Stanley Turrentine Sugar by Tenor Sax Player Greg Vail

Tenor Sax Player Greg Vail playing the Stanley Turrentine classic, Sugar with a great Jazz Combo, live at Steamers in So Cal. Greg Vail Tenor Sax, Rob Whitlock Piano, David Levray Bass and Bubba Bryant Drums = SUGAR

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[Victor Robles]

Greg at 1.09 in the video you started your solo and hit something on the floor with your feet, what was that? I have seen others do that.

[Greg Vail]

I have no idea Vic! I don't use any pedals on traditional jazz gigs. I would guess it was the sax player dance step that crept in again from old age??

[Victor Robles]

Hey Greg are you giging at Steamers anytime soon? Any dates anywhere in Orange County?

[Greg Vail]

OC has been a hard sell for jazz as of late. The only steady gig right now is without a band and that sucks. Track gig is paying the off season bills. Coto de Caza - Gentiles Thurs / Fri is about it for public gigs. Hope next year moves into more shows again....

[Victor Robles]

Greg I'm a big fan and have been since I heard you play Eurpoa back at the New Port Beach Marriott hotel back in the late 80's. On this video about 1:50 you go into a series of notes, is that concered bebop? I have been trying to learn that and keep watching the video over and over to get the notes down. I have to say Greg you have been one of my inspriations for many years. I play now in a couple of restaurants and having the time of my life.

[Greg Vail]

Thanks for the nice comments Vic! I guess it might be considered BeBop since it is faster and a little more complex in harmony. I'm not sure what else one might call it other than fast stuff or harder... There is some chromaticism that one can use to make things sound a little more 'out'. Overall, it is just listening and using great ideas from other sax players, making them your own where you can. Thanks again! Glad you found the clip and appreciate the note!

gvSAXBOY

[dominatemath]

Great sound man!!

I had to play it a second time.

[Charlie Duran]

nice greg vail!

[bartibv]

Great sound....just great piece of music ;)

[loonpolice1]

F A T D I O B M F

[alotoaltosaxes]

@ TheSaxGuyVic64 At 1.09, Greg pushes back a floor monitor that a bit too close.

[ambouousoks]

From one musician to another. Glad I could help!

[custardapple777]

Thanks, you're right. It all sounds consonant, cool and smooth. Not too much dissonance.

It's surprising the huge amount you can do with just arpeggios.

[ambouousoks]

If you listen to him he uses a lot of chordal tones. Start with arpeggios and arpeggiate the changes in every way you can imagine. Start there. Im sure he does more than that but that's what I know and it works good for me.

[custardapple777]

Greg, you're a cat. I'm learning jazz piano and I can learn a lot from your phrasing. What is your personal secret for improv ?

[Eddie Spencer]

dude you are so amazing. i love you