| Friends
of
Alexander Frank Macchia "I have fallen in love with the Alexander reeds. I'd been going through a period of trying many different brands in order to get a fuller, richer sound while keeping vibrancy and projection intact. Curiosity got me to try a box of Alexanders. As soon as I played them I knew I had found the answer and now I feel they are the best reeds I've ever used! Not only did they give me the best sound I'd ever achieved, but almost every reed in the box is a winner! Whether I'm playing with a jazz quartet or with an orchestra I find these reeds the best." We welcome 2008 Grammy Nominee (Category 86, Best Instrumental Arrangement) Saxophonist/Composer/Arranger Frank Macchia as our latest "Friend".  Frank Macchia is s Berklee College of Music graduate, having studied woodwinds with Joseph Viola, Joe Allard, Steve Grossman and composition/arranging with Herb Pomeroy, Phil Wilson, Greg Hopkins, Tony Texiera, and Ken Pullig. He received a National Endowment Grant for the Arts to compose a 90 minute continuous jazz/classical suite for large ensemble also won Down Beat magazine's DB award for original big band composition in 1979. After graduating with a degree in traditional composition, Frank taught at Berklee at the tender age of 20. In 1981 Frank moved back to the San Francisco area where he continued working as a musician and composer/arranger over the next ten years, performing concerts with such artists as Ella Fitzgerald, Rita Moreno, Tony Bennett, Jack Jones, Clare Fischer, Chuck Mangione, and the Temptations, to name a few. Frank Macchia has played with the following performers, among them others Billy Childs, Bonnie Raitt, Brian Wilson, Dionne Warwick, Eric Marienthal, George Russell, Jay Leno, Jimmy Giuffre, Johnny Mathis, Les Elgart Big Band, The Tonight Show Band, Tony Bennett, Vinnie Colauita and many more. Since 1992 he has worked as a composer/orchestrator on many films and television projects, including Superman Returns, Pirates of the Carribean 3, The Fantastic Four 2: Rise of the Silver Surfer, The Guardian, Miracle, X2-Xmen United, Men of Honor, The Contender, The Apt Pupil, Santa Clause 2, and television shows Night Visions, and the Tonight Show. In 2003 he completed his CD The Galapagos Suite, based on the animals of the Galapagos Islands. His CD, Animals was released in Fall 2004, featuring Frank on multi-woodwinds and a roster of some of Los Angeles best musicians. The follow-up CD, Mo' Animals featured Billy Childs, Vinnie Colauita, Howard Levy and many others. In 2006 he completed Emotions featuring the Prague Orchestra and showcasing Frank’s tenor saxophone skills. In December, 2007 Frank was nominated for the Grammy Awards, the category is Best Instrumental Arrangement for the song "Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair" from his CD Landscape. This work shows the depth of Frank's talents as both a player and writer and we think we'll be hearing more from this inventive musician in the years to come. Kenny Berger “In the roughly 40 years I've been a professional jazz and studio baritone saxophonist on the New York scene, I can say unequivocally that Alexander reeds are the best I have ever played, and believe me, I've tried virtually every type of reed there is. The quality and consistency of the cane and the solid core of sound I get from them are just what I have been looking for." A mainstay of the New York Baritone Sax
world, Kenny Berger has performed and/or recorded with the following
jazz artists: "As a young
saxophonist in today's Saxophonist/pianist and composer Jameel Roberts, began playing saxophone at the age of 11. He played in the Baptist church and found the sounds of reggae and calypso at home from his Caribbean born parents. By high school he was playing professionally in many different venues. In the fall of 2000, he was granted a full scholarship to attend William Paterson University and study with Don Braden. While there, he also studied with the late legendary Jazz Messenger pianist, James Williams. Upon graduating from William Paterson University, Roberts caught the ear of trombonist John Mosca, musical director of the acclaimed Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. Mosca asked the young saxophonist to play with the band and he now performs frequently with the Vanguard Orchestra. Jameel's uniqueness lies in his ability to play in multiple genres of music. Roberts is never limited to one genre and has developed ties to the Hip Hop and Gospel music worlds. He is currently the saxophonist for rap veteran LL Cool J. He has also recorded with Wu tang Clan's member Redman and the Soul Diggaz production team. In the jazz world he actively plays with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and has performed with Clark Terry, the late James Williams, Bill Mobley, Richard DeRosa, Jim McNeely, and numerous others. He currently lives in NYC and is working on his piano/Rhodes & saxophone debut recording. "Superial
reeds are Gene Walker is a jazz saxophonist, composer, bandleader and recording studio musician, and Professor of Saxophone at Ohio State University. Since 1956, Gene has toured with the Beatles, Arethan Franklin, King Curtis, Wilson Pickett, Sam Cook, Jackie Wilson, Jimmy McGriff, Etta Jones, Elvin Jones, Johnny "Hammond" Smith, the Drifters, the Platters, and others (the list goes on and on).
