I know this is up on the site, but why not put it up again since it's Mainieri!!
He's playing solo 3 days after 9/11 because the rest of his band couldn't fly. Good for us!
This vid is very cool.
This CD is a true work of art. Mike with all his experience behind him, plays the most beautiful solos and chords ever. For me in a way he is the absolute greatest vibraphone play ever.
Here are some other reasons to listen.
Rhythm Changes - Harmonic Vocabulary on the A Pt. 1
In this series, we’ll explore harmonic vocabulary for comping over the A sections of rhythm changes. In Pt. 1, we start with a common and widely used set of standard changes, providing a strong foundation for comping.
One key concept in this approach is treating the top note of each chord as a melodic line—essentially harmonizing a simple, stepwise motion. This helps create a natural, connected flow between voicings rather than thinking of each chord in isolation.
In this section, we continue with the F#7–B7–E7–A7–D7–G7–C7–F7 progression in measures 1-4, but with a simplified rhythmic approach. Rather than relying on continuous eighth-note lines, this version demonstrates how to outline the changes effectively with more space and varied rhythmic phrasing.
So.....
Someone (not me) submitted this recording of David and I playing at PASIC in 2018 as a favorite cd (but it's not a CD). While it's not a traditional CD, it's a full-length performance, and I'm featured on it. I initially felt a bit awkward highlighting my own work, but I believe there's a valuable learning opportunity here.
Continuing our exploration of rhythm changes, this lesson focuses on another set of substitute chord changes for the A section. While the general framework remains the same, this version features a different set of passing dominant chords, adding more forward motion to the progression. The focus here is the first A section, which you can tell by the turnaround in the last two measures.
I would see David performing this when we would play duo concerts.
It's a cool improv that is also a great study.
I am always working with students on their hands. Quite a few have problems and bad habits. Well for that matter we all at some level usually have a problem or two and a bad habit or two!
You HAVE to get your hands together and working well if you're going to play more interesting and complex music.
i.e. Donna Lee is much more complex technically then Blue Boss or One Note Samba.
Just some stuff to think about with double sticking as well as a way to practice double sticking.
i do feel that we want to do as much alternate sticking as we can. I know some disagree including David Friedman. So take it for what it's worth to you. But I give you some ways to work on double sticking.
In previous lessons, we explored the bridge of rhythm changes and how to apply those concepts to other tunes. We also examined one possible approach to the first A section, demonstrating how its harmonic movement reflects countless other standards. Now, let’s build on that by focusing on the second A section, incorporating some different harmonic choices and melodic vocabulary.