I spent the last 2 weeks and will the next 2 weeks, learning a ton of tunes for gigs. But these gigs are big bands or really written out originals.

This has been hard. Reading is not my forte. I can read a lead sheet, but following a big band chart is not something I've done a lot in my life. I think when you play tunes a lot, you just get in this listening vibe and use that side of your brain.

I think I've talked about this before, but I've had to read a ton these days.

What do you guys use as sight reading material? I got plenty of Bach.

This is a recording of me practicing with my piano teacher. We were just working on learning the tune Blue in Green. I am going to go ahead and post this. Any tips are appreciated.

All you knowledgeable vibe players can anybody name this tune Milt is playing

Joe Locke ‘Force of Four’
Live at the Kitano Hotel

October 16, 2009
October 17, 2009
2 sets: 8pm / 10pm

66 Park Avenue
at 38th Street
New York, NY 10016

Reservations:
phone: 212-885-7119
email: jazz@kitano.com

http://www.joelocke.com/projects/fof.htm

Check this out!!

Feb, 6th and 7th. Workshop at VanderPlas Studio with DAVID FRIEDMAN AND myself.

Then in July (still waiting for the dates) a 4 day workshop in Ireland with me (Ireland is very affordable, this will be our most inexpensive workshop by far).

ACE OF CAKES

Guys!

Our last newbie's name is "Achakon", from Spain. I made a little search, and I came across some great vids with a guy named Alfredo Chacon. I'm not yet sure it's him, but this guy is smoking!

A few links for you:

- Cruceta Flamenco: a spanish band mixing flamenco and hip hop, AND including vibes in an "honorable" role. This reminds me sooo much the band "Jaleo" my vibist friend Norbert used to play in: I love this music!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceZfW34X6WM

- Same guy, on the drum with hip hop dance, and really good music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zdIcOQeoZc

Hi All,

There's been a great discussion on a thread started by Steve Shapiro on the future of the music business (see check this out). I've been enjoying that quite a bit, but I'm worried that it's a bit too esoteric for most of the people here. So I'd like to start another thread about concrete steps working musicians can take in the new environment to optimize their chances of making a decent living.