That Time Leo P Rocked 🤘🏼 the Saxophone World

#bettersax #saxophone #barisax
Jay Metcalf explains some of the techniques used by Leo P in a famous clip of him playing a solo intro to the Charles Mingus tune Moanin’, as a guest soloist with the Metropole Orkest at the BBC Proms.
‪@LeoPSax‬
Thumbnail Photo Credit / kiddgloves
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[@MelissaGarza]

“The more I danced the more money I got” Leo making it rain!!

[@Noobodey]

Hits different...

[@EricBlackmonGuitar]

Not only is Leo amazingly talented, he is also a very cool guy.

[@hehehehaw3279]

Ye

[@gaaherrera]

@@hehehehaw3279 Very cool guy, he´s oustanding, unbelievable!

[@wyperonyt]

Ye

[@The_Attorney07]

Unlike my section leader. A complete asshole, but amazingly talented.

[@Kumquat_Lord]

I always find the best musicians are the most humble

[@brokenglasstrio7101]

I’m sure that Leo’s neighbors love him (elephant overtones in the background)

[@JulioARodriguez]

Lol, lol, lol ….

[@johnweber4504]

I think anyone who plays bari has neighbors who hate them

[@NyanPoptartCat]

@@Fgway Criminally underrated comment.

[@beatmasterbossy]

Neighbors?

[@jacksoff6570]

@@Fgway don’t forget the hair products

[@ethanm3480]

You would think that Leo would be so intimidating when meeting him but on the phone he was so shy and funny. Gotta love him.

[@liamisafireplace]

He’s great! I got to meet him and he’s just way friendly

[@lofataco9061]

ive talked to him at a couple concerts, and hes very soft spoken, very nice guy.

[@ethanm3480]

I’ve always wanted to meet him but I live in hawaii

[@johnbishop4666]

@@ethanm3480 he might tour in Hawaii when the pandemic ends.

[@ramos6021]

I mean we're all band kids

[@kpoudavoff]

I’d like to see Jay dancing with baritone 😂

[@konsey1889]

200k subscriber special

[@diegsvelasquez1608]

Herr Keks 😂😂😂

[@DillonRing]

lmao yes kirill do that for your 100k (:

[@ethanm3480]

Hell crack a bone from his ol- ...young age

[@trevorsikorski6040]

I wonder if Leo P as well as Lucky Chops as a whole understand the profound impact they have made on American music. This is all my personal observation, but has anyone else noticed the massive resurgence of brass band ensembles in music of all genres? ESPECIALLY the current West coast Americana/R&B/Blues/Soul band sound that has been going on for the past 10 or so years now. I honestly believe that Leo P and bands like Lucky Chops have created a fresh desire in bands across the country to incorporate that soul filled brass band sound. I currently serve in a U.S. Army band, and have witnessed Army bands across the nation incorporate brass band ensembles that are tasked with playing music directly inspired by Lucky Chops, No BS Brass band, Youngblood Brass band, the list can go on. Isn't that crazy? Leo P's funky brass band moves in a subway has inspired an entire generation of Army musicians to play their music because it helps us accomplish our mission of establishing a fun, meaningful connection with civilians and other service members. I just think that's wild. Disclaimer: my views do not reflect that of the U.S. Army. This is just my personal observation/opinion.

[@trombonimacaroni]

As time lives on, as does music.

[@bgrigg07]

@Luke Schneider Chicago was mine!

[@turnerjazz7872]

To be honest I think Leo P's popularity is a result of that movement, not a cause of it. I have a trombone player friend who toured as part of Janelle Monae's band for 4 years before anybody ever hear of Leo.

[@ufo-ovniuk8030]

Same here in the UK, the Leo/lucky chops thing gave the younger generation a look at brass, now brass has a new generation love :)

[@jordanlarson6488]

Add Moon Hooch to the list too! But for real

[@THUNDER52]

The fact he ACTUALLY just called him up is insane and I was waiting for the “gotcha”

[@rebeccawyllie3626]

Leo P is the reason why I've just signed up to saxophone lessons at the grand old age of 47 😉 He's incredible 😊❤️

[@ggplant1905]

Cool...how is your progress?

[@beckyfarrell5313]

I was lucky enough to be in the audience for that very performance! Managed to bump into Leo for a quick chat after the prom and will never forget how sweet and down to earth he was. Insanely talented and a great guy. The sax world salutes you Leo

[@Jenbateman74]

My dad says that us watching that proms video together in hospital when he was recovering from major cancer surgery brought him back from the dead. Leo P saves lives ;)

[@James-gk8ip]

Beautiful.

