all-levels

So I'm hanging online with Patty via google talk and we were talking about Mike Pinto, so i figured I'd post the vid here. I think he sounds great, and his approach is a little different. He uses those Milt mallets but holds 3 I think most of the time. [I think.] He'll probably see this and maybe he can comment on it. Just goes to show you when it comes to grips. I like his lines so who cares about the rest.

To be honest this was an interesting podcast for me to make. Take a look at Dan Gorlin. He does not look like an expert on West African music, particularly the music from Ghana. But he really knows his stuff and has been studying, playing and teaching this music for 30 years now.

If that wasn't enough, I've heard from two great Philly musicians about him, and he definitely knows his stuff.

Besides that, just spending the night with him showed me how much passion (and knowledge) he has for this music and for teaching it. This is a 2 part series, definitely worth watching.

Attached are the complete drawings to accompany the video on MBraces also available at www.VibesWorkshop.com

If you have a drill press and a few hand tools, this attachment has all the information you need to build your own MBraces (most new manufacturers already have this type of bracing on their instruments - though not this quality).

NOTE: The vender information listed here is also excellent information to have on hand if you own a "Piper Vibe".

I shot some video tonight which is going to be used in future Percussion Geeks episodes. I thought I'd give some of you a sneak preview sneak on of the performers was playing a Gyil which is the ancient ancient ancestor to the vibes/marimba. Where it all started.

I took one of the pieces and edited it really quick just to give you guys a sneak preview.

Phew, that's a hard tune to play solo on! I did sort of my version. I'm hoping one of you guys get the etude down and perform that. I would like that! But here's my version based on the etude!

I love Steve Nelson. He has played a lot(and think he still does) with Dave Holland's band.

Check Nelson on Wikipedia:

check out the Steve Nelson Wikipedia

Things to do with Rhythm, time and Swing. This is the chapter, when I complete some lessons for this section they will appear here!

John Piper's essay on swinging.

Here's something I'm posting that I think helps students to understand how different keys relate to each other (modes, major keys, relative minor etc). It also helps teachers when teaching it.