Well have no fear, because a series of videos by sax player Roger Manins, will help you figure out how to play that elusive style that is so crucial to commercial and financial success. 😉
But you know what they say: before you can run, you first have to learn how to walk. So in this very first video, Roger begins with a few of the basics like clothing and scale choices.
So how was that? Was that educational? 😆
BTW, in between the humorous bits, there was quite a bit of truth. So if you’re looking to learn how to play the genre, don’t discount everything he says, just because the guy’s wearing a wife beater, a tacky Hawaiian shirt, and standing in front of a photo mural of the kind that last saw great popularity sometime around the 1970s. 😮
This video was intended has humour, and not as a serious exploration of the genre. (Gee, what gave it away?) 😈
If you would like to really learn how to play smooth jazz, listen to some players like Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, David Sanborn, Greg Vail, and yes, even Kenny G, etc. etc. Play along with them, and copy their style, their tone, and their embellishments.
Here’s something to keep in mind while you’re playing along with your favourite smooth jazz artist however: The sound you hear is achieved in the recording studio, and generally speaking a fair amount of reverb is added.
Another thing that will help you learn the style is to get a teacher. A real, live saxophone instructor who is familiar with smooth jazz, and can help you with the nuances of the genre.
I agree that getting hold of a teacher to learn the Smooth Jazz genre is a good move. To add to your content I would like to let you and other readers know that I’ve actually made a series of videos about playing smooth jazz sax too. I couldn’t find my Hawaiian shirt though;)
so, if your readers would be interested in more solid tips about playing smooth jazz sax I’d like to point them here: http://youtu.be/CkKn60AC7b8
Have a great day and PLAY ON!
//Greger