“Everyone has to do the work, study the traditions, but it doesn’t look the same for everybody” – Donny McCaslin

Donny McCaslin –  @donnymccaslinmusic and donnymcaslin.com

American jazz saxophonist, Donny McCaslin, has recorded over a dozen albums as a bandleader in addition to many sideman appearances, including on David Bowie’s final studio album, Blackstar. He is a two-time Grammy nominee. His most recent album, Blow, is described as “a daring fusion of vibrant electronica, and bombastic art-rock.”

 Donny joins The Playful Musician to chat about his recent tour in Europe and how good it felt to play live again. He shares what it was like recording with David Bowie and how that had a tremendous impact on his artistic growth. We chat about jazz influences, learning solos by ear versus transcription, and practice routines. Donny shares the lessons he’s learned during the pandemic, including how to slow down and enjoy every moment on the stage and in life.

In this episode we touch on the following topics:

• His recent European tour and re-entry into touring
• Recording Blackstar with David Bowie and the Impact that had on Donny
• Following the Tradition vs Following One’s Own Path
• His History with Transcribing Solos
• Practicing Rhythm
• Preparation for the European Gigs
• Shifts From the Past Year
• What Inspiring Music He’s Listening To
• Saxplayers That Inspire Him
• Upcoming Recordings and Gigs

Links from the episode:

• Turino Jazz Festival
• Tbilisi, Georgia
• Blow – Donny McCaslin
• Break The Bond – Donny McCaslin
• Eye of the Beholder – Chick Corea
• Stadium Jazz
• Blackstar – David Bowie
• Lazarus – David Bowie
• Look Back In Anger – David Bowie
• Viga Tools – IntraMic
• AMT Clip On Mic
• Sue – David Bowie
• Blow – Donny McCaslin
• Santa Cruz
• The Police
• Tower of Power
• Now vs Now
• Live at the Lighthouse With Grossman and Liebman
• The Omnibook
• Page One – Joe Henderson
• Countdown – John Coltrane
• Oleo – John Coltrane
• Son Montuno
• Prophet Rev 2
• Logic Pro X
• Wurlitzer
• EWI – Akai
• The Secret Between Us – Brandford Marsalis
• Bird Flight – WKCR
• Savoy Session – Charlie Parker
• Dial Sessions –
• Lemonaide – Beyonce

Show Notes:

People Mentioned:

• Antonio Sanchez
• Jason Lindner
• Time Lefebvre
• Nate Wood
• Gail Ann Dorsey
• Scott Colley
• Miguel Zenon
• Branford Marsalis
• Joey Calderazzo
• Eric Revis
• Justin Faulkner
• Mike Forminack
• Mary Helverson
• Tomar Fujiwara
• Maria Schneider
• Chu Berry
• Ben Webster
• Paul Gonzalves
• Lester Young
• John  Coltrane (Trane)
• Michael Brecker
• Joe Henderson
• Bob Berg
• Dave Liebman
• Sonny Stitt
• Charlie Parker (Bird)
• Duke Ellington
• Danilo Perez
• Fernando Tarez
• Mark Guiliana
• Miles Davis
• Clifford Brown
• Syndey Bechet
• Stan Getz
• Don Sickler
• Steve Owen
• Joel Frahm
• Allison Au
• Clarence Penn
• Lennie Tristano
• Ryan Dahl
• Nick Somrad
• Dayna Stephens
• Seamus Blake
• Chase Baird
• Laura Mevala
• Serta (Electronica)
• Julian Lange
• James Francy
• St Vincent
• Frank Kimbro
• Floating Points
• Phil Shap
• Ben Wendall
• Mark Turner
• Chris Potter
• Walter Smith
• Teyvon Pendecott
• Beyonce
• Desron Douglass
• EJ Strickland
• Roy Haynes
• John Scofield
• Dave Holland
• jack DeJohnette
• Herbie Hancock
• Wayne Shorter