I’ve known Lawrence Feldman since the mid-1970s, having played in a sax quartet with him for a number of years and worked with him on gigs in New York for close to 40 years. Lawrence is one of those rare birds whose love for music and desire to find new techniques to employ on his instruments has continued to grow after a lifetime of success in the music industry. Whether playing the lead alto chair for the Bob Mintzer Big Band, a classically inspired flute solo on a Tony Bennett record, or a vintage swing clarinet style for a jingle, Lawrence always seems to capture the perfect musical expression. Coupled with a Catskill-like sense of humor, he always brings a unique enthusiasm to any rehearsal or performance. One of the most knowledgeable woodwind players regarding equipment concerning saxophone, clarinet and flute, Lawrence shares some of his insights in this area during the interview. His musicianship and thoughts have always been a source of inspiration to me. It’s my pleasure to share some moments of reflection with my buddy, Lawrence Feldman.
Companion Video: Lawrence Feldman on Woodwind Styles
About the Artist: Lawrence has recorded, performed and toured with some of the greatest musicians and entertainers since the mid-1970s. The lead alto of the Bob Mintzer Big Band from its inception, he was also a member of The Saturday Night Live Band and The National Jazz Ensemble. Additional jazz credits include recordings with Dave Sanborn, John Scofield, James Moody, Eliane Elias, Bob Belden, Randy Brecker, etc. He has worked with seemingly every great jazz and pop singer from Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand and Rosemary Clooney to Barbara Cook, Audra McDonald, Linda Ronstadt, Liza Minnelli, Patti LuPone, Steely Dan, Michael Franks and Rod Stewart. On the classical side of the industry, he has performed with the New York Philharmonic, Concordia, the New Jersey Symphony, American Ballet Theater, among others. One of the first-call New York studio musicians, he has played on literally hundreds of jingles, movie score soundtracks and record dates in addition to playing the first reed book on over 20 Broadway musicals.