James Houlik


"I am really impressed with the consistency of these reeds. In fact, I can't remember finding so many quality reeds in a single box ever "I'm looking for a dark, robust sound, and the Superial "DC" provides exactly what I need. My concert activities range from recitals to concerto dates with orchestras and bands, to pop shows and I need a reed that can cover a broad territory... I'm delighted I now have the Alexander Superial "DC" reeds to depend on. The Alexander Superial "DC" reed is just what the doctor ordered....consistent and responsive. I need a reed that will allow me to achieve a tone with warmth and darkness, without being stuffy, and I've found it in the Superial "DC". It is comforting to know that I now have a source for excellent reeds, with the qualities and consistency that I have long hoped for. The Alexander Superial "DC" gives me exactly the combination of warmth of tone without having to compromise response and power."

UPDATE 10 years after playing Alexander Reeds:

"I've been playing on Alexander D.C. reeds for more than a decade, and I continue to be delighted with their performance.  These consistent reeds are responsive and long lasting.  With my Alexanders I am able to manage the register extremes that are an intrinsic part of the music that I perform, and I look forward to many more years with them as a part of my equipment team!"

We are most honored that the man critically acclaimed as being the leading classical tenor saxophonist in the world, James Houlik, has just joined us as an Alexander Classical Artist. Hailed by the Washington Post as "The Andres Segovia of the Tenor Saxophone" , James Houlik has not only been lauded worldwide for his virtuosic performances, but also for his pioneering efforts on behalf of the instrument, which have resulted in the composition of over 70 original concert works from such illustrious composers as Morton Gould, Robert Ward, and Russel Peck, among others.

From a performance at the White House to solo appearances with orchestras in New York, Chicago, London, Berlin, Prague, etc. and recitals in the music capitols of the world, James Houlik has almost single handedly carved a niche for the tenor saxophone in the classical and concert worlds.

After studying with 20th century saxophone legend Sigurd Rascher, Houlik's steadily gained recognition in an area of concert saxophone that had been hitherto widely neglected...tenor saxophone repertoire. In time, he was garnering critical praise with comments such as:
"The world's great saxophone " ( London Daily Mail)

"A performance that might exhaust one's superlatives " (Washington Post)
"Houlik is a truly brilliant player " (New York Magazine)
"With his virtuoso performing talents, Mr. Houlik could probably convince any doubter that the saxophone deserves a prominent place in any concert goer's heart." (N.Y. Times).