Sax Soloing in Pop Music - with Michael Ghegan

#bettersax #saxophone #michaelghegan
Jay Metcalf interviews renowned saxophonist Michael Ghegan, who shares tips on how to effectively accompany singers as a saxophone soloist and much more.
@michael ghegan
MICHAEL GHEGAN on INSTAGRAM - / michaelghegan
michaelghegan.com/
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[@johnhelliwell5046]

Thanks for the complements guys!

[@bettersax]

thanks for watching!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey John... Thanks for all the beauty over the years.. it's an honor and a pleasure!!

[@daveinman5969]

Hey John I can only endorse everything that the guys said. I love everything you did with Supertramp over the years. I have to say that I absolutely adore your version of The Ballad of The Sad Young Men, truly beautiful sir:)

[@nhr27]

I love that he talks about the audience. In a pop setting 99% of the people in the audience are not horn players, or even musicians. They want good, not complex.

[@derek_williams]

Great comment. I loved that too. No need to play to impress your teacher or fellow musicians and show them what you know. Just connect with the audience by playing beautiful stuff.

[@HonestSaxSound-unEdited-]

@@derek_williams Exactly! That feels good..

[@michaelghegan8980]

Thank you Nate and Cristian for checking out our collaboration / lesson. I hope it was enjoyable and informative! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@mikeaustin1]

Takeaways: 1) Michael seems like a decent, humble guy, very likable. 2) I've played pop since the 60's and to this day there's nothing more fun than nailing the original solo, often more fun than sheer improvising, which I've also done a lot of. Right on! 3) This is also an inspiration to those who think they need to be "good enough" to get out there and start playing sax, especially in pop music. You can do a good job with simplicity and taste. I just took the tenor sax up 2 weeks ago and am already well on my way to playing very nice solos in my studio stuff. It's very doable, and you don't have to stress over it. Loved the comments on not feeling like you have to come up with some incredible improv, just have fun and enjoy it. If I had not taken up the sax before I saw this video, this one might have pushed me over the edge to do so.

[@j_sax99]

"My job is to very simply dance with them and never step on their feet" will stick with me forever.

[@bettersax]

Great way of thinking about this...

[@CarlyWaarly]

We learned that from an early age about vocals and backing, a terrific way to express it.

[@michaelghegan8980]

@@bettersax Thank you Jay..looking very forward to the next one!!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Thank you so much @JoeHayes, @csmedia I'm just really glad that you enjoyed it and we got some ideas out there that will help move forward! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@saxmanchan]

Agreed.. will be sharing with my band.

[@philberg6343]

Been playing pop music for 40 years and still am. This interview is the best I've ever seen on the topic and even off the topic some. Know the melody, know the chords, and there's only 12 notes. I love it. And I remember the audience is there to be pleased so please them. Thanks guys great interview

[@Akaankh]

"it's supposed to be fun" Thanks a lot for this video, This is propably the 10th time I've watched it.

[@StephenB_LE9]

Michael G really expressed a great approach to supporting the melody - what comes across most is his great understanding of sensitivity to the music and supporting the singer, not trying to compete. His playing was lovely.

[@michaelghegan8980]

Wow Stephen, thank you so very much.. just glad you enjoyed it! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@jerryr574]

Yes! So right. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to play those original solos guys/gals. What made those records so special to those of us who play - from early 50’s Rock right on through.. Makes me feel happy every time I do too. You’ll have plenty other opportunity to let it fly.

[@alexbetancourt6378]

First twenty seconds, let the singer do their job, dance with them and don’t step on their feet, making melodies!!! Priceless take away!

[@patzicari3604]

My session trick, besides not stepping on the Vocalist, was to learn what the song was about... I listen to some recordings where it's a sad or happy song and the soloist played just the opposite... OR plays the same no matter what the tune denotes TO play... Not name dropping, but another tip was given to me by Ben Webster... It doesn't hurt to play a portion of the melody every so often while soloing... Enjoy your Videos and Special Guests... Pat

[@bettersax]

Yes, use the melody is a great tip for soloing.

