I just had a talk with marie and we found that the word "chops" maybe can mean something different to all of us. So maybe to ask this question is a little late but maybe it´s good to see what most of you think...

to me chops means mostly the ability to play fast with sense.

what does chops mean to you?

tarik

This is one of my last etudes about solo vibes. The reason I post this etude is that I would like the opinion of the pros because I feel that something is missing from my playing.

Can you help?

I just worked on this with a student. I wrote out some two five one progressions where the chords keep moving down.

Where chops come in is this: You practice this and work up speed. Play 2 5 1 6's in different keys. This would really help your chops!

I've attached the 'rough' pdf I made for the student.

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Look at my brand new "full commodity" practice room! haha!! :o)

Ok, seriously: my PC used to be under the stairs in the intrance where I practice... We decided to move the main toilets there, so the PC moved in the cupboard on the other side of the intrance. And Bruno just placed the toilets today... so there are not yet any walls around... I couldn't resist taking that pic!!

Who dared to say he/she had such a cool practice room? Huh? ;-)

Hello everyone.
Nicos Skalkotas was one of the greatest Greek composer who actually took the Greek traditional music and out it into the symphonic orchestra. This is a very good example of how 2 different words can combine and create something new. Nikos skalkotas has also studied with Arnold Schonberg. For more information click below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikos_Skalkottas

Dimitris

Here is another tune I am working on for my accordion/guitar jam.
I am practicing working with a metronome on 2&4.

Barry

Hi all,
I'm needing (quickly !) super-extra-soft mallets for vibraphone. Visiting the Mike Balter's site the 16R model is said for marimba use, anyone knowing if it would work fine with vibes ?
There's the Vibrawell V9R too. Any info about it ?
Do you know another VERY VERY soft vibes mallets ?
If yes, thank you in advance for your answers !!! :o))

Argh!

Well...I have taken an unplanned rest from Afro Blue because...

1) First, I forgot about a recording session I agreed to play marimba on, so I had to spend a weekend staying up too late and getting up too early trying to cram learning the part (luckily I'm an okay music crammer, so the composer was actually satisfied with my playing. Phew!). That was kinda dumb though, so next time someone wants me to record with them, I will make sure to learn the part in advance!

Here is another tune from the coltrane tribute i did a couple weeks ago.. there is a bit of people talking, had the recorder on a table with my girlfriend.. hope ya dig it