Saxophones & Clarinet

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: After upgrading my gear, the first recording session I had was for David Duchovny's new indie rock album (the actor from the X-Files). I recorded bari sax and clarinet from my home studio for him.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently I'm working on my Electric Clarinet Loops album. I wrote some songs with my clarinet through a bunch of effects pedals and a loop station with a drums and bass trio.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: I am extremely professional. If I do a job for you I promise to care about it and deliver on all expectations.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: "Can you take a solo?" My answer is, "absolutely!"

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: That it's easy. It's easy for me, not for you.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I always ask to know the scope of the project and hear the song before talking about budget.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: If you want big sounding horns like Earth, Wind & Fire, doubling and sometimes tripling tracks can really fatten up a horn section.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: Mostly jazz/funk but I've worked with a number of returning clients from EDM to indie rock and R&B as well.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Identifying the best ways to contribute to a song.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: As a horn player, I'm always listening with a producer's ear. When I write and record, I'm catering to the energy needed to support or lift.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My work process always begins by listening and getting familiar with the song while heeding any specific directions or instructions. If it's a verse/chorus type of song I usually work on the chorus first to find my role i.e. supporting the melody or carrying it. If there are creative sections, I like to record before I think too much and then go back and refine as needed.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My home studio is a small space with a mighty sound. I have an Apollo Twin interface and my microphone of choice is a Mojave Audio MA-200 Cardioid Tube Condenser Microphone. I also have a Cascade Fat Head ribbon mic and a Shure SM7B dynamic mic for other options. Additionally, I have an array of analog effects pedals that I use on my saxophones and clarinet to get cutting lead tones and vast soundscapes/textures.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: I'm a big fan of Roy Hargrove- I especially love his soulful playing with the 'stacked horn' sound on songs like "Spanish Joint" by D'angelo. One of my favorite modern sax players is Ben Wendel for his creative compositions/improvisations, technical precision and unique effects & production. I really like Mark Dover's clarinet trio at the end of the Vulfpeck song called "Back Pocket" - I love arranging/recording on clarinet in that style.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: Usually I arranged for a horn section, record all the saxophone parts and call upon a trumpet and/or trombone as desired.