[@michaelghegan8980]

I love it Pat... SO true! Name dropping is a great thing when it's personal and comes from the best! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@francistaylor5097]

One of the best videos you've uploaded Jay. Wise words and thoroughly informative and entertaining.

[@michaelghegan8980]

Thank you so much Francis. So glad that you enjoyed it and the messages got across! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@TheParkourFencer]

This guy was so interesting and well spoken. Thanks for having him on!

[@michaelghegan8980]

@theparkourfencer , thank you so much! I'm truly glad that you enjoyed our collaboration and that the ideas came across! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@m.w.]

Wow.This Interview is one of the most interesting talks i have ever heard. These guys are living the saxophone so much..........!🤝🎷Thank you.

[@bettersax]

thanks, glad to hear it.

[@michaelghegan8980]

Thanks so much Markus! I have such a great time with Jay..just glad you enjoyed it. Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@johnjenkins2315]

Thank you both Michael and Jay for such informative and inspirational 15+ minutes,a time very well spent certainly not a wasted moment any part of it. Keep these interviews coming Jay.

[@chrisvogtmusic]

One of the best interviews i’ve seen in a long time. more of this stuff!!!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Chris, thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed the interview and hopefully got some good info and ideas! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@bobgreen1236]

"We're in the service industry"....I've never heard it put better!

[@marydunn8513]

I would really liked to have heard the rest of that song! What a sweet soprano sound, completely enhanced the tenor.

[@melb5996]

Best interview ever!! You can nail jazz to the floor and yet wouldn’t have a clue how to come up with a brilliant beautiful life lasting melody

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Mel, thank you so very much. I'm really glad you enjoyed it and the messages got through. It means a lot! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@diegomatharangubitosi3670]

The right note at the right time!!! What a taste for soloing!!! 🏄🏽‍♂️🎷🏄🏽‍♂️🎷🏄🏽‍♂️🎷 for me, don myrick was one of the best soloist in pop music...

[@willholton]

Yes!!! Don was amazing. Where it was “Reasons” or “One More Night”. Just amazing! RIH Don Myrick.

[@michaelghegan8980]

Thank you so much Diego.. you are exactly right!! So glad you enjoyed it.. Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@stevenstamour6007]

Great interview!!!! love Michael's comments I can't agree more. Exactly how I feel.

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Steven...thank you so very much. I'm really glad you enjoyed it and the messages got through! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@peterdrake5156]

Two fantastic saxophonists in perfect harmony. What a treat for the ears. Michael - you sound like Branford!

[@aninaholbek]

I've got some of the best advice and encouragement from Michael to get started on the saxophone. He is a very kind hearted and soulful musician, and I just owe him a tons of thanks for inspiration :) I've seen him often at Roger Hodgson's gigs. I was always impressed how he manages to balance between John Helliwell's original sax solos, and adding his own style, all while charming the audience. Thrilled to see him appear on your channel today! :D

[@michaelghegan8980]

Thank you so much Anina.. I hope all is well. Hope to see you at a show soon! Keep practicing!

[@aninaholbek]

@@michaelghegan8980 good to see you here Michael. Hoping for live concerts again next year! :)

[@chantalmarleau9709]

Absolutely brilliant! I could rewatch this interview all day.

[@androtechmaster9464]

What a great piece of art you both are! Pleasure to watch!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Andromeda's... thank you so much! I hope you got some good info and ideas. It's all about sharing! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@bigsaxoholic99]

Mike is a great guy. I used to go see him years ago in Boston when he was touring with Fighting Gravity and Pat Mcgee Band. He always remembered me and we would talk shop . Awesome player and awesome guy.

[@p.w.2149]

Boom this is a great interview with many many good advices. Thank you so much.

[@stephtioube]

Ok, now I know that I am not the only one worshipping Branford's pop music. Back then, when I was studying the sax at the conservatoire, I was totally obsessed with his work with Sting. I watched the "Bring on the night" documentary a thousand times. But I was kind of ashamed to love so much his "simplest work"... I am relieved to see I am not alone. Thank you Jay and Michael :)

[@lisawanderess]

Nice interview! Obvious connection with you both. So sweet you guys jammin and laughing at the end with the fist bump, cute! 😍

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hi Lisa, thank you so much for tuning in. So glad you enjoyed it and hopefully got some good info! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@danieloconnell2978]

So nice to hear someone of this caliber that understands how great Branford’s playing is.

