THE WORLD'S FIRST HAND-HAMMERED SAX MOUTHPIECE Since Jody Espina first began designing his JodyJazz mouthpieces, he has been on a constant quest to not only offer the finest and most consistent mouthpieces available, but also to further expand
the palate of sound textures and performance characteristics available to saxophonists. Now Jody is proud to unveil his newest innovation and the latest result in his ongoing quest for new sounds, the world’s first hand-hammered saxophone mouthpiece. The new Hand-Hammered HH Tenor mouthpiece (Patent Pending) has just been released and is already turning a lot of heads and receiving rave reviews. Perennial Tenor Sax Poll-Winner Noah Preminger says: "It's absolutely gorgeous to look at and even more gorgeous to play. It has all of the features that you get out of a hard rubber piece. I've never really been attracted to the metal mouthpiece sound, it has a tad of harshness to it, but this 'piece doesn't have that characteristic. It has more focus, amazing projection and an incredible warmth and fullness throughout the entire range of the
horn." Hand-hammering is the ancient art of working brass and bronze alloys to manipulate their sonic characteristics which cymbal makers have been using for centuries. Hand-hammered cymbals are
renowned and much prized for their dark, complex, rich, and warm overtones. Jody wanted to know if these same sonic properties could be imparted to a mouthpiece through the application of hand-hammering. To bring this idea to life, he sought out one of the world’s foremost experts in the art of hand-hammering. With over 30 years of experience at one of the world’s largest cymbal companies, Paul Francis has designed some of the most popular and highly coveted cymbals ever created.
The results of the first experiments were instant and pronounced. Hammering the bell brass blanks resulted in mouthpieces with uniquely warm and complex tonal characteristics.
In order to enhance the unique tonal characteristic and response of the hammered brass, an all-new internal design and facing curve was developed. And so was born the new JodyJazz HH Tenor mouthpiece, the world’s first hand-hammered saxophone mouthpiece. “Hammering the brass compresses it and makes it stronger," says Jody. “The harder the material, the easier it rings out and sustains. You need less energy to get it to resonate than a softer, un-hammered piece
of brass. Everyone who has played the mouthpiece says the hammering makes it sweeter sounding. Together with its combination of a round chamber and straight side walls the new HH Tenor delivers a truly unique combination of warm beautiful sound with power and fullness.” The HH Tenor models feature another design innovation which we are calling the “Patch Bay”. This is a recessed, shallow basin in the beak of the mouthpiece that allows for the easy and comfortable placement of
a clear protector patch. JodyJazz will be shipping the new HH Tenor mouthpiece with one of their ‘Perfect Patch’ mouthpiece cushions already affixed in the patch bay and then another larger clear patch over the top. The new Hand-Hammered HH Tenor mouthpieces will be initially available in a limited edition run of 300pcs in a special Rose Gold finish. They are available in 6*, 7*, 8* and 9* tip openings and the limited edition run of 300pcs in
Rose Gold incorporates all sizes. Each one has been individually hand-hammered by famed cymbal master craftsman Paul Francis. Each mouthpiece will bear a serial number of 1 through 300. JodyJazz is also making available, for purchase separately, a matching Hand-Hammered POWER RING Ligature also in Rose Gold. This is our HRT1 model which has been
hand-hammered and finished in Rose gold plate. The model number is HRT1HHRG and it will also fit the HR*, HR* CUSTOM DARK, JET and GIANT Tenor models. Next Generation State-Of-The-Art Classical Mouthpieces
Inspired by Eugene
Rousseau In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Rousseau company, we have introduced the all new ER50 Series mouthpieces.
