In this installment of the JazzBariSax.com interview series we are featuring one of the best, and hardest working baritone saxophonists out there today, Lauren Sevian has been good enough to take a few minutes to answer some questions for us.
Why the baritone? After struggling with the alto, I tried the baritone and discovered my “voice”. Been with it ever since!
Favorite recordings of and/or with baritone saxophone? Pepper Adams “Encounter” with Zoot Sims, and Burn Brigade with Ronnie Cuber, Nick Brignola, and Cecil Payne. Also a fave is Coltranes “Dakar” with Pepper Adams and Cecil Payne.
How did you find your way to the baritone saxophone? I felt like it was better suited for what I wanted to say vs playing the alto or tenor.
What’s your equipment/set up? A Buffet (new) Low A 400 series, RPC mouthpiece, Rico H ligature, Rico 3 reeds (yes orange box!)
Low A, Low Bb, or “My favorite horn is the one in front of me” ? I’ve always been a low A gal but recently tried the first low Bb horn I really liked! So I’m curious…but I will always go back to playing a Low A.
Anything specific to the baritone you recommend practicing? For me, any kind of technique exercises to help facility, especially in the upper register, helped me tremendously. Especially chromatic exercises.
Tips for young baritone saxophonists? Longtones, practiced in wide intervals to train your embouchure.
Favorite venue/place to play? Jazz Standard! Also like Kitano & Smoke.
When travelling, does the horn go under or in the plane? I used to bring it on the plane, but due to difficulties traveling recently I just try to get a bari wherever I go. I have a golf case to check it in if I absolutely have to.
Favorite quotes about music? “If music be the food of love, play on” -William Shakespeare
What do you do when not playing music? I like cooking, going out with friends, chilling at home in front of the tube.
Bonus Question: “A penguin walks through that door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?” He says, “Oh hello El Boogie I’ve brought you your sombrero back.” I let him borrow it since it has been heating up in Antartica. 
Find out more about Lauren at her profile here, and visit Lauren’s website.
And of course be sure to check out the rest of the interviews from the JazzBariSax.com interview series.
Several summer jazz camps and workshops have baritone saxophonists on faculty, but there isn’t a summer program out there that can rival The Litchfield Jazz Camp for presence of the baritone saxophone. This 5 week camp lists Claire Daly, Gary Smulyan, Lauren Sevian, and Andrew Hadro as faculty at the camp.