[@frankzona5459]

Really great interview with Michael.So true, don't step on the singer, stay in the genre, give the audience what they are expecting, listen to Branford. Wonderful. Thank you for this interview Jay.

[@darwood6861]

What a great interview. Michael is the real deal. He's a brilliant communicator with the way he uses word pictures to draw you to understanding what he is saying. Loved it. I've got a ton of music to listen to after hearing all of his references to other musicians.

[@michaelghegan8980]

Thank you so much @Darwood68. I'm really glad you enjoyed it and the messages got through! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@andyfewings8080]

Superb video, what a great interview and Michael Ghegan clearly knows his stuff, fabulous musician and technician.

[@michaelghegan8980]

Thank you so very much Andy! So glad you enjoyed it! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@straightupsax]

Wise words!! Very true and well explained. This should be heard by all horn players. Not just SAX

[@michaelghegan8980]

Thank you so much @straightupsax ! I'm so glad that you enjoyed our collaboration and that the ideas came across! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@HB-ve4wi]

That is just a beautiful, insightful talk. Thanks Jay!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey H B, Thanks so much for writing. I'm really glad you enjoyed it and got some good insight! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@jimb4547]

What an incredible discussion. Wow. Love that guy!!

[@MexSax]

Excellent stuff and ideas from this great master ! Thanks for sharing this high value video !

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey, thank you so much! That really means a lot. I hope you got some really good info from it! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@RonPorteous]

Playing with Supertramp... What a gig! I, too, grew up listening to those songs and sax solos as I was learning to play. I could not have agreed more with what he said about those songs and John Helliwell's playing. The snippet that you added of his playing in the concert was really great!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Ron, thanks so much for dialing in! So glad you enjoyed it and got some good info! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@willholton]

One of the best videos to date. Conversation!! Love it.

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Will... Conversation is everything. Without it we're alone and it's silent. So glad you tuned in and enjoyed it! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@jamesm967]

Love Micheal’s sound. I have a YSS-62 I got from my parents for Christmas in 1986. I will never part with that horn. I imagine he has had his YSS-62R about as long. Love it so much!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey James... you're absolutely right. I will never let go of this horn. I got mine around 1990. Thanks so much for writing..I'm really glad you enjoyed it! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@brianleising800]

Love this video. That’s exactly what I’ve been trying to do with a new cover band. Great to know I’m on the right track.

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Brian... Thanks so much for writing. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and that the info came across! Just remember, with your new band.. get the parts/ arrangements air tight and leave some room to make it "yours"!! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@energyfrequencyvibration1597]

Took me a while to stumble across this video, but definitely one of my faves Jay. Great sounds!

[@shewinmiller7340]

This was video I needed. I been trying to learn this for sometime now. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hi Shewin. I'm so glad you enjoyed our interview! Thank you for tuning in. Hoping you got some good info from it! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@jooelewis]

I worked some events with Mike and him and I have a pretty "passing" relationship but I always make sure to watch and listen to him work. His use of musical language is next level.

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Joe... great to hear from you! Thank you so much, as always. I'm just glad you enjoyed it! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@MichaIsraelKovler]

Wonderful, teaching, thank you Jay!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Thank you so much Micha. I'm really glad you tuned in and got some good info from our lesson / collaboration! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@RafikCezanneTV]

Jay all your videos are great! Really dug the part on playing or not playing original solos. Thank you.

