Everything Saxophone Podcast

What does it take to develop a signature sound and keep growing as a saxophonist?   In this episode of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz talks with multi-platinum saxophonist, composer, and producer Boney James about his musical journey, his approach to playing soulfully and authentically, and the story behind his new album, A Simple Man .   With more than three decades in the music...

What can curiosity do for your saxophone career?   For saxophonist, bandleader, and composer Nick Gomez, it has led to dream gigs, touring opportunities, film and TV work, and even building his own technology for musicians.   In this episode of Everything Saxophone Podcast , Nick Gomez takes us through his journey as a saxophonist, from getting started in music and attending Berklee College of Mus...

What does it take to create a saxophone that delivers exceptional tone while still feeling natural and comfortable to play?   In this episode of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz sits down with Grammy Award-winning saxophonist, composer, and educator Alex Hahn.   Here, Alex shares his experience collaborating with Eastman on the development of the EAS 852 52nd Street Alto Saxophone....

What does it take to build a successful career as a saxophonist and multi-woodwind musician?   In Episode 275 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz welcomes Chad Smith, an accomplished Broadway saxophonist, multi-woodwind specialist, studio musician, and educator.   In this episode, Chad shares insights into his musical journey and discusses: 00:00 Musical background 05:18 How playin...

What does it take to perform on some of the world's biggest stages while continuing to grow as a musician and educator?   In this episode of the Everything Saxophone Podcast , Donna Schwartz sits down with acclaimed saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator Steve Kortyka to discuss his musical journey, performing with legendary artists, the discipline required to succeed, and his biggest advic...

How do you prepare for a performance like an Olympic athlete?   In Episode 273 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast , Greg Banaszak shares his disciplined approach to performing, practicing, and thriving as both a classical and jazz saxophonist.   00:00 - Greg's approach to working on the Bird With Strings project 15:56 - His mindset in playing both classical and jazz 20:58 - Tips for transcribing...

What does it mean to use music as both an artistic outlet and a way to make an impact?   In Episode 272 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, host Donna Schwartz sits down with acclaimed saxophonist Nick May to explore the experiences, ideas, and techniques that have shaped his career.   Nick reflects on his musical beginnings and the moment he decided to pursue the saxophone more seriously. Along...

In Episode 271 of Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna sit down with legendary tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb, whose remarkable career has spanned jazz clubs, television studios, recording sessions, and some of the most iconic albums in music history.   In this episode, Donna and Pete talked about: 00:00 His encounter with Chet Baker 06:46 Violin as his first instrument 16:37 Playing with Eddie...

Nicole Johänntgen joins Donna on Episode 270 of The Everything Saxophone Podcast!   Nicole is an internationally acclaimed saxophonist, composer, educator, entrepreneur, and one of the most influential saxophone creators on social media today. In this conversation, she shares her musical journey, teaching philosophy, and practical insights for saxophonists looking to improve their playing and crea...

Classical saxophone icon Dale Underwood joins us for Episode 269 of the Saxophone Podcast.   A frequent guest soloist with major orchestras including the Boston Pops Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra, Dale Underwood has built one of the most respected careers in the saxophone world.   From Carnegie Hall performances to decades with the United States Navy Band, his influence on classica...

What does it really take to find your sound in today's jazz world?   In Ep. 268, saxophonist Christoph Irniger shares his journey; from his musical beginnings to developing a personal voice through composition, tone, and deep listening.   Below is a detailed timestamp to guide your listening: 00:00 Musical beginning 11:30 Books that helped his playing 13:32 Artists that inspired him 26:10 Feeling...

How being different can actually be your biggest advantage .   In Episode 267 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna sat down with saxophonist and composer Shawn Maxwell to talk about carving your own path and why leaning into what makes you different can propel your career forward.   Shawn shares his journey from classical beginnings to discovering improvisation, and how that shift reshaped h...

What does it mean to improvise melodically? 🎷   In this new episode, Donna sat down with legendary saxophonist Steve Wilson to talk about his melodic approach to improvisation, his decades-long career, and the musical ideas that continue to shape his playing.   With more than 175 recordings and collaborations with artists like Chick Corea and Christian McBride, Steve shares invaluable insights fo...

