Video, podcast and text transcription of interviews produced by or about Ed Joffe.
I first heard of Jon Manasse when I was studying flute and woodwind doubling with Ralph (Skippy) Galluchio in the mid-1970s. Skippy had been a well-respected lead alto saxophonist with both the Tommy & Jimmy Dorsey Orchestras as well as Glenn Miller’s Band in the 1950s. He returned to live and work on Long Island, …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
In Part II of our interview, Bob discusses several important topics including the WDR Big Band; funding for the Arts in Europe vs. the U.S.; how he manages his many musical endeavors; his initial arranging experiences; how he conceived of the concepts behind his many book publications; and his equipment choices. You will find Bob …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
I first met Bob Mintzer in 1983 during previews of a Broadway show, Marilyn. I subbed for him at that show and several others over the years including Barnum, Song and Dance, and Cats. It was hard for me to grasp how a great jazz talent like Bob could function as a multi-reedist doing that …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
In Part 2 of this interview, Dave Tofani talks about how he managed the demands of being a first-call multi-instrumentalist and the essential qualities for becoming a successful studio musician. He sheds light on specific studio sessions and concert performances that are incorporated in the video. Also discussed are the ways that emerging musical styles …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
Multi-reedist Dave Tofani has had a long and illustrious career as one of the most in-demand session players in New York. In this first section of the interview, Dave discusses his musical beginnings and his studies with his mentor, Joe Allard, and some of the concepts that he learned from him. I first heard of …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
Boston-based tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi has been one of the most influential voices on saxophone over the past 40 years. In addition to being a giant on saxophone, he has been a prolific composer and in-demand music educator. In this interview, he shares his career experiences and thoughts on saxophone playing, improvisation, and remaining passionate about playing music. …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
Robert Marcellus (1928-1996) represented the highest level of artistry in orchestral clarinet playing. His career spanned a period when orchestral clarinet playing in America had reached a zenith as represented by giants such as Daniel Bonade, Ralph McLane, Anthony Gigliotti, Clark Brody, Stanley Drucker, Robert McGinnis, Iggy Gennusa, Gino Cioffi and Harold Wright. Robert Marcellus …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
I first met David when we played in the saxophone section on a week-long gig backing Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga. I was aware of David’s many talents via recordings but had not actually had the opportunity to work with him. That experience was enlightening in that I not only heard his creative soloing and …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
I met John when we were both students of Joe Allard at the Juilliard School in the mid-1970s. John was a very energetic and passionate clarinetist who thrived on performing in many musical scenarios and took advantage of every opportunity presented. It was clear that he was destined to succeed, and it surprised none of …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 36 (JWP36) features the audio portion of the video interview entitled John Bruce Yeh—The Complete Clarinetist.
John Bruce Yeh, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s longest serving clarinetist, shares his enthusiastic and passionate energy for performing and teaching. He also discusses his former teachers and mentors in this video interview. John continues to be active as a chamber player, recitalist, recording artist, educator, clinician and proponent of new music.
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 35 (JWP35) features the audio portion of the video interview entitled Walt Weiskopf—Tenor Gladness.
Walt Weiskopf has been one of the most influential jazz tenor saxophonists over the last 30 years. In this interview, he discusses his career, his jazz improvisation concepts & teaching, as well as his work with Steely Dan and his band.
Walt Weiskopf has been a longtime friend and colleague of mine. We initially met on the Broadway show Victor Victoria and have since shared many musical, educational and golfing experiences together. Walt is an extremely articulate individual who gives his all in every situation. Whether in a big band, jazz combo, commercial gig, recording date, …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
I first learned of Paul Edmund-Davies through my wife, flutist Jeanne Wilson. She had his 28 Day Warm Up Book on the practice stand for several years in addition to his 1994 recording, Iconic Elements. However, it wasn’t until I attended an online class offered by the New York Flute Center with Paul during the …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 34 (JWP34) features the audio portion of the video interview entitled Paul Edmund-Davies—A Simply Magnificent Flutist.
Paul Edmund-Davies has been a major figure in the flute world for over four decades. As a performer, he has been principal flute of three premier British orchestras yet you’ll find he is not your typical orchestral musician. His eclectic musical taste evidenced by an affinity for such diverse artists such as David Bowie, Ben Webster, Snarky Puppy, Jean-Pierre Rampal and Pat Metheny is reflected in the joy and humor in sharing his thoughts and ideas. I believe this has allowed him to develop studies outside of the norm that touch upon every aspect of developing a fine technique and expression.