The first new Rousseau mouthpiece models to be introduced in almost a decade, the new ER50 series features two new Alto Saxophone models, the ER50 Classic and the ER50 Custom. Both new models are made from start to finish at the JodyJazz factory in Savannah, GA. The ER50 Classic and ER50 Custom mouthpieces are a celebration and culmination of Dr. Rousseau’s original design achievements in saxophone mouthpiece making. The ER50 Classic is a natural evolution of the
popular NC4, whereas the ER50 Custom is for players who seek more resistance and a feeling of control associated with many of today’s popular Classical mouthpieces. Both models offer a warm timbre, ease of articulation, and improved low note response. Together we believe the new Rousseau ER50 series mouthpieces represent the state-of-the-art in Classical Saxophone Mouthpieces inspired by the great Eugene Rousseau. ER50 Classic Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece The Rousseau ER50 Classic Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece is designed to give increased projection and freedom. The free blowing nature of this mouthpiece allows the player to explore a diverse tonal palette with
increased nuance. The ER50 Classic allows for more freedom and expansion on the lower range of the instrument. It offers enhanced warmth of the sound while still retaining the Classic singing saxophone sound that Dr. Rousseau is famous for. The ER50 Classic is perfect for any saxophone soloist looking to take the stage with a large ensemble. “With the renewed consistency, all the Rousseau mouthpieces are better than ever! The newly inspired ER50 Classic and ER50 Custom models are both outstanding. After playing the Rousseau 4R and later NC4
(which I love) for my entire career, I find the new ER50 Classic to have enhanced control on altissimo, the lower register and in fact, across the entire range. It still retains the tone and projection I love, with beautiful clarity of articulation. Both of these new models preserve the unique sound quality and essence that make the Rousseau mouthpieces so special, and I think they will fit all playing styles and preferences.” Dr. Kenneth Tse
Professor of Saxophone - University of Iowa ER50 Custom Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece The Rousseau ER50 Custom Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece provides focus without restriction, allowing players to achieve a flexible
sound with great warmth and shimmering tone color. The increased resistance of this mouthpiece allows for great control, especially in the altissimo register. The tonal stability and clarity this mouthpiece provides is unmatched. The ER50 Custom delivers a measured response, feel, and tone, yet still delivers the Rousseau magic tone from the unique designs of Dr. Rousseau's chamber and baffle. “For more than twenty years, I have cultivated my artistic voice through E. Rousseau mouthpieces, and
now with the new ER50 Custom, I have found the next step in its evolution. With a tone that is deep and warm, while flexible and full of life, alongside incredible response and articulation, the ER50 allows me to sculpt a sound that is well suited to any situation. This incredible new design is produced at the JodyJazz factory to exceptional standards and hand-finished using their superb proprietary Chedeville Rubber, ensuring superior quality and consistency, and by extension, reliability for
the artist. As the next generation in mouthpieces by E. Rousseau, the ER50 delivers everything I have hoped for, and more!” Dr. Stephen C. Page The University of Texas at Austin Butler School of Music The new ER50 series mouthpieces are constructed from JodyJazz's proprietary Chedeville Rubber which is a softer hard rubber producing a more beautiful sound. The
tapered gold-plated brass ring on the shank gives the sound more warmth, beauty, and subtleness. Two distinct facing curves were designed to achieve the different feeling between the ER50 Classic and the ER50 Custom. Both models measure .064” / 1.63mm tip opening. The ER50 Classic Alto and the ER50 Custom Alto both come in a beautiful special presentation box. SAVANNAH JAZZ FESTIVAL 2022 The hugely popular annual Savannah Jazz Festival was back live and in-person once again in 2022. Due to Covid restrictions, the past two festivals were much scaled down, primarily livestreaming
events. However, for its 41st edition, the festival resumed its traditional format with a weeklong series of concerts in various venues throughout the city, culminating in two nights outdoors in historic Forsyth Park. The annual Jazz Festival is the signature event of the Savannah Jazz Association for which JodyJazz has been a long-time supporter. The