What does it really take to become a versatile, fearless saxophonist in today's music scene?   In Episode 265 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast , Donna sits down with Chris Ward , also known as The Saxophone Warrior , for a wide-ranging conversation about musicianship, discipline, creativity, and pushing beyond traditional boundaries.   F ind exactly what you're looking for in the episode by usi...

What really makes a saxophone sound: the player, the lacquer… or even the stones?   In Episode 264 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz sits down live at the NAMM Show 2026 with Dr. Randal Clark to talk about the Award-Winning Black Sapphire Cannonball Saxophone and the exciting new releases from Cannonball Instruments.   ⬇️ Jump to your favorite moments using the time markers below...

Trevor James Saxophones unveils exciting new models at the NAMM Show 2026!   In this episode, Donna sits down with Sandro Massullo to explore the brand-new Soprano EVO Intermediate Saxophone, the upcoming Pro Model prototype, and the impressive Low A Intermediate EVO Baritone Sax.   Donna shares what she personally loves about the Trevor James plus we also take a closer look at the thoughtfully de...

Our third episode recorded live at NAMM Show 2026 is here, and this one dives deep into mouthpiece design with Jody Espina of JodyJazz !   In Episode 262 , Jody introduces the new Quasar Alto Sax Mouthpiece , demos it in real time, and explains the thinking behind its sound, response, and altissimo-friendly design. You'll also hear a standout demo from Baron Raymonde , plus one of your Patreon que...

Live from NAMM Show 2026 : Donna sat down with Matt Ambrose , Chief Machinist and CAD Designer at Theo Wanne Saxophone Mouthpieces , to talk about the new partnership with JJ Babbitt and what it means for the future of some of the most iconic saxophone mouthpieces ever made.   Donna and Matt talked about the classic Otto Link models, hard rubber vs. metal mouthpieces, modern production techniques,...

Recorded at the 2026 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California , Donna sits down with saxophonist and educator Jeremiah True at the P. Mauriat booth to talk about what's new for sax players in 2026. In this episode, Jeremiah shares insight into: 00:00 Introductions 00:48 Introducing the Black Lacquer Alto and Tenor Saxes 03:15 An exciting new collaboration with Boston Sax Shop 05:50 Boston Sax Shop Accesso...

Donna is joined by Wesley Smith, a saxophonist, composer, and educator , for an intimate, in-depth discussion you won't hear anywhere else. Together, they slow things down, listen deeply, and unpack the thinking behind the music.   👉 Inside, you'll hear: 00:00 Introduction 08:06 Listen and reflect to "We the Funky" part 1 10:53 Tip from a Kenny Garrett Masterclass that impacted Wes' future compos...

Ep 258 of Everything Saxophone features saxophonist, vocalist, and bandleader Augie Bello in conversation with Donna Schwartz. This episode focuses on musicianship, discipline, and continuous growth as a saxophonist.   Below is a detailed timestamp guide to help you navigate the key highlights of our conversation with Augie Bello: 00:00 How Donna and Augie met and became close 08:25 People that in...

Our final new episode of the year! 🥳   In this inspiring year-end conversation, Donna sits down with saxophonist Sergeant Seth Ebersole , baritone saxophonist with the Airmen of Note, to talk about mindset, practice, creativity, and the poetic influences behind his music, including his upcoming piece "Dear Emily."   ⬇️ Find exactly what you're looking for in the episode by using the timestamps be...

In Episode 256 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast , Donna Schwartz sits down with the brilliantly innovative Andrew Hadro , whose approach to sound, texture, and baritone sax will leave you thinking long after the episode ends.   Below is a detailed timestamp guide to help you navigate the key highlights of our conversation with Andrew Hadro:    00:00 Inspiration behind his new album 'Arch Music'...

This week, Donna sits down with Paul Maslin , founder of PM Woodwind Repair and one of the most trusted names in the saxophone world. Paul's shop has been a go-to spot for pros and enthusiasts alike for over 30 years, and in this episode, he shares how he built a community around quality, craftsmanship, and love for the instrument.   ⬇️ You'll hear: 00:00 How he got into music and schools he went...

Meet The Moanin' Frogs , a dynamic saxophone sextet blending classical, jazz, ragtime, and pop with unmatched energy and creativity.   In this episode, they share their journey, the story behind their name, their new album One Giant Leap , and what makes chamber music so fun and expressive.   Below is a detailed timestamp to help you navigate the key highlights of our conversation with The Moanin'...