Everything Saxophone Podcast

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'...

From being afraid of improvisation to becoming one of the UK's most innovative saxophonists, Harben Kay takes us through their journey in music — mentors, heroes, practice routines, composing, and the inspiration behind their brand-new album The World I Live In (out Oct 3, 2025). Below is a detailed timestamp guide to help you navigate the key highlights of our conversation with Harben Kay ⬇️ 00:0...

In this episode of the  Everything Saxophone Podcast , host Donna Schwartz sits down with Dr. David Cutler , author, musician, educator, and creative entrepreneur, to talk about music, innovation, and the entrepreneurial mindset musicians need today.   Find exactly what you're looking for in the episode by using the timestamps below ⬇️ 00:00 His musical beginnings 05:51 The most important question...

On this episode of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna welcomes award-winning saxophonist and educator Dr. Woody Witt, fresh off the release of his latest album, Awakening . Here are the timestamps for your convenience; jump to the parts of our conversation with Dr. Woody Witt that interest you most! 00:00 What keeps Woody busy right now 05:27 House concerts and its benefits 10:45 What inspire...

Saxophonist and composer David Bixler joins host Donna Schwartz on the ep. 250 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast to share his musical journey, creative insights , and more! Below is a detailed timestamp guide to help you navigate the key highlights of our conversation with David Bixler: 00:00 How he got into music  06:17 Mentors and inspirations while starting out 12:44 What made him move to New...

In Episode 249 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, hosted by Donna Schwartz, rising star, baritone saxophonist Jimmy Farace , joins us for a conversation about storytelling through music, his influences, and his newly released debut album. Below is a detailed timestamp guide to help you navigate the key highlights of our conversation with Jimmy Farace: 00:00 - His introduction to music 04:13 - Ma...

In Episode 248 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, host Donna Schwartz sits down with saxophonist, educator, and composer Dr. Randal Clark for an inspiring conversation about music, artistry, and education. Here's a guided timestamp to check out the highlights of this episode with Dr. Randal Clark —perfect if you want to jump straight to the parts that resonate most with you. 00:00 - Musical begi...