[Cannonball & CmelGuy]

I never believed that I would get the chance to, but I finally get the oportunity to talk to a living legend! I sure hope I get to his master class early enough to get a front row seat. I sure hope I don't get tongue tied when the question period comes around.:silent: I just can't get over the fact he's coming way out here to the middle of nothing!

 

[Agent27]

1)Get there early to make sure you're front row center.
2)Take a notepad and pencil so you can write your questions down
3)I envy you

 

[Cannonball & CmelGuy]

I always remeber to think up questions before going in at least an hour and a half early. Also. if anybody wants, I can post recordings of the class as I always record master classes on mini disk.

 

[pth]

I went to a master class with Carter last spring. I wouldn't expect too much.

He walked into the class room while talking on his cell phone to a female airline attendant (or so he said) that he was trying to get with. He continued the conversation for about five minutes, complete with complicit winks and nods to the class. After getting off the phone, he carried on a self-centered monologue about his miraculous childhood introduction to the saxophone. This lasted 45 minutes to an hour. He then briefly spoke of the merits of doing your own simple sax repairs. Apparently he got bored listening to himself talk and started trying to elicit class participation. He said the he was always learning and that everything he learned informed his music. So he challenged the class to teach him something. No one responded. He then engaged a girl in the back of the room, asking her why she was there. She said that she was a dietetics major and had nothing better to do and had just dropped in. To which he responded "see we all have something to teach each other." This served as a segue for a fifteen minute monologue about why band members should eat together before a gig, and that eating Asian food on the road was a healthy option.

Finally he figured out that there was a rhythm section that had been waiting to do something. He asked for a volunteer to come up and play. In the ensuing hesitation he humiliated a legit sax prof who was too shy to take on the challenge of learning a thing or two from the master. After that the only person who responded was a singer to which he responded by saying that it is a real challenge to play with a singer. They noodled around with "The Girl From Ipanema" for fifteen to twenty minutes. Then the class was over.

If he spent 10 seconds preparing for that "master class" I would be surprised. He has great technique, but his playing leaves me unmoved, and IMHO he is one giant a**hole to boot. One can only hope that his character will grow up to match his technique.

Hope you have a MUCH better experience.

Reading over this, I find it hard to believe that what I described actually transpired. But no, I am certain that I was not dreaming or hallucinating.

 

[Pure Magic]

Who is this music mogul James Carter Please tell us how it comes out. It would be great to hear him in person. At least you know what kind of pads he uses, Roo Pads© LOL

 

[Cannonball & CmelGuy]

I'll be sure to ask him about the pads.

 

[sycc]

I do not know him personally but he is a "MONSTER" sax player. On all saxes!!!!I love his baritone playing!!!!!!

 

[CodyW]

pth your story is hilarious

 

[BayviewSax]

pth, your story is interesting, but not unique. Sadly, many "master classes" run like this. However, you state several times that the audience was less than participatory, and that can make a huge difference. I paid out of pocket to have a pro come talk to my students; I was expecting some major epiphany. Instead, he conducted a listening clinic. One could argue it was self-serving, and it certainly was not what I had expected when I cut the check. But here's the bright side: The students completely dug it, participated, and told me they learned a lot about how they listened. The audience will derive from a master class what it is willing to. Some of what you describe of JC's presentation seems to have been designed to get someone to participate. If the class failed to engage, shame on them, not James.

I had another series of "master class" sessions with one of the young NYC lions. It was complete BS, and while he was working with us on arrangements and such, his **** poor attitude and flaunted arrogance really impeded the learning process. That's my opinion, others, mostly younger kids, thought he was great. Most of the adults in camp thought he was (and is) an arrogant little punk. Lots of things factor into the assessment. I, for one, would like the opportunity to have a master class with JC. Good luck to the OP, and I hope you get as much out of it as you can.