Saxophonist, composer, and educator David Bixler talked about his powerful recording, The Langston Hughes Project Vol. 1, released on Tiger Turn Records in January 2025. In answer to the purpose of this project, in Bixler’s own words he says: “I chose [Hughes’] poems that particularly spoke to me about topics that I care about. In […] The post Saxo…

Ten years after his release Flip-Flop, John Yao returns with Points of Time, a new recording that showcases his significant growth as both a composer and improviser. The album draws inspiration from deeply personal experiences, specifically his wife's battle with cancer and the subsequent birth of their son after her recovery. Yao has brought toget…

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. Drawn to the baritone sax from an early age, Farace has developed a deeply expressive sound that’s earned prai…

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. Timing is everything, just because something isn’t working right now doesn’t mean that the experience that you gain from it isn’t going to be …

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…

Tenor saxophonist Rico Jones's debut recording, Bloodlines, is a thoughtful exploration of his Latino and indigenous heritage. Recorded live at Ornithology in Brooklyn, the album features Jones alongside guitarist Max Light, and veteran musicians Joe Martin on bass and Nasheet Waits on drums. In this episode of LINER NOTES, Jones reflects on his qu…

In Episode 247 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz sits down with internationally renowned saxophonist, composer, and ECM recording artist Andy Sheppard. “Don’t think when you play; think when you practice” A true giant of European jazz, Andy is one of the few British saxophonists to make a lasting mark on the global scene. […] The …

In Episode 247 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna Schwartz sits down with internationally renowned saxophonist, composer, and ECM recording artist Andy Sheppard. Here’s a guided timestamp to check out the highlights of the episode — perfect if you want to jump straight to the parts that resonate most with you. 00:00 - Leaving art school and…

In this episode we had the incredible honor of hosting Ted Klum himself alongside product manager Michael Howe from Ted Klum Mouthpieces! Those who play them, know. That’s been the motto for Ted Klum’s company for a long time and with good reason. Ted Klum Mouthpieces is the manufacturer of the world’s finest handcrafted mouthpieces for alto, tenor…

In this episode we had the incredible honor of hosting Ted Klum himself alongside product manager Michael Howe from Ted Klum Mouthpieces! This episode is pure GOLD! Here’s a guided timestamp to check out the highlights of the episode — perfect if you want to jump straight to the parts that resonate most with you. 00:00 - How Ted Klum started his co…

In this episode, we uncover one of Oregon's most surprising World War II stories: the only mainland U.S. bombing by enemy aircraft. In 1942, a Japanese pilot launched from a submarine off the coast of Brookings and dropped incendiary bombs on Mt. Emily, aiming to spark chaos and forest fires. Decades later, the same pilot returned to Brookings not …

Tenor saxophonist Rich Perry might be most recognized from his long term associations with both the Maria Schneider and Vanguard Jazz Orchestras, but where he truly shines is fronting his quartet with pianist Gary Versace, bassist Jay Anderson, and Vanguard band mate John Riley on drums and cymbals. In this episode of LINER NOTES we discuss the mus…

In this conversation, saxophonist Dan White reflects on his journey from a young student learning 50 tunes by ear to earning a music degree at Ohio State and touring professionally. Here’s a guided timestamp to check out the highlights of the episode — perfect if you want to jump straight to the parts that resonate most with you. 00:00 - His first …

Everything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, spoke with Leah Concialdi, Saxophonist, about how to authentically pitch yourself. Leah Concialdi is a dynamic force in today’s music landscape, known for her versatility both on and off the stage. With dual degrees in classical performance and music education, she brings a deep well of knowledge t…

Everything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, spoke with Leah Concialdi, Saxophonist, about how to authentically pitch yourself. Leah opens up about playing bari sax at massive pop gigs, wireless mic tips for saxophonists, Fela Kuti’s influence on her music and many more! ✨ Here's what we've talked about: 🎷 Musical beginning 🎷 Pop gig preparat…

Known for his many exploratory projects, percussionist Adam Rudolph’s latest recording, Beingness, features saxophonist Dave Liebman and drummer Billy Hart. The music was recorded over two nights from a residency at New York City’s Stone and captures three venerated musicians in selfless conversation. In this episode of LINER NOTES Adam shares insi…

Everything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, spoke with Reggie Padilla, Saxophonist and Author, about how being versatile created amazing opportunities. Donna sits down with the incredibly versatile saxophonist Reggie Padilla to dive deep into his musical path — from surfing with a sax to creating his EP First Light, his etude book Reflecting…

Everything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, spoke with Reggie Padilla, Saxophonist and Author, about how being versatile created amazing opportunities. Donna sits down with the incredibly versatile saxophonist Reggie Padilla to dive deep into his musical path — from surfing with a sax to creating his EP First Light, his etude book Reflecting…

