Jody Espina
 Jody
Espina has been active on the New York scene for more than
a decade. I met Jody more than 20 years ago at Berklee College
of Music while we both were studying with the late Joe Viola.
While it took many years for me to mature as a saxophonist,
Jody was already a well-known and respected member of the
student body at Berklee back in 1980.
Years passed and through the internet, Jody and I re-connected.
His technique remains impressive and the sound he gets out
of the alto could melt butter. Aside from performing Jody
has recently embarked on a new endevour - designing and manufacturing
high quality, inexpensive mouthpieces. The Jody Jazz Mouthpieces
reflect his many years of experience and his interest in listening
to the needs of many contemporary players.
Read Skip's review
of the new JodyJazz ESP for tenor sax.
In addition to getting Jody Jazz off the ground, Jody has
been involved in two recording projects of note:
"Brilliant
Coroners" is a fitting, although unusual tribute
to the music of Thelonious Monk. The arrangements are clever
and the playing never dull. What most impressed me about this
cd is the ability of the ensemble to "shift gears" in an instant.
One moment the band swings hard and over the next barline
they're into some serious, twisted, head-bangin' metal! Monk
himself would likely be honored to see such liberties taken
with his music.
 "FEED
THE METER" is a four piece "eclectic" band whose
members have played hundreds of gigs together...but not just
as FEED THE METER. All four players are full time musicians
in the NYC area." If you're looking for diversity in your
listening - you're here. No one label can capture the essence
of the band. It's a musical buffet! It's obvious that the
band takes this music seriously - but not TOO seriously. The
cd carries a warning label, "Eclectic contents not suitable
for monophonic listeners!" Listen with an open mind and you
won't be disappointed.
In conclusion, Jody Espina has been very busy churning out
music and mouthpieces he takes great pride in. It's worth
your time to check it all out at: http://www.jodyjazz.com
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