Unlike many of my fellow comrades, I never had the opportunity to see Michael Brecker play. I've never seen Wayne Shorter or Sonny Rollins. I have seen many players do there thing either in a clinic or on the bandstand, but today was the first time I've ever been able to sit with most of my school - including 30-50 saxophone players (mostly friends) - and listen to Chris Potter - one of my FAVOURITE saxophone players!!
There is nothing like saxophone players gathered outside the auditorium doors scrunched in to try to be the first in the door and get good seats at the front. And people being genuinely excited that they just saw Chris Potter walking in the hallway!!!
Clinic 1:
In the tradition of Humber College ... most of clinic one is spent as a 1-on-1 interview about how Chris came to be in this crazy business; The bands he's worked with; the influences he has had etc.
He then played "Invitation" for a good 10 minutes or so. I have never heard anything like that in my entire life up close. I was sitting in the front row and he wasn't miced for that, so I got to hear nothing but natural saxophone! It was indescribeable to hear the sound and ideas I've listened to countless times on his recordings come to life in front of me. Totally unreal and surreal - almost like in a dream HAHA!
After that he spoke about his approach to working ideas around the horn and breathing new life into them. And he spoke about the genius of Lester Young and Lester's ability to simply say what he means on his horn. And the idea that technical ability does not make you a good player.
We have now taken a break until 2:00pm - when we will return to hear what he has to say/play next!!!
This week is going to be amazing!!!!
There is nothing like saxophone players gathered outside the auditorium doors scrunched in to try to be the first in the door and get good seats at the front. And people being genuinely excited that they just saw Chris Potter walking in the hallway!!!
Clinic 1:
In the tradition of Humber College ... most of clinic one is spent as a 1-on-1 interview about how Chris came to be in this crazy business; The bands he's worked with; the influences he has had etc.
He then played "Invitation" for a good 10 minutes or so. I have never heard anything like that in my entire life up close. I was sitting in the front row and he wasn't miced for that, so I got to hear nothing but natural saxophone! It was indescribeable to hear the sound and ideas I've listened to countless times on his recordings come to life in front of me. Totally unreal and surreal - almost like in a dream HAHA!
After that he spoke about his approach to working ideas around the horn and breathing new life into them. And he spoke about the genius of Lester Young and Lester's ability to simply say what he means on his horn. And the idea that technical ability does not make you a good player.
We have now taken a break until 2:00pm - when we will return to hear what he has to say/play next!!!
This week is going to be amazing!!!!