Amazing pics of Gene on tour with the Beatles in 1965. _ _ "After 50
years of performing in Alaadeen is a real Kansas City legend, having started his career at the age 14(!) after studying with Leo Davis, a teacher of Charlie Parker. He has performed with the likes of Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Jay McShann, Ella Fitzgerald, The Count Basie Orchestra, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, and Motown stars Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and Sam Cooke. He has also been honored with no less than the US Congressonal Award, the Missouri Governor's Award, the Jazz Heritage Award, the Missouri Humanities Council's Community Heritage Award and the Missouri Arts Award. We are honored to have this musical cultural treasure Mr. Alaadeen become a Friend of Superial. _ "I've been
putting up with New York City based saxophonist Dennis Mitcheltree has gigged with, among others, the following jazz musicians: Bob Moses, Jim McNeely, Howard Johnson, Ronnie Matthews, Pete Yellin, Odeon Pope and many more. Dennis also plays with the American Music Group, which presented his "Suite No.1" at Carnegie Hall in 1995. _ Gunnar Mossblad "Superior
cane, Masterful Gunnar Mossblad is active as a saxophonist, composer/arranger, and educator in both the European classical and American jazz idioms. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies and a Master of Music degree in Saxophone Performance from the University of North Texas. He is currently the Director of the University of Toledo International Center for Jazz, and has formerly taught at James Madison University (VA), and West Chester University (PA). His performing credits include collaborations with David Liebman, Marv Stamm, Royce Campbell, John Díearth, Hod Oíbrien, Woody Herman, Mel TormÈ, John Coates, Jr., and many others. As the founder of Visions, a contemporary jazz quintet, and more recently, The Manhattan Saxophone Ensemble, and the Mph Trio Gunnar has gained an outstanding reputation as a performer, composer, and improviser. He also serves as the musical director for the David Liebman Big Band. His compositions as well as performing can be heard with his jazz quintet on the Four Leaf Clover Records release, Visions (FLC-4098), with the Manhattan Saxophone Ensemble on David Liebmanís Classique (OWL-066CD), and with Liebman on Joy: The Music of John Coltrane (Candid Records CCD79531). Convergence (MM-CD2002) available through North Country Distributors has received critical acclaim and features both his performing and his compositions. A clinician/soloist for the Selmer Company, Elkhart, IN., Gunnar teaches and performs master classes and clinics. For information on his performance schedule or bookings please contact Gunnar at: 401
S. Bradford Ave. "Sound is my
first priority on the saxophone. Combining an extensive knowledge of the jazz tradition and a highly individualistic approach to performance, Mike DiRubbo has taken his place in the elite of New York City's straight-ahead jazz musicians. He has shared the bandstand and the recording studio with jazz masters including Cecil Payne, Jackie McLean, George Coleman, Harold Mabern, Eddie Henderson, John Hicks and young veterans including Peter Washington, Mike LeDonne, Steve Davis, Eric Alexander, Tony Reedus, Anthony Wonsey, Jim Rotondi, David Hazeltine, Dwayne Burno, Joe Farnsworth, Michael Weiss, and many others. _ “Alexander
