When things get slow around here I wonder what everyone is up to.

I think it's in all our best interest for all of us to work hard on this instrument and that's the goal of the site. I believe I get better when you guys get better.

I think when you learn a tune you should come up with a SIMPLE solo version of each tune. I also think that studying any part of any tune is a major source of information. I've been working on Speak Low thanks to Behn!

Terry Gibbs sent me a bunch of out of print stuff that he's given me permission to post for subscribers on the site! So keep an eye out!

Jimmie White did an internship with vibesworkshop.com and part of that internship was to do some lessons for vibesworkshop.com. Here's one and it's a cool one!

I like the sound of hard mallets from the audience. And they totally cut through don't they? That seems like a pretty loud drummer and those vibes are coming right through!

I got this from Christos FB account... and I loved it!

To me a very good example of mallets in "popular" but good music... In Greek! Cool huh? And with marimba: even more original, no?

Enjoy!

- MN

A beautiful original piece by Behn Gillece.

Apparently even the big names couldn't afford a roadie! This picture was taken in San Francisco just outside Drumland, a well known music store and "hang" for drummers, percussionists and vibes players in the city. Cal's long-time drummer, Johnny Rae, is shown inside the van. I studied vibes with John (he was a great vibes player too) for a few years while in my teens. I suspect this shot was taken in the 60s when I was taking lessons. John used to drive me home after lessons in that same VW bus. It brings back great memories.