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Vibraphone Masterclass - Dual Function LH on "Anthropology"

Applying the solo vibraphone technique of Dual Function LH over Rhythm Changes with Charlie Parker's composition "Anthroplogy". Gary Burton taught me this technique way back when I studied with him in the 70s at Berklee College of Music. I was revisiting this technique while working on my solo vibraphone book. It's a nice technique that allows us to play two handed lines while also keeping some left hand accompaniment going under the lines. Regarding the concept, we play lines between the two hands.

Improvising with Upper Structure Triads on "Have You Met Miss Jones"

Improvising with Upper Structure Triads on “Have You Met Miss Jones” – I was working with a few of the students today on utilizing Upper Structure Triads along with one passing/approach note. The extra note can add more possibilities in creating lines as well as adding interesting notes and additional color. For example, the Db triad (with the b6), sounds the 9 and #9 over the Gb Maj 7th chord in the bridge. Most often using only the three notes of the triad can be very limiting. I uploaded the lead sheet along with the USTs that we were using today.

Posting This for Jerry - Great Burton Video

This is the 'style' of playing you are into right?

I love it and don't play like this. A lot of notes as well but doesn't matter to me!!! I like listening to all the mallets and how they are intertwined. the rhythms between the hands etc.

This gets pretty busy. I bet David Friedman doesn't like it. (Do you?) I dig it! I don't think they are stepping on each other toes. I just think it's busy!

My Axe for the Semester

I'm in the jazz combo at my university this semester (Cal State, East Bay), and I was thrilled to find the music department has a beautiful instrument. Apart from a missing damper bar adjustment nut, it looks to be in good shape, and the bars sound great. The motor even works! Difficult to find in most music departments.