Ayo Solanke on SoundBetter

I am a saxophonist session musician and horn arranger based in Johannesburg South Africa. I have worked with Hugh Masakela, Ringo Madlingozi, Benjamin Dube, Judith Sephuma, Zahara, Afrotraction, Berita, mafikizolo, Danny K and also was on Gsopel according to jazz Chapter 4 with Kirk Whalum.

When not touring, I do recording sessions in Johannesburg, South Africa involving saxophone (Tenor & Soprano), songwriting, production and horns arrangements.

You will receive professional level quality tracks. I take the extra step for my clients by editing to the grid and removing unwanted noises. By your preference, I will send files recorded dry or with printed effects.

AVERAGE PRICING & DESCRIPTIONS PER SONG:
SAXOPHONES ($100):
1 Solo track, 1 adlib track
HORNS (3 PIECE) ($400):
1 Chart Arrangement for the song, 2 Saxophone Tracks, 2 Trumpet Tracks and 2 Trombone Tracks

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Credits

Kirk Whalum

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Interview with Ayo Solanke

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Renewal In His Presence By Benjamin Dube, I got a chance to learn a lot about putting together a live DVD. I was the saxophonist
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: My second Album and a gospel Tour project
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital. It saves space and easier to manipulate things and get a world class sound with minimal gear in the day and time we live in.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I will stay on your track until you are so happy that have tears of joy in your eyes.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I get to express myself and do what i love most in the world with the best people and travel round the world
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Give me clear instructions, a reference and correct track details.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: 1.) Saxophone, 2.) MacBook Pro, 3.) NT1A Mic, 4.) Alesis io2 & 5.) Headphones
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I started with the trumpet in 1995 and moved to the saxophone in 1997 during my time in the University studying Mechanical engineering and I'm still doing it till date; 20 years on the saxophone.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: More ofJazz and soul
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Aaron Lindsey, He is one of the most incredible producers in gospel and I would love to have him produce my next album to shape my sound into something incredible as he always does.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Go into any song with an open mind and be flexible enough to listen to the client such that you are willing to dump everything and start again if need be. You are only successful when the client is happy.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Gospel, Soul, African, Smooth Jazz
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Soulful saxophone playing
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring a soulful sound that speaks of the emotions I want the people to feel based on the song and or the brief of the client.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Listen for the first time to get the feel of the song inside and conceptualise, then I go to work
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I've got a portable set up consisting of a MacBook Pro, AudioBox 1818VSL Soundcard, Alesis io2 Sundcard, Rode NT1A Microphone, Behringer Trurh 82031 Monitors, Behringer Powerplay Headphone Distribution Amp, M-Audio Keystation 49es and running on Logic Pro X
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Kirk Whalum, Nathaniel Bassey, Aaron Lindsey, Gerald Albright, Marcus Miller
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Mostly saxophone studio sessions and horns arrangements