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Todd Isler posted this over at www.worlddrumworkshop.com.

This is an effective 4 mallet exercise that I’ve been using for years. I do the exercise at the beginning of my practice time and often before a gig or concert. I think it helps to condition your hands and fingers by building some strength, flexibility, and endurance.

For me John Lewis was one of those pianists whom sometimes I thought, man can this guy play or not. His minimalist approach is a little confusing sometimes for me.

But, check him out playing Django here. Beautiful harmonies and some of the rhythmic stuff on his solo is really cool.

I have to remember that he played with Dizzy, so no way was he a slouch. Anyone get what I'm saying? It seemed like Milt was that cat in MJQ that sparked all the fires. Or so I think.

Went to a Stefon Harris Masterclass at Temple University tonight. Stefon is a very inspiring cat! I love his playing and his vibe. He has a lot of soul. I admire guys who might think with their head but they play with their heart, and that's Stefon.

He talked about Melodic and Harmonic Tonics. Who knows what they are?

I never used these words but have done things along these lines. However Stefon gave me a lot more ideas and a new to think about this.

Before I go into it, what do you guys know about it?

I'm big on getting my time together. I have very little of it now and I must use it wisely. I need to practice 2 hours a day minimum, or I'd rather donate my body to science and spare a few bunnies what they have to go through. I can't stand when I don't practice.

I'm always checking out productivity business cats and learning from them. I also frequent the site Life Hacker. There are MANY great tips on there. This latest is a good one I think.

I know everyone is going to say play it slower and I do when practicing.
But this is about where I'd like it to be. It may be a few clicks to fast ....hmmm.... not sure yet. This is 158 BPM.

Figuring out solo vibes stuff is really challenging and fun!!!!

Anyway I had to post because we are moving on to Blue Bossa.

Be kind :)

Kind of makes learning tunes a lot simpler doesn't it?