We had the good fortune of connecting with Trevin Little and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Trevin, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Being a horn player is such a niche experience. People definitely don’t realize how much work you have to do up front to be considered a viable option for consistent work. Depending on the size of your scene, you’re in a pool of maybe 10-20 players who can all get the gig done. At the same time, being such a niche instrument leaves you high and dry on some of the gigs going on in your scene. Interesting/consistent branding and a great attitude can make or break a horn player. Some of us have the privilege to go to school which gives us a leg up in the knowledge department, but not everyone is set on being a professional musician at age 18. Lots of long hours of practice, plus playing with many different types of musicians make a well rounded player in the scene. The general public get the best 1-2% of our time spent on the horn; coincidentally, its also our favorite part too.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a saxophone performer and pedagogy specialist. I also repair the horns that i play which gives me a unique perspective on the physics and intrinsic dynamics of the instruments. Coupled with my study at Morehead State University and my perfect pitch I am able to be incredibly effective in multiple musical scenarios. I can blend in with an orchestra playing clarinet, or lead a jazz quartet in a smoky club. I’ve played with the magical Four Tops, and I’ve competed nationally with a contemporary saxophone quartet.

Every experience I’ve had in music has been a lesson for me. Even though I am naturally gifted in music, i know that one of the greatest disappointments in life is talent without work ethic. I take every challenge as it comes and give everything I have to it. I come from a rather poor area of Kentucky. My father was a coal miner, and mother was a school teacher. Everything they have is because they worked themselves to the bone in order to make a better way in life. I take that lesson into my playing and turn it into my own unique brand of hustle. I was a cook before i had my break into the scene here in Louisville. I was dreaming of all the opportunities I would have playing music while i was covered in food detritus and wet from the knees down washing dishes at a cookie cutter steak house. I knew very few people before moving to Louisville, and now I have built a local name and brand for myself through determination and tenacity. The biggest lesson I’ve learned from my experience in music would be, reinvest into the people who invest in you. This is how you make community, and later family.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For restaurants, I have to plug my alma mater. Bistro Le Relais is situated on the oldest airport in Kentucky, and has a beautiful vista of private planes coming in from the back deck. Incredible wine selection, paired with classic bistro cuisine will leave a lasting impression. Tell them Trevin sent you, and ask to hear some stories. you wont be disappointed. For a more casual dining experience, venture to the Germantown or Butchertown neighborhood. The Post pizza for a classic NY slice, Toasty’s for the “Classiest” greasy spoon smash burger you’ll ever have, Gold bar for incredible cocktails and vegan options, and Bar Vetti for an out of this world meal that has aspects of the old country of Italy, while making you feel like you’ve been invited to an exclusive chef’s experience.

My favorite watering hole in the whole city is The Pearl of Germantown. Unabashedly quirky, anti-pretentious, and a warm/comforting/safe environment for someone to have their traditional 5pm double bourbon and PBR. Other great spots would be Nachbar, Darling’s gin bar, Trouble bar, and the Silver dollar.

In my opinion, if you visit ANY of these places, you are bound to find multiple different people who are going to fit the bill of the “interesting and fun” category. Louisville is chock full of characters and antics to boot. Talk to the bartenders, they always know where the shenanigans are happening.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents. They may have had their reservations at first, but they have always been there for me 100% in the endeavor. I will always cherish their love and support. Love you Mom and Dad!

Website: www.trevsax.com

Instagram: instagram.com/trevsax

Twitter: Trevsax1

Facebook: Trevsax

Image Credits
Dan Dry, Bill Reynolds

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