Today we’d like to introduce you to Harold Reid
Hi Harold, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started playing Saxophone back in 1999 in middle school. I played throughout high school and joined every band class/program that was available. I then went to study music education at Southern Wesleyan University out of Central,SC. I then took on several jobs as a music director at a few churches but that wasn’t really for me and I wasn’t happy doing that. Years went by and when my son started band I eventually started helping out as a woodwind instructor at my old high school for a few years. I really enjoyed teaching and helping kids with music but I missed playing, so I decided to go out and try a solo career and try doing a few local gigs here and there. I picked up my first gig at a local pizzeria and then started to create my social media pages to help book gigs. Then I had a heart attack and had to stop playing for about a year. Once I got my strength back up I started doing some open mics to help get back into playing and I made a lot of new friends in the music community that have helped inspire me to be better. I then decided on going with the name Sax Man and then started doing some recording and released my first single and picked up my first late night television gig on Night Time with Odi. Since then I have played at a number of venues and still occasionally will do an open mic or two for fun. I have also released a number of albums and singles including my very first all Original album “Just Sax”. I have my second original album coming out later this year (2024). This journey definitely hasn’t been easy and it does have its struggles but I’m thankful to be on it and to have the support of my wife and son as well as a handful of friends. For anyone that would like to listen to my music you can find me on ITunes,Spotify,IHeart Radio, and all other music streaming platforms.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been easy. My health has put me on hold a few times, especially when I had my heart attack. Not having the proper equipment was a set back starting off. My first gig all I had was a small Bluetooth speaker, iPad and my horn. I’ve definitely come a long ways since then. I now have a proper P.A. With mic for my horn and even stage lights. So my gigs are definitely better now..lol
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Well obviously I’m known for playing the saxophone. I’m definitely not your average sax player. Most people hear I play the sax and think oh he plays jazz. No, they are way off, although I do play some jazzy songs that isn’t what I play for gigs. I play all types of music. I play anything from pop, country, R&B, Motown, oldies, soul, to today’s hits and much more. If I had to pick one thing out of my music career that I’m most proud of, I’d say probably my first original album “Just Sax”. That was the first time I ever wrote original sax music. So I’m very proud of that.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m not a big reader or podcast person. What really helps me do my best is having friends in the music community that push me to do better and of course my son who is also a musician, he is always given me the encouragement that I need that helps push me to be better.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5CyafQSPMQuCluK2vbfub4?si=jv2Js_sZQcaex5PZGhn88Q
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sax_man_hr/profilecard/?igsh=cjRvdHFnNHYxbDMy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saxmanhr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/haroldwreid
- Other: https://www.iheart.com/artist/sax-man-42501165?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false
