Episode 002 - Jeff Kashiwa; Saxophone and life as a musician

We are very excited to bring you this week’s episode featuring the great, Jeff Kashiwa. Jeff had so many important things to say about saxophone and life as a musician. We are sure you’re going to get a ton of actionable advice on this episode. Enjoy!

Seattle native, Jeff Kashiwa knew he was destined to be a musician following his junior high introduction to woodwinds. His instincts were correct. He became known as one of the most compelling young saxophonists in contemporary jazz during his first year with The Rippingtons. Kashiwa performed hundreds of shows all over the world and appeared on many of the band’s classic recordings.

Having established himself in the 1990’s as one of the most diverse sax men in contemporary jazz during his decade long tenure with The Rippingtons, Kashiwa’s instincts led him to more dynamic endeavors through his solo career. It surprised many when Jeff left the group to venture out on his own, but he had things to say through his own music. Kashiwa now has nine CDs released under his own name and has continued to record as a guest artist with many other artists as well. In 2004, Kashiwa founded The Sax Pack, a trio of saxophone headliners, featuring himself, Steve Cole and Kim Waters. The group released two CDs together and charmed audiences with their Rat Pack style reparte’ in tours across the U.S. and abroad.

In 2006, Jeff reunited with The Rippingtons for their 20th Anniversary Tour and continues to record and tour with the group as often as his busy schedule will allow. In addition to touring with The Sax Pack and his own group, Kashiwa has expanded his career to include the realm of music education, teaching various courses through the music program at Shoreline Community College in Seattle.

His recent CD, Let It Ride, features a host of great musicians in the world of Contemporary Jazz; Russ Freeman, David Benoit, Chuck Loeb and Tom Schuman of Spyro Gyra. Let It Ride has been in the top 4 Best Sellers in Smooth Jazz on Amazon.com for the past few weeks.

The link to his full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website.

In this episode, you will hear Jeff talk about:

• how to develop your own jazz vocabulary
• how to find your own voice on your instrument
• how Michael Brecker influenced his decision to play EWI
• how Jeff approaches practicing and the advice he gives his students
• how he’s dealt with performance anxiety, and a hysterical story that features a cameo by Michael Brecker

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