Savannah Jazz Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of live Jazz and Jazz education in the region. Jody has previously served on its Board of Directors and JodyJazz VP of Sales & Marketing Colin Schofield currently serves as President of the Board. The annual festival is always FREE and so the Savannah Jazz Association relies upon sponsorships and donations from the local community to support its activities. The festival normally attracts an audience of several thousand, but this year after a two-year hiatus, and with almost perfect weather, the park was packed to overflowing. It was the largest crowd ever to attend the festival, estimated to be over 45,000 people across the two days with another 15,000 watching the livestream on-line in various countries around the world. JodyJazz was well represented at the Savannah Jazz Festival with JodyJazz Artists Jazmin Ghent and Dan White of the Huntertones both performing at the event. JodyJazz founder and President Jody Espina also performed as a member of the
Savannah Jazz Orchestra. Jazmin got the party started on Friday afternoon with her excellent, and extremely funky, powerhouse band. With her uplifting mix of smooth Jazz and funky gospel sounds, Jazmin soon had the audience
in her hands. Jazmin commanded the stage with her powerful Tenor sax playing sounding great on her SUPER JET Tenor mouthpiece. A large contingent from the JodyJazz factory was in the park to enjoy the show and after her performance Jazmin made her way out into the crowd to say hello. Dan White of the Huntertones came in a day early before the festival to visit the factory and check out the new Hand-Hammered Tenor mouthpieces. It was love at first sight (blow)! Dan, who had always played a
hard rubber mouthpiece, found the darker tones that he prefers in the HH Tenor, but loved the additional volume and edge of the metal piece. Dan used the Hand-Hammered Tenor with the Hand-Hammered POWER RING for the band’s headlining performance the next day at the festival. This was the Huntertones’
second headlining appearance at the Savannah Jazz Festival. Their inaugural appearance at the 2019 festival was so well received and their performance was such a success that they found themselves at the top of the organizers wish-list for the 2022 festival. Once again, the Huntertones tore the house down with their super high-energy horn-driven sound featuring an intoxicating mix of always grooving original compositions and genre-bending
covers. Jody made his appearance at the festival performing on both Alto sax and Clarinet as a member of the Savannah Jazz Orchestra. With special guest vocalist, the renowned singer-songwriter Kari Kirkland, the
orchestra performed a sultry blend of traditional jazz standards and her distinctive reimagining of several popular, modern songs. All the music had been specially arranged for the Savannah Jazz Orchestra by none other than JodyJazz Artist, the legendary Tom Scott. JODY BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN With the worst of the pandemic now over and with the lifting of most international travel restrictions, company Founder and President Jody Espina has wasted no time getting back out on the road again! Since the beginning of the year, Jody has exhibited at
numerous trade shows, attended multiple events and visited many of our dealers across the globe. Jody started his international travels in May visiting several of our top dealers in the United Kingdom including Gear4Music, Howarth of London and Sax.co.uk. Jody was also able to fit in a quick visit with Nigel McGill at the McGill Music Sax School.
JodyJazz was a sponsor of the Jazzsmart Saxophone/Jazz Improvisation Weekend held on the south coast of England which featured a masterclass and workshop by Jay Metcalf of BetterSax fame. Jody also performed a mouthpiece clinic and worked at top UK dealer Sax.co.uk’s booth helping with mouthpiece fittings.
Next it was off to Portugal for masterclasses at two of the top music schools in Lisbon. First Jody performed a
masterclass for JodyJazz at the Universidade Lusíada de Lisboa where he was joined by top Portuguese saxophonist and JodyJazz Endorser Artist Desiderio Lazaro. This event was supported by our #1 JodyJazz dealer in Portugal Trovador Instrumentos Musicais. The following day Jody performed a masterclass for Rousseau mouthpieces at the Escola Superior de Musica de Lisboa. For this event Jody was joined by Rousseau Artist, Professor Rodrigo Pires de Lima. The Escola Superior de Musica de Lisboa
is one of the most prestigious music schools in all of Portugal. The masterclass event was supported by our top Rousseau dealer in Portugal RussoMusica.