[@levistoner]

Leo P rocks it to the limit every time he picks up his sax. Dude plays with his entire body, it’s awesome.

[@devonarmstrong7045]

I remember when that video came out and I was in 9th grade, I thought that was the absolute coolest thing ever and all the sax players at school were showing it to each other and were showing others, it made me so happy to be a sax player and I can’t really explain it, but I just get proud in some way

[@wids]

Wholesome a f

[@brizzlex1919]

@@wids 🤣

[@mitogamez9349]

1st half of that complete same. Thought it was the coolest. But my sax mates were the complete opposite. And everyone else to hated on him😔I was one of the only ones who thought Leo P’s performance was so damn cool

[@PatDavis-qg5no]

I've still never seen anyone replicate what Leo does. He's very unique, which is why I've followed him for years.

[@jerryspringa1729]

Thanks for the great breakdown of an iconic Leo P moment.

[@martindanjou2593]

If you only practice what people teach you, you only *learn* what they know.

[@c.thompson6638]

yah, dats right...got confused with you don't know what ya don't know.

[@AlwafiCharki]

wow didnt know dat

[@Chris-i0i0i0]

This piece of wisdom could be applied to all fields of learning. I don't know whether to be impressed or annoyed that Leo can add wise to his list of talents!

[@yorgle]

Zooz fan here, and got this video in my suggested feed. I hadn't really seen many interviews with Leo, but I gotta say, I love how open he is with explaining it all, and how approachable he is about it. :D It's always great when you find out that people you admire turn out to be honestly good people. :D

[@PanduPoluan]

That's the true Mark of a Master... a Master is not thrifty with his knowledge, because a Master knows, all those knowledge will mean nothing without the Hands...

[@SKPetel]

@@PanduPoluan I'm a chef and the best way I heard this phrased was by an old chef of mine when he explained why he never keeps his recipes a secret "I like good food. if I teach more people how to cook good food that means I get to eat more good food." I feel this is the same situation with Leo, he likes the sax and wants to see how far it can go, so he wants more people to push it.

[@Scotholomew]

I know what you mean... some people hold it in as if its a secret, but Leos sharing his talent with us.. Good shit!

[@andreimj]

Leo is such an amazing human being

[@DiMoraDiamond]

Jay...I gotta say that I am so impressed that you can watch and dissect Leo's playing and blast it out yourself. That is a huge testament to your own ability. You say you're not a bari player...but dayummmm...you're not shabby at all. Glissando's. The blues licks. The whole nine yards. Impressive. Yes, I am a customer and a student of yours! Keep up the awesome work! Love your channel.

[@saint-cetacean]

As a non-sax player (guitar here!) that stumbled through here as a Leo P fan off the recommended page, the point about how he works the audience was super important to thinking about my musicianship and it got me thinking: that's PURE busking talent right there. Conservatory education doesn't teach you how to work a crowd, but busking will teach you.... or else. Your audience in the subway is by no means captive like they might be at a stage performance, you have to leverage all your charisma and crowd pleasing chops (chromatic scales included) to get people to stick around on their way home from work or wherever and maybe get $5 out of their wallet.

[@3267david]

This will prove to be an epic video over time.

[@kyle11177]

Absolutely in love with this video. After being a huge fan of Leo for a long time, seeing him get the well deserved recognition feels really good!

[@gaigemercado2763]

Buyo solo breakdown next? You are a true legend Jay

[@cyriusramdass4137]

I would love that sooo much

[@adamjbond]

It's really amazing what 10,000 hours of practice will do.

[@SuperDragone666]

Indeed... but the results on stage when you see Leo play is from far more than 10k hours practicing.

[@gt2quick]

@@SuperDragone666 Practicing THAT style apparently took him less than 10,000 hours. He said he played in the NY subways 5 hours a day for 3 years so that calcs out to almost 5,500 hours of practicing that particular style of playing. Regardless, the point is dedication and determination are the key to anyone’s craft and he definitely nailed it.

[@markkeaton8132]

And TALENT and IMAGINATION out of this world!!

[@Ted-s_comments]

Leo P is an outstanding saxophone player

[@positivelyprogressing]

This is fantastic! Come on Jay I think we all need to see the dancing and playing! 😁🙌🏼

[@gt2quick]

We demand it!!!!!!!! 🎷🕺🏻🤘🏼

[@TBlanktim]

This guy Leo P, is an animal! His physical conditioning is a very high level. Amazing!

[@OldSkoolF]

Leo is one of the most natural players I've ever seen.... Love to watch him play...

