Alto Saxophone Mastery

DYLAN CRAMER has been obsessed with the alto saxophone for over four decades. Cramer took up the alto at age thirteen after the sudden death of his father. Six years later, he traveled from Vancouver, B.C. to Los Angeles to seek out and study with legendary jazz alto saxophonist Sonny Criss. After Sonny’s death, Cramer moved on to study with one of LA’s finest woodwind players and studio musicians, Phil Sobel. Since returning to Vancouver, Cramer has recorded five albums, performs regularly with his jazz quartet, and teaches the saxophone full time. In ALTO SAXOPHONE MASTERY, Cramer provides an exemplary collection of principles and guidelines set down from a lifetime of playing and teaching. Cramer devotes his advice to the alto saxophonist based on positioning, air delivery, and finger expertise. He then tackles specific topics such as vibrato, nuance, phrasing, interpretation, and improvisation. Many of the book’s chapters are illuminated by anecdotes of his time spent with both Criss and Sobel. Receiving improper instruction from the outset can be disastrous for the alto saxophonist. As Cramer says, “The alto saxophone is a machine; learn to operate it first, and then and only then, move to the music at hand.” With this book, aspiring saxophonists everywhere will have the benefit of Cramer’s expert guidance and methods in their quest for alto saxophone mastery.

"It's the best of this kind of book, in the sense its exploration of technique is grounded in a deep and philosophical sense of what we are trying to do when we play music, and how technique is connected to heart and soul." --Joel Bakan, filmmaker and author of The Corporation.

"What a great book! This is going to be standard literature for saxophone students and teachers of every wind instrument." --David Sherr, woodwind artist.

"Absolutely wonderful, Dylan. There is nothing that surprises me about the stories you wrote about my father. He was a man of intense, deep feelings that resonated through his music. Great job, brother." --Steven Criss

"Your book is fantastic. I especially like the introductory part which is very moving and shows your love and brilliant understanding of music." --Yang Hong Yan, Associate Professor, Suzou University of Science and Technology.

"Fantastic job, Dylan! It's so clear, interesting and thorough. It really clarifies so much of Phil's stuff. Great job on the stories too!" --Bryan Savage, professional saxophonist and recording artist.

"Brilliantly presented in every way." --Ernie Colledge, band teacher and educator.

"The book of a lifetime for alto saxophonists!" --Richard Carter, saxophonist.

"I really enjoyed Dylan's personal story about his time spent with jazz legend Sonny Criss and master woodwind artist Phil Sobel. Sonny's advice and teaching takes up the first part of the book, and it's priceless. The remaining bulk of the book features his study with Phil. For those familiar with Phil's teachings, this is a great and succinct reminder of "the method." For those who aren't, Dylan very clearly explains and breaks down Phil's magical methods that can lead to real saxophone mastery. I also love the way Dylan applies "the method" to jazz music, using contemporary examples." --Robert Kyle, freelance jazz saxophonist.

"Dug your book. Especially liked the 'man downstairs' reference." --Ted Sobel