Musician Richard Thomas interviewed by the Waco Tribune

Richard shares about his love for his Saxaphone. Click here to read the article and see the video.


Their other half: Waco's performers fond of their musical instruments

Thursday, May 03, 2007

By Carl Hoover

Tribune-Herald entertainment editor

They share hours of practice and performances with musicians, often travel thousands of miles in their company, respond to their players’ touch and give voice to their souls — no wonder musicians become attached to their instruments.

To some musicians, their instruments are little more than a tool that enables them to perform their craft. Others, however, name theirs, consider them dear companions and fret whenever they’re damaged or go missing.

We asked a handful of Waco musicians about their favorite instruments and why they’re special.

choover@wacotrib.com

Waco native Richard Thomas has played jazz saxophone for almost 40 years in Central Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. He mixes performing with giving lessons and running an instrument repair shop on Elm Street.

The instrument: Tenor saxophone

Model: Martin, Music Man model

Birth year: 1957

How long together: 25 years

Distinguishing features: Lacquer worn off the sides. Mother-of-pearl buttons. Octave button Thomas created from a lamp’s ornamental bolt.

Why it’s special: Its tone and responsiveness. “I know exactly what it’s going to do,” Thomas said.

Equally important: The mouthpiece. “I’ve had mine about as long as I’ve had this saxophone. It’s like loving a wife, a friend, a relative,” he said.