[@bryandickerson5365]

I was hoping you’d get into Leo’s soloing over the bridge on ‘Moanin’ where he gets down on his knee. Beautiful and melodic playing along with the hand gestures - like he’s proposing to his lover! Also, no discussion about how he developed his amazing groove thang - maybe next time, right? Leo’s playing/dancing combo is the new frontier and the stuff with Grace Kelly is incredible too! A few years ago when I discovered that BBC show I was just completely floored! About a week later, at a gig, I played the clip for a fellow sax player who’s about my age. Maybe 15 seconds in he rolled his eyes, uttered something disparaging and was done. Such a drag when you realize that every generation (apparently) has to go through that thing where, as youngsters, they strive to do something bold and new then dis bold new things when they’re old. I hope Leo doesn’t ever let any “old fahrts” get him down!

[@equisader]

"Breath attack"? Yup. I have one every time i watch this guy. Absolutely awesome.

[@diegsvelasquez1608]

Saying that that man’s performance is crazy is a huge understatement. So huge it should be a crime

[@gypsysoulrae0722]

"If you only practice what people teach you, you'll only know what they know" -Leo P. # Brilliant

[@michaelracine3986]

Leo is the GOAT!

[@C134B]

What a showman

[@BJAnderson]

My son (10) is starting to play sax. We watched this video together, and I could see the gears turning in his head - not to mention the smile on his face. I am picking up the sax again after 20 years, and this inspired me. I can't imagine the impact it's going to have on him. Thank you so much for making this video. 100% grateful!

[@antoniousvaneyssen616]

Jays bari's playing sounds like death metal, lol

[@juansebastianbw8823]

Colin stetson is the god of saxophones

[@santiagomendezmejia7155]

OMG my favorite sax players together!!!!

[@TheToneBender]

What I love most about this video is that it sounds achievable. Really good for motivation as a beginner

[@akapulco87]

Finally a fresh young air in the history of sax. Waitin it since 20 years ago.

[@rashakor]

I wish this freshness would reflect on clarinet as well a little. Sax has sucked all the air in the single reed family for the past 70years.

[@Dovieandi_Se_Tovya_Sagain]

I don't know anything about music let alone Sax. But I recognize passion when I see it. It's awesome to see people passionate about something so much.

[@blueberryscones412]

Jay’s overtone gliss at 4:29 sounds like a siren or alarm and love it. It’s an example of a technique that is pretty ugly being used well. Congrats to both Jay and Leo

[@gamersden30]

This is one of my favourite videos of all time hands down, saved to favourites and will revisit it dozens of times over the next few decades!

[@helengordon-saxophone]

A brilliant digest of Leo’s amazing performance - thanks!

[@acefrehley28]

Saw leo at Stone Pony in NJ last week! Moon Hooch, Lucky Chops and Too Many Zooz.... Amazing show. So much energy. I danced the whole time!

[@javierdiiorio860]

This boy is great. I've been playing for about 25 years. I had never seen him before and I thought that almost everything was invented and I see this and with a baritone, just great.

[@ryanharris4938]

Leo P has the tone and energy I go for when I play in a big band. It’s so full and energized the whole room.

[@AnonMedic]

Leo is a genius. That out of the box thinking is what makes him one of the best sax players of all time.

[@ryanellis7520]

Leo P. Is such an amazing dude. When you get so psyched on an artist you tear up, they are doing it right. Great video and good vibes

[@ksta1996]

I love this guy, have seen Too Many Zooz in Dublin, and oh boy it was most energetic performance ever

[@hydroknight01]

Saw them myself in Cardiff a while back, and their energy is STAGGERING. I don't know how any of them can do keep it up for hours at a time, the way they do, but my respect for them is huge.

[@Kelekona_808]

I recently watched Leo P's video and I've been calling his Glisando a Digereedoo sound. Learned a lot about what he was doing by watching this video!

[@hannaharnold9071]

Someone: what’s your range? Leo P: yes

[@player197SD]

says he doesnt play the bari much, yet it sounds so confident to me!

[@ebels3]

Like everybody else, I've been waiting for this forever since you started the interviews with influential players. Two of my favorite sax youtubers in one video? What's not to love?

[@joemcglohon1]

Leo is 100% badass...he is what he is and doesn't try to be anything else!!!

[@Jacksmusicshack]

Leo P... what a guy

[@timwallace7561]

I found this particular piece emotional, it actually moved me to happy tears. To be a fraction as good as Leo, and to be able to express the inner you using such a beautiful instrument will be my continued goal - thanks Jay.

