Charles Langford Talks “Savor,” SiriusXM’s Watercolors and a Lifetime of Jazz

World-renowned saxophonist, composer and multi-instrumentalist Charles Langford is entering an exciting new chapter with his latest single, “Savor,” now making its mark on Watercolors on SiriusXM Channel 68, one of SiriusXM’s destinations for contemporary jazz.

Following the September 25 release of “Savor,” the smooth and soulful contemporary jazz recording has introduced Langford’s expressive saxophone artistry to an expanded audience of listeners.

Written by acclaimed songwriter Michael Broening, “Savor” features Langford on saxophone and Broening on piano, keyboards, synth bass and drum programming. 

Broening also produced and mixed the recording.

While the SiriusXM placement represents an important career milestone, “Savor” is also deeply connected to Langford’s broader musical philosophy: creating music that invites listeners to slow down, listen closely and appreciate the moment.

In this exclusive interview, Langford discusses the inspiration behind “Savor,” what the SiriusXM addition means to him, the legendary musicians who influenced his development and why jazz continues to be such an important part of his life.

Q: “Savor” is now being heard on Watercolors on SiriusXM Channel 68. What did that moment mean to you?

Charles Langford: I was truly grateful. Watercolors is a platform that appreciates contemporary jazz and gives musicians an opportunity to connect with listeners who genuinely love the music. To have “Savor” included is a special moment for me.

I’ve spent my life learning, listening, performing and continuing to grow as a musician. So when a recording connects with an audience and receives that kind of recognition, I don’t take it for granted.

Q: The title “Savor” seems to say a lot about the spirit of the recording. What does that word mean to you musically?

Charles Langford: To savor something is to take your time with it. You don’t rush it. You allow yourself to experience it.

That is how I think about music. There are so many things competing for our attention today, and music can give you an opportunity to stop for a moment and simply listen.

“Savor” has that feeling for me. I want the listener to experience the melody, the tone and the emotion without feeling rushed.

Q: How did the collaboration with Michael Broening come together?

Charles Langford: Michael is a tremendous songwriter, musician and producer. His composition gave me a wonderful foundation to work from.

The music allowed me to express myself through the saxophone while still respecting the character of the composition. Michael also played piano, keyboards, synth bass and handled the drum programming, production and mixing, so there was a strong musical connection throughout the recording.

Q: What do you hope listeners hear when they hear your saxophone on “Savor”?

Charles Langford: I hope they hear the emotion.

Technique is important, but ultimately music has to communicate something. I want the saxophone to speak. I want the listener to feel warmth, soul and sincerity.

For me, the instrument is a voice. Sometimes you don’t need words to tell a story.

Q: Your musical journey began at a very young age. What first drew you to jazz?

Charles Langford: My father and grandfather were very important in that regard. They had a deep appreciation for jazz, and they taught me early on that listening was an important part of understanding music.

They introduced me to the differences between artists such as Count Basie and Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. They also introduced me to Grover Washington Jr.

Those experiences opened up a world for me. I began understanding that every musician has a voice and that there are many different ways to approach the music.

Q: You eventually studied with some extraordinary jazz masters. How did those experiences shape you?

Charles Langford: Studying and learning from people who had already dedicated their lives to the music was invaluable.

I studied composition and teaching at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and later at the New School for Social Research in New York City. During that time, I had the opportunity to study with musicians including Billy Harper, Donald Byrd and Barry Harris.

Earlier in my development, I also studied with Archie Shepp and Yusef Lateef.

Each of those experiences gave me something different. They helped me understand the importance of discipline, individuality, listening and having something of your own to say.

Q: You have performed with an impressive range of artists, from The Temptations to Solomon Burke. What have those experiences taught you?

Charles Langford: Every artist teaches you something.

I’ve had the opportunity to perform with artists in jazz, blues, R&B and other areas of music, including The Toni Lynn Washington Blues Band, The Temptations, Mighty Sam McClain, Melvin Sparks, Norman Connors, Solomon Burke and Steve Turre.

When you work with accomplished musicians, you learn how important preparation is, but you also learn how to listen and respond in the moment.

That is one of the beautiful things about playing music. You can prepare for a performance, but you also have to be present.

Q: You are a multi-instrumentalist who plays tenor, alto and soprano saxophones, clarinet and flute. What does having that range mean to your artistry?

Charles Langford: Each instrument has its own personality. Playing multiple instruments gives me different ways to approach an idea. Sometimes a musical thought will feel right on one instrument and completely different on another.

It also keeps me challenged. I believe a musician should continue learning. There is always something new to discover.

Q: After decades as a performer, composer and educator, what continues to motivate you?

Charles Langford: The music. There is always something new to learn. I don’t believe you ever reach a point where you know everything there is to know about music.

I still enjoy listening. I still enjoy performing. I still enjoy discovering new sounds and finding new ways to express an idea.

That keeps me moving forward.

Q: What role does jazz play in your life beyond simply being your profession?

Charles Langford: Jazz is a language. It is expression, history, freedom and storytelling. It carries the experiences of generations of musicians, but it also gives every new musician an opportunity to contribute something.

That is what makes it so powerful. You can respect the tradition while still creating something contemporary. I think that balance is important.

Q: Do you think that philosophy is reflected in “Savor”?

Charles Langford: Absolutely. “Savor” is contemporary, but it also comes from everything I’ve learned through the years. My experiences, the musicians I’ve listened to, the people I’ve performed with and the lessons I’ve received all become part of how I approach a recording.

You don’t leave your musical history behind. You bring it with you.

Q: What does it mean to you to have your music reaching listeners beyond the audience that has followed your career?

Charles Langford: That’s one of the most exciting parts.

You always want the people who have supported you throughout your career to continue to enjoy the music, but you also want to reach someone who may be hearing you for the first time.

Maybe someone hears “Savor” on Watercolors and decides to find out more about my music. That’s a wonderful thing. Music has a way of introducing people to one another.

Q: If someone is hearing “Savor” for the first time, what would you tell them to do?

Charles Langford: Don’t rush. Find a comfortable place, put the music on and really listen.

Let the music take you wherever it takes you.

That’s what “Savor” is about.

Q: What is next for Charles Langford?

Charles Langford: Continuing to create.

I’m always looking for opportunities to perform, record and share music with audiences. I want to keep developing as a musician and continue putting meaningful music into the world.

There is still so much music to make.

And there is still so much to savor.

About Charles Langford

Charles Langford is a world-renowned saxophonist, composer and multi-instrumentalist whose musical journey spans decades of performance, education and recording.

A master of the tenor, alto and soprano saxophones, clarinet and flute, Langford has performed with an impressive array of jazz, blues and legendary recording artists.

Rooted in the traditions of jazz while embracing contemporary expression, Langford continues to create music that connects generations and celebrates the enduring power of the art form.

“Savor”

Written by Michael Broening

Charles Langford, Saxophone

Michael Broening, Piano, Keyboards, Synth Bass and Drum Programming

Produced and Mixed by Michael Broening

For more information, music and updates, visit www.charleslangfordmusic.com and follow Charles Langford on social media at @charleslangfordmusic.

World-renowned saxophonist opens up about his new single, his SiriusXM milestone, musical influences and the art of truly savoring the moment