I want to introduce you to my fellow saxman and pal, DJ Wilkinson.

I’ve known DJ for some years; he and I are on the same circuit, selling our CDs at street fairs, art shows, etc.

DJ is a fun guy to know and be around, and his music really reflects his spirit.  His CDs cover a variety of styles, everything from rock ‘n roll to country to blues to gospel and then some.  Some of my favorite DJ music is from his CD, Night Train, a collection of Motown and boogie woogie tunes that he recorded in Nashville.  Check out this version of the old Jack Johnson blues standard called “Bootleg”:

Bootleg

Not only is DJ a talented sax player, he’s also a talented composer as well. Here’s a DJ song from his CD, Blow’n The Blues, called “Cruzin N Bluzin”:

Cruzin N Bluzin

DJ has, like me, been playin’ sax since he was a kid and comes from a music family. He recalls:

“I can’t remember when I was not around music of some kind. My mother played piano. She couldn’t read a note but man she could bang out some hot boogie woogie. Both of my older sisters played the piano also. Before I got my first sax, I had a flute, clarinet, trumpet and a cool fender guitar. None compared to my first sax. It was love at first honk.”

As I mentioned, DJ covers a lot of different styles. Here’s a listing of his current CD library:

• A Stroll Down Lover’s Lane – Easy listening 50s music offering a pleasing background ambiance that is perfect background music for entertaining or just kicking back and relaxing.
• Blow’n The Blues (With Blues You Can Use) – Blues music from the 30s to the 60s. Soulful and energetic, this blues just feels good.
• Cruzin’ With The Oldies – High energy, sax-powered rock and roll from the 50s and 60s. Always a best seller, from Blue Berry Hill to Proud Mary, this CD rocks!
• Classic Country Favorites – If you love the music of Patsy Cline, Eddie Arnold and Earnest Tubb (to name but a few), you are sure to enjoy this CD. It’ll take you back to when country was country.
• Night Train – Do you like Motown, Rhythm and Blues, or Boogie Woogie? If you do, then this is your CD! It’s HOT! Recorded live in Nashville with a little Memphis kick.
• Sunday Sax – If you’re looking for a little spiritual pick me up, then this CD may just do the trick. Sit back, relax, and get your church on while DJ plays some favorite gospel hymns.

So  if you like upbeat and spirited blues, country, gospel and rock n’ roll sax, you’re going to love DJ Wilkinson’s music.  Go take a listen, and enjoy!

Nothing makes a statement that you are a professional flautist like a gold flute. Owning one of these flutes is a sure sign that you are serious about your music. Gold flutes have a reputation for giving a warmer and deeper sound than other flutes, which is highly desirable. However, some flautists would argue that you can get a sound quality that is just as good from a flute made of sterling silver or platinum .

Regardless of which metal it is made of, a professional flute is open-holed and has a b-foot. While these features are essential, there are others that are optional and depend on the personal preference of the flute player. For example, some flutes have soldered holes while others have rolled holes. Either style is acceptable. Some flutes also have an offset G-key, which some flautists find more comfortable than the in-line type. This is purely a matter of personal preference.

One of the most important features of a professional flute is the responsiveness of the keys. They must spring back quickly when released. Professional flutes are usually made with sterling silver or platinum springs to improve the responsiveness of the keys. It is also important that the pads seat properly so that the holes are fully covered when the keys are depressed. No matter what type of metal the flute is made from, the pads must also fit over the holes exactly right with absolutely no leakage of air around them. Keeping the flute well-maintained will help ensure that the pads seal the holes properly when the keys are pressed. Leaking pads will result in poor sound.

When buying a flute, the best advice is to test several different makes and models before making a decision. There is not one specific model that is best for everyone. The sound produced on a flute is affected by many factors that vary from one flautist to another, such as diaphragm control and embouchure. The only way to know which one will suit you best is to play several and choose the one that gives the best sound. Read more about Emerson flute or Gemeinhardt flute.

You’ve got to love this guy’s tie, and his serene demeanor. I especially like the reflection of the ceiling fan on the bell of this beautiful big-ass sax. Oh, yes – the song is Sophisticated Lady. 9 octaves down.

Say what you want to about Bill Clinton (the real first black president), but you have to admire his balls!

My quest for finding a violin teacher finally ended. There was a student who was learning the violin, took up the task of teaching me as well. I began learning and finished a few lessons. But I was not enjoying them. They were a drag at some points of time. Maybe I was not a violin person. Then something struck me- Beginners piano lessons.

Wrapping up the old class, I started afresh. My new tutor was a talented professional. He knew his subject. I had no regrets, learning something I did not initially plan for. Of course, my first lessons were not a bed of roses, but they were not boring either. This will be clear, as I proceed with my article.

At first, expressions like clefts and notes, the middle C and octaves are unknown to an individual. Gradually they become a strong part of your memory and fail trying to forget them.

A musical staff and what it meant were explained by my teacher. Placement of fingers and the reasons for doing so were also discussed. How to locate a note or a key is also something I learn t. This proved to be very helpful.

Once you have familiarized yourself with previously mentioned terms, then scales and key signatures are simple concepts. Sharps and flats have to be given considerable importance . Here ends the second part of my learning.

How you utilize your fingers and how you place them while e playing, determines your quality, and should never be taken lightly. Keep on practicing and persevering and you will get there. There are no short cuts to this technique.

Play a song without any worries or stress. Being calm will better your music and it will sound harmonious. Use the keys in white more often. Hand co-ordination is also essential for accurate sounds and playability. These are some of the things you need to look out for in piano lessons for beginners.

Not using song or reference sheets for playing is difficult, but highly recommended. This leaves a lot of room for experimenting with music and its different applications. One is not bound by any kind of limitation. You can also use your voice for integrating sounds and tunes, and comparing results.

A student should know that the more he learns the better for him. He should not omit even tiny pieces of information. Finally, your love for music and your devotion towards it will portray your musical talent. And the most important part, asking the appropriate persons for advice or for lessons.