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Just picked up an m-75. I think it's the first year they made it because the motor is NOT variable speed. And a Deagan Marimba from the 40s in beautiful condition.

The m-75 is a fantasy instrument of mine. I promised the owner that they would be put to good use. A school is getting the marimba. The m75 is not a good instrument for a student, so I think I'll sell an Omega that I have at a good price. That's much better for a student.

My friend Fisher at Ischell has finally finished his vibraphone mic system called Bar X. These are contact mics that go on each par like the piezos but mic the bars in a much more organic and acoustic way. (I have his bass mic and have used it for years now and it is the best pickup/contact mic out there)
I am negotiating with Fisher to get a loaner (they are really expensive) to test out make some videos and put thru it's paces. We shall see if he is willing to make one for demonstration. I'll post here if it happens but just thought I would make you cats aware of the system.

I saw Tony's email on Friday with a link to the music for this, so I decided to take a look at it last night. And shot this video this morning.

There's at least one wrong note, so I haven't earned the "free" skype lesson, yet...assuming no one else has posted this. Has someone? :)

It obviously helped a ton to write in the chord symbols (pic attached). Took it slowly to make sure I am learning it. Challenging!

Thanks for the inspiration, Tony. I have so much work to do. Onward!

An admittedly wacky improvisation to see where the energy and freedom would take me...

National Science Foundation contacted me at the fire house in McMurdo Station and asked if I would put something together for International Jazz Day from Antarctica. This was at the end of my shift on 4/25. They said they needed two-and-a-half minutes of recorded music by the afternoon of 4/26. I got off work the morning of 4/26, went straight to the Chapel Of The Snows (where I keep my vibraphone and practice), got four volunteers from the firehouse to hold camera phones while I played.

"East of the Sun" - A classic standard that my students and I have been playing to work on improv concepts and solo vibraphone playing.

Roger's recent post playing with iReal Pro inspired me to show what I've been working on with iReal as well. This is one of those Q&D "Just hit play and whatever happens happens" recordings. Thanks Roger :)

Hi All,
Check out the May Good Vibes at www.gloriajazz.com.
Good Vibes is beginning its 10th year!
best,
gloria