[OaklandBhoy]

Probably, like most sax players, I go through different phases of struggling with different aspect of my playing.

Right now, I'm struggling to reinvent my sound -- to make it lively, relevant, and interesting. I'm not concerned about the technical aspects of my playing. I can play what I want to play. But I find that go through cycles, where I think my sound, my expression, my articulation and emotional content is good, and then I go through periods where I think I suck -- that my sound is plain, and uninteresting. When I go through these periods people still say they enjoy hearing me, and bands still want me to play with them, but I also can't help thinking about Groucho Marx' words that "I wouldn't want to be part of any club that would have me as a member".

So, I was wondering what other people periodically struggle with, with their playing, or whether you think your playing is great, and never waver from that?

 

[artstove]

Improvising and playing by ear. An ongoing issue.

 

[Swaman]

Playing altissimo F# & G on soprano. Just because it's there.

 

[Save Trees]

My sound. Some days I like, and some days It's just acceptable. I want it be darker, and more round, but it's a constant work in progress.

Also, Opus. 87 and Sonata are my main challenges right now.

 

[Gary59]

Along with my sound and altissimo, working on technique

 

[dogbert]

My neck (not the one made from brass ...)

 

[jrvinson45]

A $5000 veterinarian bill... don't say it. Family pet.

 

[adamk]

The old "How far in/out do I place the mouthpiece?" game.

 

[piwikiwi]

I have an identity crisis, I don't know what I should sound like, should I sound warm and bluesy or more like early Light and soft(early zoot sims). I just had a major breakthrough with improvising so for the first time I feel like I hear what I'm doing instead of just knowing what to play on a theoretical level.

 

[DrWill]

Flutter tonguing - I'm playing in an R&R band and the two sax featues are Tequila and Honky Tonk, both of which employ flutter tonguing to great effect.

I'm making slow progress.

 

[mi000ke]

Trying to improvise with a point rather than just playing harmonically correct notes. Playing interesting phrases and sentences instead of entire paragraphs. Playing the silence.

 

[LateNiteSax]

I myself am a sort of chameleon. Like Branford, with whom I share a birthday. On any given day Ill be in a Getz mood, or a Rollins mood or Brecker mood, and depending on the playing situation some of each will come out. You need to play what you feel and not worry about who you should or do sound like. The important thing is the have your ideas flowing, coherent and resolving like these masters all do, not to mention their technical skills and the X factor they all play with that gives them a specialness.

I have an identity crisis, I don't know what I should sound like, should I sound warm and bluesy or more like early Light and soft(early zoot sims). I just had a major breakthrough with improvising so for the first time I feel like I hear what I'm doing instead of just knowing what to play on a theoretical level.

 

[dexdex]

As usual: the low end on tenor. Everything below D, the bow and bell notes.

 

[jlima]

Trying to get the tone I have in my head to come out through the horn.

 

[jazzcatJr95]

playing fast notes in time and even (ie. 16th and 32nd notes) as well as improvizing by chord and having it makes sense rather than just playing over a single scale.

And Sonata for Eb saxophone and piano by Paul Creston

 

[jazzcatJr95]

As usual: the low end on tenor. Everything below D, the bow and bell notes.

also, dexdex, i find it that when playing the lower end of the tenor it helps to slightly push up with your thumb on the lowere peg thingy. it helps support the note and get it out easier so you can work with it a little easier

 

[BigSaxCo1]

I have the slightest bit of trouble with toungeing. I can't really do it quickly and I'm afraid to meet that one piece of music that requires quick toungeing.

 

[saxmaam]

Getting my swing feel back.

 

[BrianL3661]

Getting used to my new saxophone.
Controlling my sound.
Practice disciplines
Dynamic control
Getting that edgy, soul/R&B (Lenny Pickett) kind of sound for a certain piece.
Headaches

 

[piwikiwi]

I myself am a sort of chameleon. Like Branford, with whom I share a birthday. On any given day Ill be in a Getz mood, or a Rollins mood or Brecker mood, and depending on the playing situation some of each will come out. You need to play what you feel and not worry about who you should or do sound like. The important thing is the have your ideas flowing, coherent and resolving like these masters all do, not to mention their technical skills and the X factor they all play with that gives them a specialness.

Yeah but it's quite hard to get a bluesy sound with the set up that I play and my high notes doesn't sound as good with a tone edge. But thanks for the advice!

Great thread btw.