Jazz vs. Classical Embouchure - Are They Different?

Demonstrating the main differences between a Jazz and a Classical saxophone embouchure.
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Dr. Randal Clark has toured and recorded with Jeff Lorber Fusion, and is a professor of saxophone at the University of Utah.
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[@patrickmarino8601]

It was a fantastic lesson. If you have the time for altissimo lip position when playing jazz, it would be greatly useful.

[@bruceallan3336]

Hey Randal, well thought out lesson. As someone who hates having to change setups for various styles. How much do you think you can get away with playing classical music on a jazz setup by adjusting your sound concept. Every time I try to use a classical setup the sound just feels so small it messes with my head.
Cheers, Bruce

[@randalclarkmusic4333]

@@bruceallan3336 it would depend mainly on the mouthpiece design, the baffle type, and the tip opening of the mouthpiece as well as the strength reed that you’re using. Many people play jazz on somewhat closed set ups like a Meyer 5 or the like, and can somewhat get away with playing in a near classical way. However, without a proper classical mouthpiece/Reed set up, it would be very difficult to get a proper tone that would suit blending in a classical section or have the right sound for a soloist.
If you are complaining about sounding too small when playing classical, that is most likely due to the fact that you’re reed may be too soft. Using a proper classical mouthpiece set up with a stiffer Reed designed for classical playing like a Rico reserve, or a Vandoren blue box (usually filed/double cut, with a thicker heart) should produce a very open and resonant sound. It should not feel small at all and you’ll be able to maintain a dark core with an even timbre and singing quality to it. On my Classical set up I play a minimum of a 3 1/4 strength. Anything softer will feel bright or small and closed.

[@PedroBarbosa-qh6hy]

@@randalclarkmusic4333 That's my setup, Meyer 5 with 2.5 Legere. I feel that I can change between styles easier than any other mouthpiece.