Sam Newsome

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



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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