Playing lead alto saxophone is an extremely fun and rewarding experience. I’ve had my share of challenges over the years developing into a confident lead alto player. Having a mostly classical background playing the saxophone...I had an interesting time when I was assigned to play lead alto in my college jazz band my freshman year. Below are five tips that can hopefully help you so you don’t have to learn things the hard way as I did (for more elaboration on each topic...check out my YouTube video below)...
Click here for an excellent resource!
1)Don’t play too soft
2)Don’t play too loud
3)Scoop notes less than you think you should
4)Be Consistent (rhythm and intonation)
5)Learn your doubles (check out the video here and here)
List of lead alto saxophone players:
Marshall Royal
Dick Oatts
Phil Woods
Dan Higgins
Eric Marienthal
Tyler Kuebler
Jim Riggs
List of lead alto tunes (check out the sax soli sections)
Oh Soul Mio - Count Basie
The Groove Merchant - Mel Lewis and Thad Jones
Little Pixie II - Mel Lewis and Thad Jones
Mission to Moscow - Glenn Miller
You Didn’t Know Me When - Harry Connick, Jr
The Old Country - Nat Adderley
Beautiful Maria of My Soul - Mambo All Stars