Skip to main content

Cal Tjader and Johnny Rae - the early days

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.

Body and Soul by James Whiting

Hi Guys,

Just a quick excerpt from a gig I did on the weekend at a cafe/bar. I've been promising Tony I'd put something up since December! So this is a recording with my good friend Giles on Guitar. We are both 3rd Year music students here at the Queensland Conservatorium in Australia.

This recording is also done on my newish Musser pro vibe with 440 bars! which I got around decemeber - another reason why I promised tony a recording!

All comments are appreciated!

Cheers,
JW

James Whiting (Vibes)
Giles Warren (Guitar)

Forum Topic: Help on 4 mallets

I have troubles figuring out how to play small intervals in the mid range.

For example:
Starting on C3 play ascending major thirds chromatically with the left hand.
There are three places which require a circus contortionist.
D-F#
A#-C#
B-D#

What is the suggested way to deal with this contortionists scenario?
How would you do it?

-tia