mouthpiece woes

[Sexyhombre812]

Im currently using a phil Barone JAZZ mouthpiece 5m with a Alexander dc 3 and a bay lig, although it is a great piece, I feel im having some problems blending in with the band. See I usually play second and I play fantastic there and blend very well. But since the 1st player is busy doing another project, Ive been playing first for a couple of weeks and I always feel that I stick out and do not blend with the band, Im playing all the right notes at the right time in tune but for some reason when we're playing a fast swing piece i feel like I stick out too much. However, when I play a solo in the ballad song we're playing,with only piano drums and trombones behind me it sounds beautiful. Is my sound too different from my sax section, I would describe my tone as sweet and mellow and I only blend when I play these kind of pieces. Is it me or the mouthpiece? I love the way I sound when I practice, but I just wanna kill myself when im playin with the bandIs there any way i can get that loud big band sound. I was thinking about a softer reed and a mpc with a wider tip opening, but the mpc is going to have to cost under $100 cuz i got Christmas gifts to buy.:x Any suggestions? :cry:

[TMadness1013]

I believe this is something all big band saxophonists struggle with at one point or another - so you're not alone :)

First of all, I would talk with your director. Even if he's not a saxophonist he'll be able to tell you what he thinks. For all you know, you may be blending perfectly to the audience's ears. Hearing the band as a whole and hearing yourself playing in the section are very different. The director may also have some reccomendations for you - "I could use less/more edge on your sound, more/less volume, etc."

Also - talk with your section!! Figure out why you aren't getting that "section sound." Is everyone else playing a classical mouthpiece? a screaming Berg? Similar setups to your own? And be sure to ask them how they feel about your sound. Take time aside to just play as a saxophone section & work on soli's. Record it! Listen back...does it sound balanced??


Good luck!