Sam Newsome

Sam Newsome
"The potential for the saxophone is unlimited." - Steve Lacy



2025 Winter Jazz Festival

2025 Winter Jazz Festival

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

The Art of Circular Breathing on Soprano

Those of you not hip to Evan Parker are in for a treat. Even though Evan has developed many extended techniques to the highest of levels, the one for which he has left his mark is by far, circular breathing. This is when a player pushes out short puffs of air stored in the cheeks while simultaneously inhaling air through the nose--giving the impression of playing a continuous stream of air without a break.

Not only can Evan do this very well, but he can keep several parts moving at the same time. He's like a one-man sonic orchestra. Check out this clip of Evan back in the eighties.


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