I wanted to share this video I came across of the great Dutch saxophonist, Raaf Hekkema. The first time I saw it I was so impressed that I immediately had to find out more about him. After visiting his Website I was even more impressed with him. He has an insatiable desire to continually find deeper ways to express himself through his music.

Besides expanding his so-called “extended technique” (in this video performance you can hear spectacular altissimo control, multiphonics, slap tonguing, vocalization and other surprises) he is also interested in altering the mechanics of his instruments to better support his vision and imagination.

One of the great things about all this innovation is that it is all in the service of the music. There is no grandstanding (though some might think there is by sheer virtue of his stunning abilities). He is a reminder to me of how we are often only limited by our imagination and our reluctance when it comes to growing as artists.

Here he is playing Paganini’s Caprice No. 24 on alto saxophone. Besides loving what he plays, I also love how he gives himself time between each variation to redirect his energy and thinking. A true virtuoso. Hope you enjoy!