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I just finished practicing and was heading out to a gig and I saw this sunset. For me I had never seen a sunset like this. It was so inspiring.

btw - I personally think we should all document our lives and travels as vibe players, talk about our gigs, post cool photos and videos and really make a record of it all. I'm still blown away by Gary's articles and photos that he's posted. I wish more of the heavy pros would really post their history here.

What could be more inspiring than for all of us to see all of our worlds, what we're up to and what we're doing.

Your third assignment is to ask 3 questions here. Three things you are curious about, you're working on, etc.

No promises but I'm sure David, Phillipe Mace and myself will check in on them. Did you know that Phillipe is going to give a workshop as well. He's a GREAT classical/crossover player. You've heard him here on the site and I dig his playing!!!

Your second assignment is to post something here that YOU could talk about. What's something you know about and could speak to? This assignment is for everyone attending the workshop. What is something you've really studied hard.

Your first assignment for the 2011 workshop is simple. Post something here. How about a tune you will play at the workshop.

If you don't have a decent way to record yourself, well that then is your first assignment. Learning to play the instrument in this day and age requires a good way to record yourself. Back in the day when there were tons of gigs and playing opportunities, it was easier to get feedback. this is one way we do this today, because you can listen back to everything now and critique yourself.

My buddy says there are not a lot of good musicians on this Island (St. Maarten). Man if this is how I lived, I get it. All I want to do is sit out here and watch the water!

I can for one say absolutely for sure that I'm the best vibe player for miles and miles around! Cause I'm the only one (I hope).

You probably don't know much about Dick Richardson, who passed away last week. He is the guy who built Musser into a major company.  Dick bought the Musser Company from Claire Musser back in the 50s sometime, when the company typically was selling about 50 vibraphones each year.  

Jean-Baptiste (mallets/organ) and Gildas (bass) Boclé are two french great brothers! Here is a vid from their last album "Keltic Tales", a clever encounter between celtic and modern music.

J.-Baptiste plays the organ, but on this sample he takes a shredding malletkat solo!! Watch out Tony!! The French are around!! :o)

Part 1 of the vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ieb7R-Xvxw&feature=related

A few info:

- Gildas played in Gary's quintet from 1986 to 89.
- Both brothers collaborated with Gary + Billy Drumond on an album: "Or Else".

Are the TOTM's helpfully? Some of you guys are quiet but I know you're off practicing them.

What's our next tune? Another standard? Modal?

Here are some ideas:

So What - tap into some modal stuff. this tune is deceptively simple.
inner Urge - More advanced difficult head.

Blues - Deceptively deceptively simple
Minor blues - dive into the minor world, it's cool, funny and easily more quickly rewarding then the major blues.

Days of Wine and Roses - pretty song with a lot of 'meat' on it.
I'll remember April - another tune that I think is part modal and part standard.

Remember that tune Joe Porter played for Tony's b-day? This is a simple version played by the composer... I like the authenticity and simplicity of the recording... Enjoy, - M