As a long-standing fan of the BSO for many years, I have been able to hear Elizabeth Rowe’s performances with the BSO and the Boston Chamber Players at Tanglewood, Symphony Hall, and Carnegie Hall as well as on their many wonderful recordings. I have come to love her playing and admire her “chutzpah” in standing …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 33 (JWP33) features the audio portion of the video interview entitled Elizabeth Rowe—Flutist, Advocate & Mentor.
Elizabeth Rowe, principle flutist with the BSO and the Boston Chamber Players, shares knowledge and insight regarding maintaining an orchestral career and going through the tenure process.
George Young was one of those reed players that my generation of commercial woodwind doublers grew up in awe of. His prowess as a saxophonist is extraordinary, a virtuoso following in the footsteps of legendary players such as Rudy Wiedoeft, Jimmy Dorsey, Sigurd Rascher, Earl Bostic, Al Gallodoro, and Jimmy Abato. However, George is more …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 32 (JWP32) features the audio portion of the video interview entitled The Unbelievable George Young.
George Young has been one of the most successful and recorded studio musicians of the last half-century in addition to being one of the greatest saxophonists ever! This interview will provide some insight into the mind of this great talent.
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 31 (JWP31) features the audio portion of the video interview entitled Tom Ranier—Everyone’s Favorite Musician.
Tom Ranier has been a mainstay in the L.A. studio & jazz scenes for 50 years as a brilliant multi-instrumentalist and arranger. This interview will give the listener insight into one of the most formidable musicians in the industry.
I met Tom 15 years ago when he was the pianist in a group that accompanied Eddie Daniels on a weeklong gig in NYC. We became fast friends and have remained so to this day. Tom is not only one of the finest musicians in the business today, but also one of the most self-effacing …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 30 (JWP30) features the audio portion of the video interview entitled Gary Gray—Master Player & Teacher.
Gary Gray has been a top Los Angeles studio player and revered teacher of the clarinet for over half a century. He has been internationally recognized as one of the top clarinet soloists and teachers for generations. This interview provides an insiders view of Gary’s career and approach to teaching.
I met Gary early in the millennium when he came to the university where I was teaching to present a recital and masterclass. I had the pleasure of performing with him on that recital and quickly realized why he had been such a successful musician. He was well prepared, an ideal colleague to work with, …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
The interviews that have appeared as part of the Woodwind Legacy Series to date have all taken place in New York City. However, I realized that there were a number of musicians on the west coast whose careers and achievements were important to present. During August of 2019, I traveled to Los Angeles to conduct …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 29 (JWP29) features the audio portion of the video interview entitled Woodwind Studio Legends Roundtable.
Gary Foster, Gene Cipriano, Ronnie Lang and Don Ashworth were revered by composers, arrangers, producers, conductors and their fellow musicians for their musical abilities and the integrity that they exuded. These four artists are representative of a period when recording musicians were expected to be equally fluent in jazz, commercial & classical styles of music. This interview allows us to hear the inside story of their careers and how they succeeded in the most stressful and competitive sector of the music industry.
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 28 (JWP28) features the audio portion of the video interview entitled Dan Higgins—First Call.
Dan Higgins has established himself over the past 35 years as the First Call woodwind musician in the L.A. studios for any musical situation. Enjoy this candid interview with one of the great woodwind multi-instrumentalists of all time.
I first heard Dan Higgins perform live while on tour in California in the mid-1990s. He was playing at a club around L.A. and the sax section that I was working with went to check him out. I had never met Dan at that time and didn’t even know what he looked like. I just …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
I first heard Ken Peplowski some 30 years ago when I purchased his 2nd album as a leader, Sonny Side. I was blown away by his clarinet virtuosity (“Ring Dem Bells”) and his beautiful approach on tenor sax (“Bright Moments”). His very different approaches to sound and styles on these instruments is rare among great …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 27 (JWP27) features the audio portion of the video interview entitled Ken Peplowski—Swingin’ with Peps.
Ken Peplowski has been a dominant figure in the resurgence of the clarinet in jazz over the past 35 years. A wonderful tenor saxophonist as well, Ken has issued 32 albums as a leader and been on many hundreds of recordings as a sideman. In this interview, he talks about growing up in Cleveland and cutting his teeth in the business as a young musician on the Tommy Dorsey band. He speaks fondly of his mentors including Buddy Morrow, Milt Hinton, Sonny Stitt, etc. Ken demonstrates what he prioritizes in his warmups and plays a beautiful solo rendition of “Poor Butterfly” during the interview. Enjoy!
