Reviews

You taught my daughter Abby a lot for three years - alto, some bari, even a little guitar. She’s having a blast in jazz band and learned a lot of groovy skills - but even more importantly, confidence - from you. Now it’s MY turn and I’M having a blast learning to play the guitar my dad gave me in high school. 45 seems to be the right age to learn for me!

We love ya,

The Majanes

"Just wanted to stop by and say that I think Jesse is a fantastic teacher, and that you should take lessons with him if you ever get the chance. I’m an adult student who always wanted to play guitar, but for years could never quite get around to it. I played piano and flute as a kid, but always felt like there was something missing and like many people I eventually stopped. I was afraid that if I picked up guitar, the same thing would happen. Well, I finally took the plunge with Jesse as my guitar teacher, and I’m really glad I did. In about two months he’s taken me from not knowing how to hold a guitar to having the confidence to play just about anything I want. Jesse’s a great teacher by any measure, but the key thing that makes him the MAN is that from day ONE he focuses on your development as a musician, and not just as the operator of another instrument. Not all teachers do this. Take lessons with him and you’ll see what I mean right away." ~ Neil

"Jesse is a rare contemporary musical force. Under Jesse’s Zen a student or experienced professional will not only learn to play an intrument at the master level but also to understand by direct transmission the state of being that causes all great music to spontaneously happen. Such a state is only present in very few musicians of such stature who are living much beyond the standard confines of current academic thought. Artists like Jesse Meman represent the ultimate point of aspiration for musicians ." ~ Ney Mello www.neymello.com

"In the few days you were here jammin with us I had a the breakthrough of finally meeting someone would could explain to me, "Coltrane on the guitar", the beauty of playing ’outside". It was like a light blub going off in my head and hands all at once. I feel with a lot of wood shedding on my part, I can finally play those missing notes that Ive heard all the guitar greats play over the years. I know I have a long way to go but thanks for helping me see past the box of americian music academia, and look at pantonalities in a whole new way. My approach to the fretboard will never be the same. Thanks for showing me endless options." ~Bryan Dunn http://bryandunnblues.com

"My son, Simon, took sax lessons with Jesse for almost 9 years...which is quite a testament since Simon was about to quit the saxophone after only one year taking lessons in school. He’s going off to college now, and his saxophone is going with him, as well as a love for music and a natural feel for the instrument. Jesse is a great teacher who made the saxophone and music theory fun while at the same time inspiring Simon to play and improve. He was attuned to Simon’s needs and adapted his approach through the various ages Simon passed through. And apart from music, Simon values his personal relationship with Jesse, as well. I highly recommend him!" ~Daniel Mont

"You have been a wonderful saxophone instructor for my son, Matt. As he graduates this month, I can’t help but reflect on the six years of instruction he has taken with you and appreciate his transformation from a tentative student into a skilled musician.
He will miss the weekly lessons but he hopes to keep the music going in college.
He is lucky to have had you for a teacher." ~ J. Repka

"I have been taking guitar lessons from you for about six months now and I wanted to let you know what a fantastic instructor you have been. When I started, I was not even sure I could master how to use the pick, but your guidance and determination have really given me more confidence in my ability to play the guitar. It has also been great to talk to you about our mutual love of music, which has gone a long way in helping me understand not only how to play the guitar, but also appreciate the music I listen to even more. Thanks and I look forward to my lesson on Friday night."
~Doug Evans

Dear Jesse;

Just want you to know that after relocating to Virginia Beach to be closer to my Popeye’s restaurants, I have remained diligent to the guitar. The primary reason that I remain enthusiastic is YOU.

For three years, every week, we sat in my studio and you drilled both the principles of music theory and timing into me while getting me to stay focused.

That is an achievement in itself for I am a long time entrepreneur who likes things fast and successful. Music takes time and focus and diligence. You were able to master a tough student
past 55 years of age and do it masterfully.