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hi Rafik, thank you so much for watching and reaching out! I really hope you enjoyed it and got some good info! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@vincegg5405]

Man! That small clip is 🔥 so much pleasure to listen to you guys playing

[@michaelghegan8980]

Thank you so very much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully you took away some good ideas! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@keepjammin291]

Jay, thank you for this impressive interview. - Great to see and hear - again and again -, what soloing, especially with other guys, what listening to the Greats is all about. - And then: There‘s only 12 notes. THANK YOU 🎷🤓

[@TheJazz625]

Really enjoyed that. Thanks. I've played a lot with a singer, and I love backing. Could not agree more with what the man said!!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hi Paul. Thank you so very much. I'm really glad you enjoyed the interview..hope it helped!! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@darrelfrancisco2941]

Thankyou so much sir jay for bring us this and enhanching our minds Micheal ghegan is an superb artist. Wathching you from india.

[@timmao2358]

Another great vid! Thanks Jay

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Tim, thank you so much for tuning in. I really hope you got some good info out of it! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@jandemencik6130]

Hey guys ...totaly agree !!! Mr Brandford is the Master of this job.....and by the way i love your way to play!!!! Great job had of....

[@amylongan861]

Highly thought out! Found myself rewatching the video multiple times!

[@daynesigibarron9173]

Very much worth my time. Thank you both for sharing!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Dayne & Sigi...thank you so much for tuning in. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and got some great info!! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@jazzm45]

Amazing interview .. great insights. All round cool dude !! I really enjoyed that !

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey @jazzm45..thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed our hang. I hope we got some good ideas across in the process! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@SaxStation]

Thanks for doing this interview! Learned a few things and got some ideas on things to check out.

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey @Sax Station...thanks so much for tuning in! I hope you enjoyed it and got some good information to take away! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@2004autoar]

Loooooved it all

[@davebrogden7197]

Great lesson.

[@philtaska4258]

I love to listen to great musicians talk shop..and that was the fastest 15:46 ever! Thank you x 1000.

[@christopherhuff8940]

Dude, just saw this. Michael is the real deal. Thanks for the intro (and links :) )!!

[@diogolozza]

Thank you!

[@EarthBound45]

It was a pleasure to experience this interesting personality talk about his craft and his concern for the quality of the listeners experience. Thank you for sharing your interaction with this fine musician...you're the best!!

[@michaelghegan8980]

@earthbound..thank you so very much! I'm so glad that you enjoyed our get together. I love spending time with Jay, it's always so musical and informative. Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@kaywilson8702]

What a great chat. As a novice player it was interesting and informative ..... its all in the tune, give the people what they want and not overcomplicate.

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hi Kay...So very happy that you tuned in and enjoyed it. I really hope you got some great info and ideas from it! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@patemblen3644]

That was great advice, just what I'd been looking for. Thanks guys.

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Pat, you're most welcome. So glad you tuned in. I hope you got some great info! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@newscrews11]

Still love this video - great interview, great peeps

[@jimb4547]

And Michael is excellent !!!!💪

[@ralfbettker-cuza7432]

Absolutely great interview, once again. Awesome guest (who I didn't know before) with great and wise insight. As Wynton Marsalis said in his YT video about the blues: "One good melody is worth a thousand scales." And it's true: we hobby performers try to be original all the time while it'd be much better to stand on the shoulders of giants and walk their way sometimes.

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Ralf...thank you so much for writing. I truly appreciate your thoughts. It's all about finding the right words for a great conversation!! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@normanski5074]

Fantastic vid and excellent content. I just wish I could remember songs - Been playing over 30 years and still can't remember songs - I'm sure I'm missing a memory chip in my head.

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Norman... Haha..no, you're not. We all process things differently. Building that memory library is a very personal process. Don't ever get down on yourself, just keep getting after the sounds you love and keep grinding!! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Great video Jay, thanks!

[@bettersax]

Thanks Nigel

[@michaelghegan8980]

Thank you so very much Nigel... I'm really glad you tuned in and that you enjoyed it! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@timcason3479]

So good, so good! Give respect where respect !!! : )

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Tim...100%! You are spot on. I'm so glad you tuned in and hope you enjoyed it and took away some good info! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@1silvervespa]

So cool to have had Mike drop into Local Blues Jam. After I caught him with Roger Hodgson in concert, Now That is a night I won't forget !

[@michaelghegan8980]

That was such a great and unexpected night! Thank you for having me up to jam. Looking forward to the next one! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@apinakapinastorba]

Love was made in that solo.