I first met Bob Mover in 1978 when I began to study with him. Bob is just a year older than I but he’d already had a lifetime of experience to draw from as a jazz artist and student of the art form. I soon discovered that he also had a tremendous gift for analyzing …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 26 (JWP26) features the audio portion of the video interview entitled Bob Mover—Bebop Master.
This interview is a tribute to Bob Mover’s career as a player and a teacher. Bob discusses his unusual life as a jazz musician, the great legends he has met and learned from, and demonstrates his approach to teaching creative jazz improvisation.
My introduction to live jazz big band playing was hearing the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra at the Village Vanguard in 1971. The experience hearing that band with its magnificent saxophone section was life changing. Sitting in front of Jerry Dodgion, Ed Xiques, Eddie Daniels, Billy Harper, and Pepper Adams with Thad leading the band …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 25 (JWP25) features the audio portion of the video interview entitled The Art of the Saxophone Section.
The saxophone section of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra speak candidly about their love of playing big band music, their admiration for Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, and the importance of playing in this type of large ensemble for aspiring professional musicians. They also play a few of the more famous Thad Jones solis.
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 24 (JWP24) features the audio portion of the video interview entitled Jeffrey Khaner—Principal Flute.
I first heard of Jeffrey when we were both students at The Juilliard School. While I was a saxophone major at that time, I was also studying flute very seriously with Tom Nyfenger and becoming more enamored of the flute repertoire, pedagogy, recordings, and great performers on the instrument. The flute class at Juilliard was …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 23 (JWP23) features the audio portion of the video interview entitled Inside The Broadway Musical.
The musical theater is the major employer of woodwind doublers in today’s music industry. As a result, I feel that doublers and all woodwind players need to know as much as possible about the musical environment that surrounds any show. This led me to consider an interview with the musical team involved with Anastasia, the …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
I first heard Steve “live” while he was subbing on the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and subsequently started listening to him. It was clear that he was the real deal—an improviser who had studied the music and his instrument with great thoroughness. Steve has his own voice on saxophone while reflecting the influences of many of …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 22 (JWP22) features the audio portion of the video interview entitled Steve Wilson—The Total Jazz Musician.
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 21 (JWP21) features the audio portion of the video interview entitled Stanley Drucker—The Heavyweight Champ.
Growing up in New York and having lived in the city my entire life, I had a chance to see and hear Stanley Drucker play hundreds of times. He was our hometown kid who made good and always seemed to succeed regardless of any musical challenges he faced. His musical commitment, confidence, passion, personality and …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 20 (JWP20) features the audio portion of the video interview entitled Bobby Porcelli—Alto Saxophonist Supreme!
I first heard about Bobby from my first clarinet/saxophone teacher, Joseph Porcelli, who was Bobby’s father. Mr. Porcelli was a first-class gentleman who played the woodwinds beautifully and always conveyed his love of playing them in our weekly lessons. He was never one to ever boast about his abilities or accomplishments and was egoless. One …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 19 features the audio portion of the video interview entitled Eddie Daniels—Woodwind Virtuoso.
I first heard of Eddie Daniels when I began my woodwind studies with Joe Allard in 1971. Joe recommended that I go to hear Eddie play with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra at the Village Vanguard on a Monday night when he realized my desire to play jazz on clarinet. Hearing that band up close …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 18 features the audio portion of the video interview entitled Paul Lustig Dunkel—A Flutist’s Journey.
I first met Paul when I was an undergraduate at Queens College, CUNY. I was a saxophone/clarinet player who had recently become interested in learning the flute and had been impressed by the performances of Paul as well as his students. I had about one year’s worth of experience playing the flute when he agreed …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 17 features the audio portion of the video interview entitled William Hudgins—Principal Clarinet.
I have always been a fan of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, attending their performances in New York, Boston and at Tanglewood as well as owning many of their recordings. As a woodwind player, I was particularly attracted to the sophisticated elegance of the woodwind sections in that orchestra throughout my adult life and in particular, …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→
Joffe Woodwinds Podcast 16 features the audio portion of the video interview entitled Dr. Ron Odrich—Renaissance Man .
I first listened intently to Ron Odrich when I purchased a Music Minus One recording, Wood on Wood, in the 1970s that had copies of his solos transcribed by Buddy DeFranco. Already infatuated by DeFranco, Goodman, Shaw & Eddie Daniels’ jazz clarinet playing, I quickly became acquainted with the good doctor’s performances and have remained …continue reading, watch the video, or download the podcast→