I can’t thank you enough for taking the time and expending the commitment to me. It has made a difference and given me a base in guitar musicianship that surprises my new teachers and me.

Please come down and spend some time and join me on the next studio gig when we do
the Popeye’s commercial. I would love to have you sit in and play the backup theme.

You’re the pro and you got me to the next level in my playing. Three years man. Not a week wasted.

All the best and I expect to see you down here.

Joseph R Simone
"Igniting a Global Response to Cancer"
Chairman, Co-Founder, International Spirit of Life Foundation
International Liaison and Spokesperson
USA Board Member, INCTR, Belgium (International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research)
Advisory Board, CTIS, Rockville, MD
Founder, The Great Saratoga Music Hall (1975)
National Franchise Advisor for Gerson Lehrman Group, NY, NY
www.spiritoflifefoundation.org
Founder and CEO, Saratoga Food Group/Popeye’s
757-523-4934

Windmill Saxophone Quartet

The biggest pleasure of my career thus far has been working with the gentlemen of the Windmill Saxophone Quartet, where my playing and most importantly, my compositions have had the most nurturing of environments.

A tip of the hat to the leader of Windmill Saxophone Quartet, Clayton Englar, as well as fellow members Ken Plant and Tom Monroe, for the opportunity so graciously granted which has allowed my music to be experienced by audiences and recognized in the following reviews.

REVIEWS

CD REVIEW - …"Jag" [Meman] uses silence as accents before developing dense clusters of tonality, while "Has" [Meman] comes across as a work song with mournful wails in back of the alto lead. "…and a crowded arrangement of a Wayne Shorter ballad, "Infant Eyes" [Shorter/Meman] contrast nicely with the playful "First Steps" and the intense "Singe." [Meman] The closing "Forge"[Meman] uses subtle humor and passion to make the Windmill quartet's stirring music surprisingly accessible. - Scott Yanow

READING EAGLE/READING TIMES - A totally unexpected surprise, and "very scary" indeed, the Windmill Saxophone Quartet has a fantastic variety of arrangements that stay true to the instruments. They involve passions that are well done, and if your ears are eager for new sounds and exciting new directions for the saxophone quartet, seek this compact disc recording out. The quartet deserves attention by everyone's ears. There are hot telepathic riffs on "I.I.T.V." and "Forge,"[Meman] and the Monk tune, "Evidence." The musical brouhaha on the tunes "All Over Town," and "Singe"[Meman] departs abruptly for the note-perfect beauty of Wayne Shorter's "Infant Eyes,"[Shorter/Meman] … -Tim Price

WASHINGTON CITY PAPER - … its album, "Very Scary," is a now-frantic, now sublime collection of originals and tastefully arranged renditions of pieces like Billie Holiday's "God Bless the Child" and Wayne Shorter's "Infant Eyes."[Shorter/Meman] … But soprano, alto, and baritone saxophonist Jesse Meman's composition "Has" is, in its own way, as sexy and driving as anything written by Coltrane, and handsomely illustrates the quartet's fine points: its finely tuned dynamics and wit. - Reuben Jackson

THE WASHINGTON REVIEW - Washington has never been known for spawning truly experimental music. However, if there is an emerging innovative sound, chances are that that ensemble will play at the arts enclave, d.c. space. Such is the case with The Windmill Saxophone Quartet, an original jazz and new music group that has been playing each month at the club for the past year. During their most recent concert they exhibited the tight craftsmanship and flair for the avant-garde which has become their trademark. The repertoire included arrangements of "Miles Beyond"[McLaughlin/Meman] … a medley of several Charles Mingus tunes and originals by longtime member Jesse Meman… They even slipped in a novel version of the Beatles tune, "Within You, Without You." [Lennon/McCartney/Meman] Because all of the four members are accomplished musicians and composers, they can pull off such eclecticism. - Neal Callander