[@macfapd]

Great video. Great insight about music!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Paul, thank you so very much! Really glad that you tuned in and hopefully took away some great info and ideas! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@slow222]

this... is a great interview. hats off to you, sir. Quality production. Quality people. Quality content. I love that he relates music to having a conversation that flows fluidly without "stepping on each other's toes".

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Glenn... So glad you enjoyed it. It really means a lot. Jay is so great at what he does and it was so much fun to get together, as always! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@slow222]

@@michaelghegan8980 nice! following now. You're awesome, sir.

[@jonpileggi2621]

Very well said, great video guys!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hi Jon...thanks so very much! So glad you enjoyed it. I hope you got some good ideas and info from it! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@zenscapeUKmedia]

Excellent video, J! My takeway from it? Has to be the comment that Michael saw his job as "dancing with the singer, but never standing on their toes". Brilliant way of describing it. Its great to hear someone recognising the value of sax in pop and rock music. Its provided a lot more "classic", stand-out-memorable and totally original solos than jazz for most people - and it does it with pure melody instead of complexity and "just because the fingering is fast and difficult it must be great" playing. I wouldn't totally agree that when filling in for someone that you should play soloes note for note. He mentioned the late Clarence Clemens from Springsteen's E-Street Band. I've had a lifetime listening to live bands and I don't agree the audience is there to hear a carbon-copy of the studio or the last live recording. I've listened to great guitar players many times and they explore the song differently every time (well maybe not David Gilmour, he's just a machine and its expected of him to not deviate). I'd feel cheated if they did their songs the same each time. They may as well just mime! You can't be into the song 100% unless you let the song take you to a personal place as a musician. If you're concentrating on what was done before, you aren't feeling the moment. I don't like tribute acts as its all fake with no soul. Even in classical music, the soloist is usually the only one not reading. They're there to interpret the piece their own way. Great singers always do.

[@user-jl9kn2nh3g]

As soon as I heard that soprano play I thought of “Sir Brantford” and his amazing work with Sting. That is a compliment by the way. Michael is an amazing artist and Jay sounds great, as always.

[@markmontaquila3098]

Wow!!! Takeaways: counter melody, Start slow, wait for the sweet spot, memory palace, library & storage, dance, and don't step on toes. My brain fell out when he started talking about 3rd 7ths and whatnot. Awesome video. THANK YOU

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Mark..thank you so much for tuning in. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.. the most important thing is to keep pushing forward! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@sorenfuhrer401]

Wow, he seems to be a really cool guy and obviously, a great player. Thank you for another great interview, Jay. Great content!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Soren, thank you so very much. So glad that you enjoyed it. I hope you took away some good ideas! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@Marcosls2015]

What an awesome interview Jay! Not only for the wisdom , but to me it was so fun to know that it was Supertramp that sparked Michael's passion for the sax...it was the same thing for me back in the 80s...and now, John, the man himself, appeared there and made a comment! What is this world we live in!? That is amazing! Thanks a lot Jay for all you do!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Thank you so much, my friend! We had a great time. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and got some good information! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@JazzDuets]

good video man!

[@bettersax]

Thank you man

[@michaelghegan8980]

Thank you so much... So glad you enjoyed it.. hopefully there was some good info in there!! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@bryandickerson5365]

Oh yeah, forgot to say. I definitely remember ‘Dream Of The Blue Turtles’ and yes Branford just absolutely NAILED it! After that for years my dream was to play with Sting. I saw the them live in Dallas Tx 1985/6(?) - One of the greatest shows I’ve ever seen!

[@michaelghegan8980]

I actually never got to see the show (heartbreak). But I really dug into everything they did and it changed my perspective! So glad you enjoyed it Bryan, thank you! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@richardcasey7521]

Terrific interview!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Thank you my brother!!!

[@davidcrawford9388]

Boy this guy makes you feel utterly inadequate. A different league. Very impressive.

