I practice with loops a lot. Especially percussion loops. Bossa's, Samba's and this swing feel. Kind of feels like the ultimate click track.

A lot of times after I do all this I add some drum parts, and a bass and maybe piano or guitar. I think it's good practice. It kind of got me thinking tonight that I'd like to get a drummer over here and record just drums and vibes.

Any it's a practice recording, not perfect, but maybe interesting to listen to. Towards the end you'll hear me struggle for a second and get it back together.

Hey Tony,

Thanks for fixing the video for me. Just wondering what your schedule was like this week, thought maybe we could get together later in the week and talk more about Stella. Talk to you soon! Great vibes hang yesterday!

Jon

I got inspired by some of the great stories on this site, and have a couple of interesting session & gig experiences that have come to mind. I haven't been sure where to post these yet, but one could definitely go here...under MAINTENANCE.

Behind the title, comes a version of Beirut from Steps Ahead, in a 2008 Line-up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJssZLXW5dg

I really love the hardcore (?) version of the head, I really dig the attitude and sound of the guitarist ;-) (I saw him in Paris june 2008) I was waiting all the tune for a rip off rock solo...
what do you think of this version ?
I think this DVD is very valuable... I haven't seen it yet in Fance.

here is another FANTASTIC video of Gary Burton and Chick Corea, playing La Fiesta in Marciac.
Marciac is a town in the south west of France, there is over there a great Jazz Festival.

check it out, and book your holidays ;-) the food is very tasty also over there !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73bpl4ijzKg

Maybe Mr Burton have some insights to share about this festival ?

We hopped around the country today.

At my house was 5 vibe players. Me, Randy Sutin, Michael Caine, Sy Platt and Barry K.
Also Mark P on bass and Charlie Paterno on drums.

Was went up to Boston and listened to Mario Diciuttis play some amazing things on the Mallet Kat, out to Oregon and listened to Tmacoid then to Brooklyn to listen to James Shipp and Jo Lawry. I think everybody had a lot of fun!

Here is my rendition of Tony's arrangement of Ed Saindon's beautiful tune, Life's Blessing.

I am still working on it, but if I waited until it was perfect, it would never get posted. I think I played it over 100 times and here is my best set (4 repeats, not trying anything different between them). Criticisms appreciated.

Thanks,
Barry

This is such a great group!

This is my version of Ed's tune Life's Blessing. I've had a great time working on this fantastic song and just wanted to post where I'm at with it.