/minor intervals. Speaking for myself, at that time I had just started learning about Improvising and it was something that we just both overlooked…growing pains LOL Let me have a go and writing some Improvised backing playing for this second go and I’ll e-mail them to you. Let’s plan on working on this together after your gig, how does that sound? It would be good timing for me too because of us being in the process of moving into our new place…..no little thing by any means on top of working and regular Saxophone practice to say the least. On the positive end, we’ve had friends/family help us pack and move things too….I have to reward them with, at the very least, Large Pizzas, Drinks and Nachos from the local delivery shop every time they come and help LOL
Am I enjoying my new Saxophones? That’s an understatement to say the least. They completely blow away anything I expected…Trevor James Saxophones are that good and if you’ll be in the hunt for a Tenor, I strongly encourage you to, at the very least, check them out. I’ll be uploading with them in about a week, just waiting for my Custom MBII to arrive; suppose to arrive tomorrow or Friday and I’ll post pics of it on the forum. I wanted to get a Theo Wanne for the Tenor too but it will have to wait till later this year….they’re very expensive.

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