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey David.... listen my friend. It's never about that. I have beat myself up so many times over the years feeling that way..it wasn't worth it. It's all about chasing the sound you love and working hard to catch up to it. We ALL have our own way of putting the puzzle together. Keep charging forward! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@donkalescky3235]

Excellent! Very informative, interesting, enjoyable!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Don, thank you so much for joining us. I truly hope you enjoyed it and got some good ideas from it! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@esfahan1961]

Great interview and insights. Music is said to be the silence between the notes which is precisely what Michael says. Sometimes you feel the great like John Coltrane become self indulgent, only trying to fit as many notes in a phrase as they possibly can resulting in a big mashup. Loved it 😘👍🏼

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Thierry, you are 100% correct! Thank you so much for writing. I'm so glad you enjoyed the interview and got some good info!! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@podgesaxpiano]

Great video. Thanks for uploading.

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey PK, thank you so much for tuning in... So glad you enjoyed it! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@BR-zv1kp]

Oh yeah!

[@lyecats]

I remember hearing Branford Marsalis at the Cactus Club in Ft Worth, back in the 80's. He was so good and interesting to listen to - he had something to say. This was before Sting took him from jazz clubs to pop star. Branford was able to show his absolute musicality and he stretched the average ear inside the structure of pop which was also what Sting was doing. They were a great pairing of earned musical knowledge and continued growth in a genre that resists change because it might not make as much money the next time around. And Supertramp- you nailed it! Thanks for your insight; it's valuable, and relevant.

[@michaelghegan8980]

Wow... thank you so much Stacey. That means so much. The ones that inspire us are so important to our growth. I'm really glad you enjoyed this collaboration, thanks for writing! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@edwardmichaels5615]

Awesome interview! I really enjoy your material - please keep doing what you're doing.

[@bettersax]

Thank you! Will do!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Edward, thank you so much for tuning in. I really hope that you got some good ideas from this! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@robstevens9590]

Good advice about playing with a vocalist! I love accompanying a good singer!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hi Rob, thank you so much. I'm truly glad you enjoyed it! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@sergiogmartinez]

Great video!!! Thanks a lot!!!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Sergio...thank you so very much! So glad you enjoyed it! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@diogolozza]

My favorite video

[@enricozenatelli7650]

Amazing video, appreciate a lot this interview!!

[@bettersax]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hi Enrico..thank you so much. I'm so glad that you tuned in and hopefully got some good info from our get together! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@davidhollingsworth8696]

Wow. What a great and informative video/interview. Remembering the audience! Don't be afraid of playing the "original" when it works so well. I enjoyed it so much. There is so much great information. You don't have to play every note there is to respond to the the melodic statement.

[@HonestSaxSound-unEdited-]

Exactly, i agree👍

[@michaelghegan8980]

Thank you so very much David! I'm really glad that you enjoyed it and the information and ideas came across. Keep it up!! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@nairdazitro7460]

What a man ! He doesn't play his ego but the gig.

[@lovejazz]

That's some great stuff you guys talked about. You have 12 notes to play with, That's important to keep in mind.

[@regparham4793]

Very informative! Well done.

[@michaelghegan8980]

Thanks so much Reg.. So glad you tuned in and hopefully got some solid ideas! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@jeffpf38]

Excellent video Jay! I love to hear the insight of a seasoned veteran! Man does he play great!

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hi Jep...thank you so very much for tuning in. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and got some good info from it! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@suzyonsax]

This is great. Thanks Jay Metcalf :)

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hey Suzy, thanks so much! I'm so glad that you enjoyed our get together! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael

[@Craig2760]

If you had posted this back in 1978 I probably wouldn’t have messed up my first rock band audition. 🤨

[@michaelghegan8980]

Hahaa..I totally understand Craig. I forgot and blanked on my jazz band solo in 7th grade, walked off stage and threw my alto into a brick wall... my folks were NOT pleased! Now that touring is postponed, I'll be posting more performance and tutorial content on KZbin (Michael Ghegan), Instagram (@michaelghegan) and Facebook (@ Michael Ghegan Music). Please subscribe , follow, enjoy and keep in touch! Keep practicing and don't stop searching for your sound and style!! Best, Michael