The Role of the Lead Alto in a Big Band
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- Опубліковано 2 лип 2024
- What does a lead alto player do in a big band? How do you lead your section if you are the lead alto player? Sherman Irby, lead altoist for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, tells you more.
Learn more by visiting our website: academy.jazz.org
Sherman Irby - Saxophone
Eric Suquet - Director
Bill Thomas - Director of Photography
Richard Emery - Production Assistant
Seton Hawkins - Producer
Recorded April 15, 2013
He’s the least egotistic alto player on earth, he’s humble like a bassist. Bless you sir, giving the alto a good name
*Edit
I officially now play bass, as I was a trombone player before (less humble yet more forgotten) so I understand the beauty of the bass suddenly
"he’s humble like a bassist" *Jaco Pastorius would like to speak with you*
Humble like a bassist!
Haha thats funny, we do be walking but no one be talking, to us i mean
How flattering! Thanks from bassists everywhere
"This is jazz. This is what we do."
What a legend!!
When a topnotch professional speaks, you can really see the difference. Thank you for giving us the benefit of your experience.
Traditionally, another role of the lead alto player occurs when a music venue manager informs a jazz group at the end of a night's performance that, because bar receipts were lower than he expected, he has to cut the band's fee for the evening. At that point the lead alto player has to go to speak to the venue manager to obtain the full fee agreed prior to the engagement.
Based
I don't even play saxophone. I just love listening to this guy. Saw him play with both, Chris McBride and Wynton. Damn, he is soo good and a really great human being.
I recently learned that I made lead alto for New Jersey Junior All State Jazz Ensemble!! Now I gotta study!
Congrats on that title! You work at it, and you get the responsibility, and you deserve that honor.
"I'm 4 and I'm lead alto in my high school jazz band is that good???"
You’re four.
*YOURE FOUR?*
You 4 and writing on UA-cam and playing lead. You must be a politician. You invent the saxophone?
Will Jones Nobody got the joke.
@@evandempsey7613 haha there was no joke was simply meant to give a chuckle
@@intravert6916 Isn't that the point of a joke?
Love Mr. Irby's playing. Was just listening to last years Christmas CD and he arranged several pieces. Really great solo in one. His southern roots and blues influence can be heard and I wish he'd put a little video out about that and how he adds it to his playing and soloing.
Excellent instructional advice with precision and clarity.
Sounds as a modern-day Benny Carter would have - smooth, fill-fluent, accurate and passionate.
Great tips from a great instructor!
Many thanks!
just wonderful performance and explanation
Awesome! Thank you for making this wisdom accessible.
Glad you enjoyed it! Please spread the word and share the video
I sure will. I have a few friends who teach jazz in the public schools and they like to direct their students to this sort of instruction.
Saw him yesterday (13 June 21) with the whole band in Madrid. His number was seriously outstanding.
I’m in 8th grade and recently played lead alto for the WMEA Middle School Jazz Ensemble.
So much artistry and craftsmanship. Thank you for giving us these insights, Mr Irby.
Very informative, thank you Sherman!
awesome stuff, so much wisdom and knowledge jammed into 5 mins.
Thanks so much! Where are my other lead altos at?
my school doesn't have a jazz band but I was lead alto in my school district honor jazz band.
Charlie McMurry lead alto in one of my university's jazz bands
Trumpet
?
Lead of the North East Lincolnshire Jazz band reporting in
What up dude I'm over at Bowie State University lead alto
Marvelous Video Sherman. Very clear and useful. Thank you, very much. Roberto Sion, Big Band Director and saxophonist, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Can we here your music somewhere? Would love to.
Lovely to watch such craft work
Man you made me smile 😃 and cry at the se time thank you man
May the force be with you and your alto! Thanks for sharing
Excellent stuff, thanks.
I can't wait to join my local high school jazz concert band
Thank you Mr. Irby , you really swing Sir !
You hit it on the nail Sir !
( 54 years profi wind player)
I have got to give it to you and Ted the both of you are two of the smoothest jazz player have ever listen to and heard. Can one of you tell me what does it takes to be like you two ? Glen
Would love to see a lead trumpet video
love these
great tone
Great video. Thank you.
Great stuff. Thanks!
Amazing video
Thank you so much for sharing
What a great player and human being
good points worth hearing
Thank you, sir; thank you so much!!!
Thank you sir!! :)
Gracias 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍👍👍
Can someone send me a link to a video on playing sax in a pop band? I recently started playing with a band that plays a lot of modern pop and sometimes I struggle soloing on certain songs. I've been using my pentatonics and modes well, but I need a little guidance for my sound and rhythms i use
The lead alto player in a big band is responsible for the interpretation of style and phrasing for the entire saxophone section. They are also responsible for the interpretation of inflection, articulation, phrasing, rhythmic placement and overall style. Lead alto is arguably the most important and challenging position for any saxophonist to occupy. The performer must be consistent and precise and have a thorough knowledge of the history of big band music, including composers, arrangers, and important section leaders’ individual traits.
i want your saxophone its beautiful.
very jazzy
man id love to be a big band drummer
it sucks sometimes
lead alto is fun cause solos
what sax is playing on
good sax
Me play on good sax to
sandstorm model by darude
Im pretty sure its a selmer, probably a mark six or seven
Tony F no it's a mannyaise model by Patrick
What is the brand of your sax? :)
I think it’s a reference
Anybody know what type of alto he’s playing on
Rs berkeley saxophone
Big professional tip if to not look like your waving at the crowd and keep your fingers to the pearls
That's a lot of pressure
K
What was the song he played in the beginning?
Pakorn Vanichayakornkul he said it right before he started playing it. It's called all of me.
Justin McIntyre lol right he said right before he said it
Hi, my name is schermanerbie.
I regret switching to Tenor...
BruhArtyGuy, why
Never, Tenor superior
You right, Jazz Bands ftw
Just noticed he doesn’t have an f# key •_•
Most vintage horns don’t have high F# keys
According to www.musiciansfriend.com, the Reference 54 Alto has a high F#, but I can't tell if Mr. Irby's horn (here) is that, or a Mark VI.
The Role of the Lead Alto in a Big Band
The alto looks too small for him lmao.
Very Insightful, Thanks!