Vibraphone

🎬 Working on Time Pt. 6 – Wave A Section Voicings with Rhythmic Variation #4

In this lesson, we expand on the rhythmic comping vocabulary introduced in Pt. 5 by applying Variation #4 to the entire A section of Jobim’s “Wave.” This segment combines voice leading and rhythmic consistency, helping develop both harmonic awareness and a deeper connection to groove within the bossa nova style.

I have been using these cases for many many years now and I love them. My new ones are coming soon and they are red! 

I grew up buying Steeplechase records, Dextor Gordon, Jackie Mclean, Walt Dickerson and many others. Nils told me they have over 1,200 cds out. 

The cd comes out June 20th and it's Me, Paul Bollenback, Lee Smith and Byron Landham. I think it's a pretty good cd. Check it out if you can.

Working on Time Pt. 5 – Bossa Voicings on “Wave” (Intro)
In this episode, we explore voicings and time feel for the iconic bossa nova intro of Antônio Carlos Jobim’s “Wave,” which vamps between Dm7 and G7—two beats each.

We’ll start with foundational voicings and gradually apply a series of rhythmic variations to build your comping vocabulary and groove awareness. The included PDF features four rhythmic variations that progressively increase in syncopation and complexity, helping you develop both feel and control.

Practice Tips:

Never heard of him, but I like his playing. Oliver Mayman turned me on to him.

I am a bad photographer but....

This was a beautiful instrument! 

Every mallet player should check out the Kutztown Mallet Center. I kept putting off going and then finally went and was blown away by what is there! 

🎬 Lesson 4: Expanding the Blues with Functional Harmony Goal: 

Strengthen time feel and harmonic fluency by adding functional variations to the 12-bar blues form, while maintaining steady comping with a metronome on beats 2 and 4.

Hello everyone, I'm fairly new to this site and to the vibraphone as well but I'm posting here my video of practicing blues improv. I'll be happy to hear back from you guy's what you hear on what areas of my playing I should aim my focus more. Sometimes it does feel that there is so much stuff to work on but I always have to pick one and stick to that for good amount of time, for now it is a blues vocabulary. Thanks a lot. Best, Martin

🎬 Working on Time Pt. 3: Simple Blues with Four-Note Voicings

Goal:
Play through a simple three-chord blues using four-note voicings, while locking in your time with the metronome on beats 2 and 4 at a medium tempo. This lesson builds on Part 2 by applying the foundational third and seventh movement into fuller voicings across an entire 12-bar form.

What you’ll practice: