Russell Peck Missing

Even though this happened Sunday, I only was made aware of it today. Composer Russell Peck has been missing for 5 days. The worst is feared as the weather has been extremely bad in the area. Russell Peck has written for the Saxophone including Drastic Measures for Saxophone Quartet, and The Upward Stream for Tenor Saxophone and Orchestra.

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UPDATE:

According to Cliff Leaman on the NASA Forums Russell Peck body has found. I for one mourn his loss.

UPDATE:

Still not officially confirmed but its is strongly believed to be Russell Peck who was found.

News Link

UPDATE:

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Buescher Promotional Ad featuring Sigurd Rascher

While poking around YouTube I ran across this recently posted promotional film from the Buescher Saxophone company. According to the info on the video page it dates from the 1950's. In addition to Sigurd Rascher, it would appear to feature a very, very young Carina Rasher! It's like seeing his method books come to life. I'm pretty blown away with his quality of tone, and mastery of the altissimo register. The video is broken into 3 parts and totals about 27 minutes. Unfortunately embedding was disabled by the poster so you will just have to click through.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

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Something for Sunday

This is one of my favorite YouTube saxophone videos. The more times I watch it the more I realize this is what more "Classical" Saxophonists need to incorporate into their repertoire. Enjoy!

Nobuya Sugawa plays Beauty and the Beast medley.

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Thoughts on NAMM 2009

For those who aren't from Southern California, the NAMM show is a gigantic music trade show held every year in Anaheim. This was my first trip in a few years and I walked away very impressed with the so called "third tier" saxophones. I don't know what percentage of the market Selmer (Paris), and Yamaha represent but it is my anecdotal experience that it's huge. As much as I love my Yamaha saxes, I am a strong believer in competition and it's great that serious attempts are being made to produce great horns. I was particuraly impressed with the curved Sopranos that International Woodwind had. With an even and round tone, and most importantly, modern keywork they are a great option for someone looking for a unique look and sound, without breaking the bank. Other highlights were the new Phoenix Custom Z from Yamaha, the Selmer "Bird Editions" Flamingo, etc, P. Mauriat Saxophones, and a Kenny G branded horn. Please enjoy the video of myself trying to get a sound on the tiny, tiny, Soprillo Saxophone, as well as the G-man himself.

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Teaching Slap

When I was at Indiana University, I made it a goal one year to finally figure out how to flutter tongue, and another year how to circular breath. This summer I'm going to finally get my slap tongue up to par with the rest of the Jungle playing cool kids. I've run across these two resources and they've really helped me get pointed in the right direction. Not that I can't slap at all, it's just not that super-picky, ultra fast kind required on many of the newest saxophone works. The first one to check out is this video from the Ellipsos Quartet, and then for something to put on your stand print out this PDF from saxophonist Erik Rönmark.

UPDATE: It took about 3 or 4 months but using the techniques in video and PDF, I am now slapping successfully.

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