Superial and Superial DC are Jim Saltzman is an active saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer, arranger, and educator in the NYC area. He is currently an Affiliate Artist at Drew University in Madison, NJ where he teaches saxophone and the Jazz Ensemble. Saltzman is also an author, having written for Down Beat magazine. Jim’s compositions can be heard with his quartet on recordings, “Along the Way” and “Aggregate”, and he will be recording his new CD, “Total Trust” in February 2005, which will be available through his website as well. Jim can be seen performing all over the NYC/NJ areas in various venues, including Cecil’s in West Orange, NJ with the Joe Elefante Big Band every Monday night which also will appear on ABC Television's Nightline on Feb. 18, '05. _ Rob Sudduth "I play a
wide variety of music-rock'n'roll, Long known on both the R&B and jazz scenes in the San Francisco and Bay Areas, Saxophonist Rob Sudduth has covered a wide spectrum of musical styles in performances with such diverse artists as Rickie Lee Jones, the Temptations, Graham Connah's Ensemble, Clarinetist Ben Goldberg, guitarist Bruce Forman, pianist Mark Levine, and a long term touring and recording association with the legendary rock band, Huey Lewis and the News. Rob has also just completed his first CD "Just One Of Those Things--Music Inspired By Frank Sinatra" (**NB...Rob is also an old gig mate of mine from "the old days"!...T.A.) _
"I've used
your Superial reeds exclusively since Ralph Morgan introduced them to
me in the mid 90's. Larry is the last of the playing band leaders with his own orchestra from the swing era. His career started at age 15 playing Lead Alto with Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman's first herd, Jack Jenny, Red Norvo, and others. He has recorded 55 albums, and his "Hooked On Swing" recorded in 1982, has the distinction of being the biggest selling big band or swing album in recorded music history.Larry is performing at concert venues across America and Australia and has been invited as a guest soloist with various orchestras in the US and abroad, and a big band cruise aboard the Queen Elizabeth II. Bill Pierce "I've found Superial "DC" reeds to be dark, resonant, and vibrant. I can push them and keep the same quality of tone. They remind me of reeds from the past...the cut and cane quality is very consistent and they tend to last for a very long time. Once I find a one that works for me, I use it for weeks and that's a lot for me. I'm enjoying the "DC"s a lot,They work great!!!!!! Bill Pierce has performed and recorded with the likes of Freddie Hubbard, Tony Williams, Art Farmer, James Williams, Hank Jones, Art Blakey, Branford Marsalis, and Wynton Marsalis, as well as being a featured saxophonist at major international jazz festivals. "I've been
playing Alexander Reeds since Multi Saxophonist and Composer, Mike Ellis, has performed in the U.S. with his NYC- based Urban Jungle Orchestra, in Paris with his Art Sound Orchestra, and in Russia in various jazz festivals featuring a number of small and large original compositions. He has done recording and live gigs with such artists as John Betsch, JJ. Avenel, Bobby Few, Masahiko Togashi, M.E.T.A. (band co lead by Tom Alexander), Motohiko Hino, Ray Anderson, Bruce Cox, Graham Haynes, and many others. (Mike is my old friend and musical collaborator, who continues to expand his musical horizons recently with a CD featuring a Tuuva master singer). "It is rare
in this day to Jazz
saxophonist Daniel Ian Smith is a saxophone instructor at the Berklee
School of Music, and Boston big bandleader.
Tim Price "Superial and
Superial "DC" Reeds Saxophone Journal columnist, author, Selmer Artist, Keilworth Artist (Straight Alto), and clinician Tim Price, has also performed with such players as Don Patterson, Cecil Payne, George Young, Jack McDuff, Al Grey, Billy James, Mickey Roker, Ira Sullivan, Gary McFarland, Lew Tabackin, Aretha Franklin, Dr. John, and many others. _
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musical world I
needed a reed that allowed me to play many different genres of music.