[@Absolute-Melody]

Amazing. This is a beautiful homage to Leo and a great breakdown of Leo’s viral performance. Props to you, my good sir.

[@MrsAflac]

Im a big fan of Better Sax and Leo P and this video was just amazing. Leo P is a visionary, he makes the bari sounds like no one else ever. As a tenor player he is so inspiring. Better Sax 4 lyfe

[@georgewashington938]

The first time I saw a video of Leo in the subway I was out off for a second, and then then the joy and freedom in his style pulled me in. Never thought I would see a front man / showman playing the bari.

[@hansolo8080]

I have no idea how I stumbled upon this, but I'm glad I did. Not only because it it is interesting to watch (as a guitar player) but I think this video also transports something very important: don't let pride or jealousy take control of your interests. Healthy competition (as in being motivated to get better) is absolutely fine, but don't shut off your creative interest because some one is younger than you, a certain gender etc. I love the fact that a teacher shows other great talents and explains why they are bright lights within a creative community. It's always motivating to see that someone who knows his craft well is impressed by other talents and not only respects their work but manages to explain the nuances of the performance(s). That being said, I love your way of presenting this. Great video, thank you very much.

[@neilwright729]

Really? 30 thumbs-down on this? C'mon people - Leo's presentation is unique and FUN (fun is not illegal, you legit musicians) and he is one hell of a player. Whatever brings joy to players and audience and fires up young musicians to push themselves further and harder and to try experimenting with their OWN music, is good! No matter your taste in music or art, ALL the greats to it to another level. Give Leo his due.

[@MichaelPohoreski]

The 255 are sax players who can't figure out how to do a gliss. /s Steve Vie *showboats.* Leo Pellegrino _entertains._

[@FastnOut]

It's most definitely bots man. Don't take it personally

[@FastnOut]

​@@MichaelPohoreskithey're most likely bots

[@MichaelPohoreski]

@@FastnOut It was a joke.

[@johnchapin7707]

Purgatory, but the GOOD kind of purgatory, mmmmkay? Love this one, Jay! Once again you rock.

[@TheFleahost]

Is there a more charismatic sax player today? Leo owns the crowd.❤

[@nighttrane1]

Big Jay McNeely, Joe Houston, Red Prysock, Sam Butera, their honking, one-note groove style brought up to date!

[@GordonZoot]

Many of the Proms concerts are broadcast live here in the UK and are mainly classical music so it was a real shock and delight when this one came on - a memorable evening. Glad to see you've picked up on it and it's really great that Leo is making an impact in the music world.

[@finneyman]

He plays exactly what is going on in my brain most of the time

[@erforderlich5274]

not much?

[@notyourhallmarkcat1693]

@@erforderlich5274 hey, what's that supposed to mean

[@queenannsrevenge100]

I know some might not say it’s similar, but I can really relate with my field (Information technology) on some of the advice that Leo gave here. Just practicing every day, experimenting with new techniques (or in my case new technologies), researching things outside your specialty to see how you can improve your own, and “if you only learn what others teach, then you only know what they know” it’s truly inspiring words for whatever art or field is your calling.

[@patmack2871]

I know nothing about musical instruments but I know this take massive talent, respect

[@Velobetty]

This is so inspiring and I love how Leo takes traditional music, modern music, and DJ and club culture and fuses them into something so exciting. One of the greatest things about people who do things differently and who push the boundaries is that it makes more space for more people; people who might have not considered the saxophone. He's totally right that we haven't get discovered the full potential of the saxophone and in orchestras it is often treated like a modern instrument so we shouldn't stop exploring. Thanks for doing this video...I'm off to practice my glisses! :)

[@sophiaries3169]

Leo P is the reason I’m a band geek. In a good way.

[@EvenWhyProductions]

I cannot stress this enough. THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO. I just got my selmer super action 80 series ii bari in a week ago and leo P is my role model when it comes to developing my sound. This gave me the insight I needed

[@bettersax]

Great to hear!

[@russdavey1919]

What a great video... Love that you guys all talk to one another. I can't tell you how many times I've watched the Leo P proms video - always makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up! The mark of a truly great sax performance!

[@bettersax]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@barryschwarz]

I don't know if Leo is unique in his style, but I've never seen anything like it. I dig his playing and his vibe so much. I saw the brilliant proms performance and then watched a few others, and here he is, a musician on the quest. And he doesn't throw his weight, he's easy-going. He's more about being curious. What a fantastic asset to the musical world.

[@thebismuthman8391]

Leo P is one of my favorite bari sax players. Not only because he plays absolutely insane solos, but also because his mannerisms on stage make you realize how much he loves playing the saxophone.

