I spent part of tonight playing Bird's first chorus on the tune Merry Go Round which is a rhythm changes with a Sears and Roebuck Bridge. S and R Bridge is (key of Bb) F-7 Bb7 Eb Eb C7 C7 C-7 F7. That's what Larry Mckenna always calls it and said that was the name. I dig that name.
Every once in a while I blog about what's happening deep inside of the site. I know there are a lot of members out there that are working hard, some don't live near teachers, or other players. I want them to know how much is going on here.
If you go to 'Recent Activity' you'll probably see all the posts and comments. A lot of this stuff is learning, critiquing and studying. We've really made a community of vibe players on the inside that is growing and is helping many players become better vibe players.
Finding time to listen to cds is pretty rough any more. Tonight though I'm trying to get in a couple cuts of some buddies cds. One of which is James Shipps cd.
I think you guys would dig it. I guess it's all or mostly Irish tunes? Jim's a great percussionist and vibe player and his girlfriend, Jo Lawry is a heavy singer.
Just wanted to post a couple sentences about the cd.
Guys!
For those who were present on our brother site www.thevibe.net some time ago, do you remember Roy Pertchick and his innovative instrument?
I just found this video today on youtube, and thought it would be cool to share it with you...
What do you think of his invention?
- M
Hello Everybody,
I'm still going on with the tunes a week. I'll just see who decides to join in and this will also be a place to gather recordings of everyone of a certain tune.
So, I got inspired by Emilie's post of 'My One and Only Love', so I decided I'd study that tune this week but I'm gonna ty a different approach this time. In stead of doing a duet or play along version I think it would be nice to record a solo version of this tune.
Hello everyone,
Here's a videoclip from a concert this past year.
The concert took place on February 2nd, 09 at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH and featured Dave Liebman on tenor and soprano, Matt Wilson on drums, David Clark on bass and me on vibes, marimba and piano. This was the first song of the 2nd set. We opened the set (minus Lieb) with an original of mine titled "Pure Spirit".
We lost arguably the most soulful player on the instrument 10 years ago today. But look at all great influence he's had on everyone who works these bars. I read and listen to all the players here who site his great influence on their music.
This is my Ballad For Milt - it's happy, and it's sad - i wrote and recorded it shortly after i heard the news.
When I transcribe Parker I think about Bach. I'm telling you they're the same people.
I'm falling asleep here at the computer, but I wanted to start transcribing his solo off of the tune Merry Go Round. That woke me up for a bit.
I just love lines that move harmony in themselves, and Bird is the master. I'm a real Parker fan. I've been putting on headphones when I go to sleep and listening to him.
I spent the last 2 weeks and will the next 2 weeks, learning a ton of tunes for gigs. But these gigs are big bands or really written out originals.
This has been hard. Reading is not my forte. I can read a lead sheet, but following a big band chart is not something I've done a lot in my life. I think when you play tunes a lot, you just get in this listening vibe and use that side of your brain.
I think I've talked about this before, but I've had to read a ton these days.
What do you guys use as sight reading material? I got plenty of Bach.
Joe Locke ‘Force of Four’
Live at the Kitano Hotel
October 16, 2009
October 17, 2009
2 sets: 8pm / 10pm
66 Park Avenue
at 38th Street
New York, NY 10016
Reservations:
phone: 212-885-7119
email: jazz@kitano.com