Yesterday's rain storms turned the 10th Annual District Curators Jazz Festival into a logistical nightmare for its organizers, forcing the all-day free event indoors and the cancellation of some of the scheduled performances. But not before the Windmill Saxophone Quartet made a valiant effort to keep the festival at Freedom Plaza. Despite drenching rain, the quartet transported a large array of reed instruments to the hospitality tent behind the stage, where it performed a colorful assortment of tunes for a thoroughly appreciative, if soaked, audience. One of the best jazz groups in the area, the band unveiled several stirring jazz arrangements, ranging from Dizzy Gillespie's inspired boppish sprees to a lush, poetic reading of Wayne Shorter's "lnfant Eyes." [Shorter/Meman] Augmenting the familiar tunes were several imaginatively orchestrated original compositions, including tunes off the group's current album, "VeryScary." - Mike Joyce

LIVE PERFORMANCES, "VERY SCARY": THE WASHINGTON POST - The Windmill Saxophone Quartet's concert yesterday afternoon in Beltsville was highlighted by tight and robust ensemble performances and several densely orchestrated original compositions and arrangements. The arrangements during the opening set drew from a variety of sources, mostly jazz works, but also pieces by Tom Waits and Lennon and McCartney. Along with the similarly exuberant season greeting, the band's adaptation of "I Am the Walrus" [Lennon/McCartney/Meman] sounded rather like the World Saxophone Quartet meets Lester Bowie, combining the former's swagger with the latter's cartoonish whimsy. The quartet's harmonic agility and finesse were also revealed on sharply contrasting tunes by Dizzy Gillespie and Wayne Shorter [Infant Eyes Shorter/Meman] Equally enjoyable, though, was the band's own material. Much of the time it made resonant use of the group's bass-to-soprano range and was frequently enlivened by solos from Jesse Meman and Clayton Englar. - Mike Joyce

JAZZ TIMES - The group's arrangements are inventive and full of panache, with a dash of the experimental avant garde, both re-working jazz standards and including clever original pieces. … the quartet pulls off a dynamic presentation that is full of forward movement and sustains interest.

ALL ABOUT JAZZ - (http://www.allaboutjazz.com) The Washington, D.C. based Windmill Saxophone Quartet employs soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass saxophones along with flutes and clarinets in an adventurous session… Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life" flows with lyrical phrasing from flutes, clarinet, alto and tenor. The Lennon-McCartney favorite "I Am the Walrus" captures the light spirit of the original with flute, bass sax, piccolo, and changing inner voices. …The quartet's original compositions allow them to offer a wide variety of sounds that stretch from traditional swing to today's avant-garde.

MP3CRITIC.COM - They can make four horns stand up and sing hallelujah in a chorus. In case you were wondering, there is a tune called "That" to go along with "This" [Jesse Meman] and give the album its title. Like much of "This n' That" it's an earful of goodness…From their own material, my pick has got to be "Off-White Rhapsody."[Jesse Meman]. It works. It's that simple.

LE JAZZ - This is the second recording by the Windmill Saxophone Quartet. Their joy in playing explodes in every measure. The arrangements - of everything from "I Am The Walrus" to "Naima", not to mention standards and originals - are beautiful.

"THIS'N'THAT": CADENCE MAGAZINE - "Windmill Saxophone Quartet, "This'n'That" …the Washington, DC-based contingent constructs a set from originals and covers that range from Strayhorn [Lush Life Strayhorn/Meman] … to the Beatles [I am a Walrus Lennon/McCartney/Meman] … to The Talking Heads[Burning Down the House Byrne/Meman]. …tight riff-heavy arrangements, carefully woven contrapuntal lines, a propulsive sense of rhythm, and cleanly articulated concise solos. The four extend the sonic palette of their lyrical orchestration with the inclusion of flutes, piccolo, and clarinets…these explorations are kept quite concise and sonorous, with brief forays into freely tinged overblowing and harmonics…focus is placed on the group interaction, with the four players starting and stopping on a dime, trading licks with rapid-fire reactions. There is plenty of expert playing here and the four are adept at careful listening.

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