all-levels

Finally was able to play it by ear in 12 keys, thru circle of 4ths. Great exercise!
Next I want to do it in Harmonic Minor. I am teaching myself to hear chord qualities, like the ii7(b5) and minor(Maj7).

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Playing a solo vibraphone version of a new composition titled "Minor Haven". The lead sheet can be downloaded via the link in the video description.

A little late, but I'll be uploading a lot more soon.

I recorded a 4-mallet balafon improvisation that managed to keep the time and rhythm cycle clear enough for me to layer grooves on Cajon and stick. My goal in this samba-like sculpture was to surrender all tension and rhythm gravity, to get into a perpetual flow with lots of energy using the entire range of the instrument. Subscribe to the VW site and discover balafon ideas that can be adapted All Ways and Always.

"Woodwork" is the opening track to my 2006 CD "The Turning":
https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/jerryleake

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I'm kind of regurgitating these old articles and things I did when I was more involved in the music scene but I'll have new stuff soon. I think these articles are pretty good and I wrote them when I was doing a lot of teaching. This article uses drumming as the instrument but the method works for vibe too.

Spending time with and learning how to play this beautiful instrument today with the classic "The Nearness of You" by the great composer Hoagy Carmichael. The first chorus is a slow, rubato ballad and then I thought I would try something different for a few choruses in 3/4.

Sharing a little bit of some very early morning practice time today. Here's what's up with this:

One of the things that has always mystified me a little bit, is the blues. I've sat on the drums in small group settings for years - admiring a horn player or singer's ability to express themselves in this unique art form.

Over the last couple of weeks, I've started listening more....and also getting into some of the lessons on this site. Going through Behn's comping lessons...and John's lesson which he shared, and some of the others.