Skylark on Kessler Custom Tenor Sax and Mouthpiece

[sim8124]

Mr. McNeal, I wanted to tell you that you sound absolutely amazing here. Your tone is pure magic and your lines poetry in motion. I also wanted to thank you for the work you do in making transcriptions of the greats available to the rest of us. You do a tremendous service both in your playing and you've been a great example to spur me on. I just began playing two years ago and eagerly await the day when I'm even in the same neighborhood you are. Thanks again and keep up the great work!

[56Mikew]

Have listened to a couple of your experiments with horns and mouthpieces. I really like this set up. Real tradition here but I hear how you could push it for a more R&B sound if needed.

[chayjazz]

@56Mikew Definitely, I grew up playing Blues and R&B, that influence is always there. Thanx for checking out the video.

[abukamoon]

You can really negotiate those changes. First class job!

[GILVANDO]

Very good sound from Kessler Sax. You have very good control over your setup of sax.

[saxnova]

Charles,

Joel Frahm here. You sound absolutely fantastic here. What a great tenor tone-- just beautiful, masterful ballad playing. Makes me want to try a Kessler! Or maybe just practice harder! lol Anyway, keep on doing what you're doing. So soulful.

[chayjazz]

@saxnova Hey Joel...thank you so much for your kind words, it means so much to me. Your sax playing has been an inspiration to me for a number of years and it's humbling to know that you took the time to listen to this video clip... Thanx again, Charles McNeal

[tnleverett]

Nice playing my man! TL

[thudmother]

You sir, have fantastic technique. Very nice.

[Sirvalorsax]

Have you played the sopraanos from kessler???

[FearTheBeans]

I have a Kessler Custom Las Vegas Series Professional Alto Jazz Sax. It is amazing. Came with a NYSS (New York Short Shank) Mouth piece, does anyone know if the NYSS is a jazz mouthpiece? but any ways, im glad i found someone else who plays a Kessler instrument.

[IndelibLee]

@FearTheBeans - yeah, that NYSS is a jazz piece, just check the lefthand menu on his site and you'll find the page dedicated to descriptions of the various mouthpieces. The joint you got actually comes with the Handmade Jazz Alto he has, which is supposed to be real nice, so you must have a pretty decent piece.

[FearTheBeans]

@IndelibLee Yes. I did get the handmade alto, and it plays real sweet and smooth.

[denvertbone]

Nice ideas; you have a very nice way of connecting phrases smoothly which is actually something I'm working on. I like how you play "Parkeresque" ideas on the head but still keep the melody in mind.

[GMak79051]

This one of the most beautiful versions of this tune I've had the pleasure of listening to. Thank you!

[SaxManNate]

sounds great! i really like the sound of that mouthpiece!

[chayjazz]

Hey Sirvalorsax...this isn't the handmade one (that came out after I had bought this one). My Kessler is a very good horn, not as heavy as a few of my other horns but good construction. I would definitely like to try the Handmade model so that I can compare the 2. Never tried a Cannonball horn either but I'm always interested in finding back-up horns. I own a GREAT Mark IV but I don't travel/tour with it anymore the airline can really be a drag these days.

[Sirvalorsax]

Damn nice tone!! I'm in the market for a new tenor. Is this the Handmade model???

How heavy is this horn???? I'm selling my Cannonball Hotspur because it weighs a ton.

[thudmother]

very nice.