[@saxman2281]

damnit it’s you again fierce gamer. I agree with that statement.

[@timcason3479]

I love it when he says “relatively easy” not hardly! 😳🤔😊

[@jeremysnead9233]

I still believe. Saxophone inventer has the greatest life story for a musician.

[@beneteaujeandavid]

Thank you to both of you. Thank you for the work you've done those years I'm following you and thank to Leo for performance he does with barysax I loved play that one but for now I'm on my alto saxophone. All the best to you lads. 🎷✌🏾

[@tuckerhaven4357]

Id like to see and hear the whole conversation lol... he definitely makes the sax world an intriguing one

[@showmethemoonie1690]

Oh damn this purgatory in the end of video is coolest thing I heard for awhile!

[@MrIwasaki6588]

英語なので何を言っているのかよくはわからないですが、LEO Pの感性や独奏性は伝わってきました。 LEO P最高👍

[@cyriusramdass4137]

Such an awesome collab, watching two of my sax idols since I was in junior high. Now I'm in my senior of hs and you guys still continue to entertain and educate me.

[@elecblush]

Leo P is so spot on about exploring the sounds the Saxophone is capable of. One of the things that has kept the guitar so interesting for so long is that new players have come along and innovated on how to play the instrument. I think all instrumentalists should embrace the exploration and playfulness that Leo personifies, it will make our musical pallets so much richer for it.

[@uncapoeiraclub9311]

Breathtaking performance and great video. Thanks, Leo P for rocking the world with your Bari and for Jay for the amazing interview. Interesting both from technical point of view and phylosophical. One of the best videos so far!

[@Nobaris9961]

"If you only practice what people teach you, you'll only learn what they know."

[@PieterPatrick]

Wauw... this is... AMAZING! I watched Leo at the BBC Proms soooooo many times. And now this gem of a video, thanks a lot.

[@mikestang679]

Showman extraordinaire, Leo P ...........Brining the Bari into pop culture.....

[@shawn31]

Always works so well with Leo P because he loves to tease our ears and eyes ...and we love it!!!!

[@chris1978nl]

Saw Leo Pellegrino perform with Lucky Chops in Nijmegen. What a beast on sax. He always delivers. Wishes he will return to LC.

[@CatFish107]

Thanks for this. I have never had the opportunity to even touch a sax, but I find this utterly fascinating. You and Leo actually make this (mostly) comprehensible for someone like me who knows nothing of musicianship.

[@fidosax77]

thanks bettersax ,,this is one of the info videos that i like the most ,,,don't forget to thanks leo p for taking the time to talk with you 👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@marquinhosax]

Leo P is amazing, thanks “better sax” for this vídeos and for all your incredible work, you help all of us saxophone players

[@soupmonger7299]

omg the crossover we all needed but not the one we deserved. hope to see more!!

[@DiMoraDiamond]

That glissando technique is so amazingly cool.

[@spikesagal]

Leo P is awesome! Been a fan of Too Many Zooz for years!

[@ryansmock2717]

I watch the BBC Proms like every couple months because that intro is nutty

[@Th3K1ngK00p4]

Awesome video, Jay! Really neat to get a breakdown of that iconic intro and some behind the scenes from Leo!

[@andrewdavis4295]

I have never played a saxophone, nor touched one. But this guy is just so entertaining

[@Dualis58]

That full performance of Moanin’ and Better Git It In Your Soul is some of the greatest jazz I’ve ever heard in my life.

[@Madinko12]

You haven't listened to a lot of jazz then.

[@Dualis58]

@@Madinko12 And you say that why? I’ve listened to jazz since I was 5. I’m also actively a jazz musician.

[@Madinko12]

@@Dualis58 Sorry if I misjudged you. I just thought that "some of the greatest jazz" was very hyperbolic for someone who shows off way more than he actually tries to make music. Leo P is still quite anecdotal, especially when compared to all the actual jazz legends we had or have.

[@stevedillard9169]

Absolutely brilliant video. I'm a brand new sax player and am simply AMAZED with how creative one can be with the sax and all the sounds and voices it can make. Leo is definitely an inspiration. Thank you so much for making and sharing this video. As a beginner, I was having a bad day, just could not stop squeaking and felt like quitting, but videos like yours and seeing awesome sax performances relight my fire and passion to keep pressing forward. Thanks again!!

[@bobcieslinski]

Awesome video Jay! Can’t get enough of your videos. This style sounds like a great course to offer.

[@khunchalee1397]

He's great. Great interview Jay. Thank you!