At the end of July, Jody headed off to Australia for his first ever visit “down under”. Jody’s whirlwind tour took him to five different cities where he visited our
dealers, various schools and performed several masterclasses and mouthpiece fitting sessions. Jody made stops and appearances at Sax and Woodwinds in Sydney, Leisure Coast Wind & Brass in Wollongong, Ozwinds-Melbourne Brass and Woodwind in Melbourne, The Music Place in Melbourne, where he was joined for a masterclass by JodyJazz Artist Tim Stocker, Presto Musical Repairs in Adelaide and finally Tempest Music in Perth. The beginning of September saw Jody fly to Krakow, Poland to attend the European Clarinet Association Congress. The ECA Congress is one of the premier clarinet events in the world and visitors came to attend
from all over the world. Chedeville Endorser Artists Milan Rericha and Piotr Lato were both featured performers at the congress and Milan was there also exhibiting his RZ Woodwinds range of Clarinets. Piotr Lato’s performance at the final night’s concert was one of the highlights of the event. Michal Piotrowski, the owner of Piotrowski Music/Sonore, our exclusive distributor in Poland was also there displaying Chedeville and JodyJazz products. After just a couple of weeks at home, which included performing at the Savannah Jazz Festival, Jody next attended the Thailand International Clarinet Academy Festival (TICA) in Bangkok. Held at Kasetsart University, the festival hosted visitors from all over southeast Asia. For this trip Jody took with him his oldest son, Jordan, for his first international business trip. In addition to being one
of the lead sponsors of the festival, Jody was one of the featured presenters at the event. The event also gave Jody the chance to meet up with his very good friend, the legendary KOH Mr. Saxman who needs no introduction to our readers in Asia. Besides being the most celebrated and well-known saxophonist in that part of the world by a very long mile, KOH Mr. Saxman is also the owner of Saxsociety Thailand, one of the top
saxophone stores in all of southeast Asia. At the TICA festival Jody met brilliant Clarinetist Samantha Wright who is based in Germany. Samantha tried a JodyJazz HR* Clarinet 8 with a Kaspar Barrel and POWER RING Ligature and immediately fell in love with the setup. So much so that she decided to officially join the family of JodyJazz Endorser Artists. Finally, at the end of October Jody was in Mexico to attend the ‘XXIX Festival Universitario De Clarinette FaM-UNAM’ and the ‘XIX Encuentro Universitario Internacional de Saxofon Mexico’. Both events were held at the Universidad
Nacional Autónoma de México. Jody was there to exhibit JodyJazz, Rousseau and Chedeville mouthpieces with help from our good friend Sofia Zumbado from Sofia Zumbado Music Shop. Sofia operates one of the most popular sax and woodwind shops in all of Mexico and is a fantastic player herself. She is also a Chedeville Endorser Artist though she also loves the new Rousseau ER50 models!. A special message from JodyJazz Founder & President Jody Espina: “At JodyJazz we
have much to be thankful for. We thank our customers who have helped us grow by touting our mouthpieces to other players and asking for their local dealers to carry JodyJazz. We thank all of our great dealers around the world. We thank the saxophone community and influencers like Jay Metcalf of BetterSax and Nigel McGill of McGill Music Sax School and so many other people and companies that believe in us and recommend us. I thank the JodyJazz crew who I think are the best in the world at what
they do. At the start of the pandemic, we were a crew of 13 people and we have steadily grown since then to a staff of 22 now. With this steady growth could come complacency but I’m committed more than ever to keep on creating the best stuff we can and to getting the message out there by traveling to where you are. It’s so rewarding meeting as many of you as I can. I hope to see you soon and again, thank you all.” “P.S. You are invited for a factory tour in Savannah GA. Just let us know you are coming. People are always astonished at how much goes into making these mouthpieces. The number one thing people say is that they are surprised at how much hand work goes into it, even though we have 5 big CNC machines running all the time.” |
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