Alexander reeds are hands down the best there are. My biggest concern
with a reed was control. "Superials" have a warm center and they give
me the control I need in all aspects of my sound. This is most obvious
in my dynamics and control of my sub tone & altissimo. Overall the
Alexander Superials seal extremely well and they last longer then any
reed out there. They are my reed of choice for all my gigs with the
Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. But I also love having the option of
playing Alexander DC's for my hip hop gigs. When I play with LL Cool J,
Alexander DC's give me the brightness and response I need to cut
through the band and tracks. Whatever the style of music, I know I can
trust my Alexander reeds to come through for me. Thanks Tom for a great
product and keep up the exceptional work."
the
most reliable and durable
reeds I have ever used. I recommend them to my students and to my
fellow artists whenever I can. Thank you, Mr. Alexander for
accomplishing what no one else has ever done for woodwinds."
a diverse range of
situations on both tenor and soprano saxophones, the Alexander Superial
DC reeds are by far the best I have found to date. Following the clear
and concise break-in recommendations that come with each box of reeds,
I have found my reed concerns solved in most all aspects. The
discriminating factors that I have found with Tom Alexander's reeds
that place them above other manufactured brands are impeccable
intonation, free and even blowing in all registers, and longevity. I
recommend these reeds without hesitation to both professional peers and
my advanced students alike."
awful reeds for
years. I thought it was just one of those things you had to deal with.
Then I tried Alexander "DC" Reeds on my tenor......AMAZING! The even
tone I could get throughout every register just blew me away. I also
dig the fact that I don't have to blow my brains out to get a great
tone in the upper register and the lower register comes out beautifully
without having to put up a fight. Soft, loud, it doesn't matter; it
always sounds and feels great. Now, I can finally put all that energy
into the music! I recently went on tour and took a couple of boxes of
my old brand with me to hedge my bets. In the middle of the tour, I
used my old brand for two seconds before switching back to the DCs.
There was no comparison....The Alexanders are just the best reeds you
can use.."
craftsmanship, and consistency.
What more could anyone ask from a reed? BRAVO!"
This is where my
creativity starts and inspiration begins. The difference between a
great reed and a not so good reed is everything. I'm very happy I tried
the Alexander Superial reeds. They are extremely "alive" and well aged.
They have all the qualities of the best reeds I've ever played and on a
more consistent basis. The most surprising thing for me is how long a
good playing Alexander reed lasts.
without a doubt the
finest reeds available today. I bought my first box of DC’s in 2000
from Theo Wanne and I haven’t looked back since! These reeds have it
all - a full, even, clear, and vibrant tone quality, combined with
unmatched consistency. Alexander reeds allow me to get the clear,
vibrant, and expressive tone that I’m looking for.”
blues,
be-bop, and avante-garde jazz...and the Alexander "DC" reeds are the
only reeds I've found that give me the flexibility of tone, ease of
articulation and projection I need to move between these genres with
ease. And they got the sound!!!"
their inception,
and they are incontestably the best reeds available made from the
finest cane available. Once you try them there is no turning back!"
find a reed of such consistent
quality as the Superial and Superial "DC" saxophone reed. How can you
deny the quality of a brand like this that gives you such a high
percentage of good playing reeds right out of the box?! Finally,
Superial and "DC" Reeds offer ALL the important qualities a fine reed
should possess: well seasoned cane which is consistently cut and
finished, and with plenty of "wood" in the "heart" making them last.
contain the essence of a vintage
reed and the state of the art refinements that we as saxophone players
require. Without a doubt, these reeds are a love supreme! I got a new
reed out of the box yesterday on alto. First one I picked out BLEW
INCREDIBLY! I said "It isn't supposed to happen this way." Then I said,
"Sure it is, it's an Alexander Superial." And I've had the same reed on
my soprano for two months."