Meet David Toste, or "Toast" as we call him at Dirty Freehub. In today’s episode, Toast and I discuss about the inspirations and challenges cycling with multiple sclerosis a condition that has shaped his journey into gravel cycling. Instead of focusing on limitations, he celebrate what his body can do—when he can do it. In this episode, David share…

All Access Episode #3 In this episode of The Connection, we sit down with Giselle Distad to hear her inspiring story of recovery and resilience after donating a kidney to her father. She shares how cycling became a vital part of her healing process, reconnecting her with nature, art, and the community in Central Oregon. Giselle opens up about the p…

All Access Episode #2 In this inspiring episode of The Connection, Geoff Babb shares his journey of overcoming a life-changing stroke and the challenges of adapting to outdoor adventures with a disability. He discusses the creation of the AdvenChair and his groundbreaking expedition through the Grand Canyon, featured in the film Dream Boldly. Geoff…

Everything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, spoke with Dr. Scott Litroff, Saxophonist, Educator, about how to be an effective performer. This week on the podcast, Donna sits down with the incredible Dr. Scott Litroff—who shares his journey from picking up the violin to finding his true voice on the sax. It all started with a […] The post Sax…

Ever wondered how a violinist 🎻 became a master of the saxophone 🎷? This week on the podcast, Donna sits down with the incredible Dr. Scott Litroff—who shares his journey from picking up the violin to finding his true voice on the sax. It all started with a moment of inspiration (and a little nudge from Perry Goldstein), but what truly set Scott ap…

All Access Episode #1 In this episode of The Connection, we chat with professional photographer and cyclist, Don Miller, to discuss the joys and challenges of cycling with age. Don shares insights on the benefits of e-bikes, gravel cycling, and the importance of maintaining a social, enjoyable pace while riding. Tune in for a conversation about all…

Pianist Eric Reed calls on tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, trumpeter Nicholas Payton, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Joe Farnsworth to join him on his new recording Out Late on Smoke Sessions Records. The record, which will be available on May 16, features seven originals that were intended to get this group of well-known musicians out of …

Everything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, spoke with Jason Gay, Saxophonist, Clinician, Author, about how embracing jazz history shaped his performing career. Jason Gay is a highly sought-after saxophonist, bandleader, teacher, and clinician based in Honolulu, Hawaii. With a career spanning decades, Jason has built a reputation as a versat…

We’re back! 🎷🎙️ After a short break, Everything Saxophone Podcast returns with an incredible episode featuring Jason Gay! Donna sits down with Jason for a fascinating conversation about his journey in music, the gear he swears by, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Here's the highlights of the episode: 🎷 How Donna met Jason 🎷 Why ligature …

Everything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, spoke with Theo Wanne, from Theo Wanne Mouthpieces, at the NAMM Show 2025 in Anaheim, CA. We are thrilled to welcome Theo Wanne, a world-renowned expert in saxophone mouthpiece design and innovation, to our podcast. With a career spanning over three decades, Theo has revolutionized the way musician…

In this episode of The Connection , we speak with Michael Orwick, an oil painter whose work is deeply inspired by the unique light and atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest. Michael shares his artistic journey, from studying illustration at the Pacific Northwest College of Art to transitioning into landscape painting. He describes his creative proces…

On this Episode of the Connection we tune in with Dr. Jim Rivers as he provides an insightful conversation about the marbled murrelet, a fascinating seabird with unique behaviors and a complex relationship with both ocean and forest ecosystems. Dr. Rivers explains how this small seabird, the size of a robin, flies long distances inland to nest in o…

AI-labor saving tool or existential threat? On his new recording Server Farm, saxophonist and composer Jon Irabagon contemplates the potential threat and promise of this omni-present technology. For this recording Irabagon augments his regular quartet consisting of keyboardist Matt Mitchell, bassist Chris Lightcap, and percussionist Dan Weiss with …

Everything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, spoke with Sheryl Laukat—CEO & Co-Founder and Dr Randal Clark—Dir of Media & Education of Cannonball Musical Instruments, at the NAMM Show 2025 in Anaheim, CA. In this special episode, we go behind the scenes with Cannonball Instruments at NAMM 2025! We dive into what makes Cannonball saxophones st…

Everything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, spoke with Sheryl Laukat—CEO & Co-Founder and Dr Randal Clark—Dir of Media & Education of Cannonball Musical Instruments, at the NAMM Show 2025 in Anaheim, CA. In this special episode, we go behind the scenes with Cannonball Instruments at NAMM 2025! We dive into what makes Cannonball saxophones st…

Everything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, spoke with Andy Lutz, from ProTec Style Company, at the NAMM Show 2025 in Anaheim, CA. On the second day of NAMM 2025, I took some time to explore one of the most important aspects of saxophone care—having a reliable case to protect your instrument. Most saxophones come with […] The post New Bari S…