The Woodwind & Brasswind Journal celebrates the legacy of Woodwind & Brasswind — the legendary musical-instrument retailer founded in South Bend, Indiana, in 1978. For nearly half a century, Woodwind & Brasswind served dedicated musicians of all ages and genres with expert customer support and an industry-defining selection. More than a store, Woodwind & Brasswind nurtured a vibrant community through its warmly remembered catalog, pioneering website and destination storefront. Today, the Journal continues that mission, offering artist interviews, lessons, gear guides and other features for discerning players who live and breathe music.
December 10, 2025
Now 80, the legendary trumpeter talks about his practice regimen, classic sessions with Steely Dan, Paul Simon and other icons, and that time he bonded — briefly and weirdly — with Miles Davis over wah-wah pedals.
October 17, 2025
Two of jazz’s premier saxophonists on 20 years of friendly competition, the secrets of impromptu arranging, and why Hank Mobley wrote remarkable tunes.
August 6, 2025
One of the finest guitarists of his generation reflects on his formative years as a student at Music & Arts. “That’s where my first real musical education began,” says Pirog, who plays with Fugazi’s rhythm section in the Messthetics.
March 7, 2025
Anat Cohen and Paquito D’Rivera, two of the world’s top jazz clarinetists, reflect on the recordings that transformed their musical journeys — and have the power to transform yours as well.
February 20, 2025
The brass luminary and yMusic co-founder on discovering chamber music, lessons learned from Paul Simon and Bon Iver, using the DigiTech Whammy pedal with brass, and much more.
February 13, 2025
The blues-rock guitar hero talks Epiphone Les Pauls, Blackstar amps, playing electric without a pick and the fine art of riff-writing.
February 7, 2025
Four great saxophonists in modern and contemporary jazz — Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, Lakecia Benjamin and Miguel Zenón — offer expert advice based on decades of selecting, preparing and storing reeds.
January 28, 2025
The world-renowned banjo master offers beginner tips as well as insight into his Gold Tone Mastertone “Bluegrass Heart” banjo.
January 16, 2025
Elijah Wald, whose book Dylan Goes Electric! inspired the new biopic A Complete Unknown, talks about the musicianship of an American icon. Plus: Music & Arts Gear & Book Guide
December 23, 2024
Two of the greatest bass players on the planet, John Patitucci and Linda May Han Oh, share stories and strategies to help students and teachers navigate the electric-acoustic divide. Plus: Gear advice and accessories picks.
