General

Just came across this article on practicing jazz by violinist Christian Howes: http://christianhowes.com/2009/10/29/perfect-practice/

Part of what he talks about is practicing what you struggle with rather than what you sound good playing. Of course we all know this is what we SHOULD be doing, but I at least find myself avoiding the hard stuff constantly, just like he describes his students doing. I try to fight myself and practice things I'm not as comfortable with, like harmonies rather than melodies, but it is a long, hard battle!

I have a malletkat but I'm not sure what the best software is to use it with. I remember seeing demos with Mainstage, and that seems cool, but I have a pc. Any suggestions?

hey friends here is a video of a trio organ
I think if I born again I want to be a hammond organ!!!
this instrument turn me crazy every time I close them!
I love it!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsIlCWt5XHI

This clip is from a gig last January playing Ted's composition Ida Spoons which is based on Stella. The cameraman missed the head and part of Ted's solo which is a shame. Ted is composer/saxophonist with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra directed by Wynton Marsalis....and plays his rear off! What a pleasure this night was.
Rusty

Yo,

Hi everyone,
Considering purchasing a new Yamaha vibe. Currently looking at the 2700 series. David Friedman and I have been chatting a bit, and he encouraged me to consider the 3710 vibe as well. I would love folks thoughts and opinions about the following..

If you missed this year's Vibes Workshop at the University of Delaware, you missed a lot. This was the third one and in many ways, I think it was the best one yet. Tony gave us some solid playing ideas and techniques while David Freidman took us through solo playing using an exercise he made up on the spot - totally amazing. Behn Gillece dropped in one afternoon to provide some instruction too.

ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY DICTIONARY for the Music Biz

24\7: The time signature of the national anthem of India.
AGENT: A character who resents performers getting 90% of his salary.
ARRANGER: A guy who writes to support a drinking habit.
BALLET: An art form for people with eating disorders.
BANDSTAND: The area farthest away from an electrical outlet.
BIG BAND: Nowadays, an aggregation consisting of two musicians.
BROADWAY PIT JOB: A prison sentence disguised as a gig.
CABARET: A venue where singers do songs from shows that closed out of town.

Excellent exemple blend of time, feel and...joy !!!

Been learning how to use Final Cut Pro in my spare time this summer, so here is a short sample. Video with iPhone 4, audio via Logic/Mics and Final Cut to merge them together. A happy summer tune.
Rusty