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...

[@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]

@@terriblefez Criminally underrated comment.

[@beatmasterbossy]

Neighbors?

[@jacksoff6570]

@@terriblefez don’t forget the hair products

[@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

[@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

[@THUNDER52]

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

[@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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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

[@andreimj]

Leo is such an amazing human being

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@gaigemercado2763]

Buyo solo breakdown next? You are a true legend Jay

[@cyriusramdass4137]

I would love that sooo much

[@levistoner]

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

[@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!

[@Ted-s_comments]

Leo P is an outstanding saxophone player

[@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.

[@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!!

[@TBlanktim]

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

[@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.

[@equisader]

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

[@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!

[@antoniousvaneyssen616]

Jays bari's playing sounds like death metal, lol

[@juansebastianbw8823]

Colin stetson is the god of saxophones

[@3267david]

This will prove to be an epic video over time.

[@michaelracine3986]

Leo is the GOAT!

[@sophiaries3169]

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

[@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!

[@diegsvelasquez1608]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@positivelyprogressing]

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

[@gt2quick]

We demand it!!!!!!!! 🎷🕺🏻🤘🏼

[@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

[@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!

[@gypsysoulrae0722]

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

[@OldSkoolF]

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

[@C134B]

What a showman

[@player197SD]

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

[@santiagomendezmejia7155]

OMG my favorite sax players together!!!!

[@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.

[@hannaharnold9071]

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

[@Jacksmusicshack]

Leo P... what a guy

[@jeremysnead9233]

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

[@nighttrane1]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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👍

[@AnonMedic]

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

[@TheToneBender]

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

[@patmack2871]

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

[@joemcglohon1]

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

[@Nobaris9961]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@TheFleahost]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@johnchapin7707]

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

[@helengordon-saxophone]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@timcason3479]

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

[@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.

[@jarnosaarinen4583]

Just, in Leo is from another Realm!

[@chris1978nl]

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

[@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.

[@connorevans9460]

Listen to leo p at work alot woukd live to see the dude live! Im from uk

[@mikestang679]

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

[@showmethemoonie1690]

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

[@soupmonger7299]

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

[@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.

[@DiMoraDiamond]

That glissando technique is so amazingly cool.

[@tuckerhaven4357]

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

[@jaceritchie7948]

The low a gliss overtone sounds a bit like a FNAF jumpscare and i love it

[@sharatssaxophone]

Spend 20 min a day making crazy sounds... good advice

[@fshalor738]

Did you just take us into Leo P's wood shed? Thank you. Leo P's been one of my favorite natural performers for years now.

[@andrewdavis4295]

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

[@wotthebleep]

Love Leo P....I think I played that video....20 times or more

[@shawn31]

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

[@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! :)

[@saxophonerman1239]

We need that video of you dancing hahaha.

[@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.

[@spikesagal]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@Meianju]

That's a Boku no Hero Academia poster in the background there. Respect Leo XD I'm not even a Sax player but loved the break down ^^

[@chrisfrias246]

Finally a baritone sax video 😅👏🏾🔥

[@TheUncleAuntie]

I remember wanting a bari sax so bad after watching this for the first time

[@andrewcurnow912]

That’s why I play bari lol. Greatest thing ever

[@TheUncleAuntie]

Yeah I don’t blame you lol the only sax I don’t have yet is a bari but it’s definitely up next

[@lildiq9989]

bari is always going to be my favorite, it’s why i own one

[@TheUncleAuntie]

Yeah it’s amazing

[@roderickisveryhandsome]

hahaha, just got a bari last week. i’ve been wanting one since i knew who Leo was

[@jasminduncanson2520]

This video makes me want 2 pick up the sax again ❤

[@mcd5478]

The gliss sounds like my kitchen mixer 😆 love it

[@albort3052]

Those blues licks are so good.