I like playing this tune because the melody sits at the upper end of the vibes, which gives you lots of room down below to put your accompaniment. The syncopated rhythms provide a nice momentum too, and the familiar chord changes are a lot of fun to improvise on,

I'm using this picture for our 2014 summer workshop!

Ostinato Pattern

This is an article recently written for PAS' magazine Percussive Notes by Gustavo Agatiello. Gustavo did a great job transcribing and analyzing Joe's solo on the standard "It Could Happen To You". As always, Joe is playing brilliantly on this track.

The playing took place during a long weekend that Joe, Gustavo and I spent together at my house in December 2009. We had a great time picking each other's brains, sharing improvisational concepts as well doing some serious cooking. Joe makes a great chicken cutlet dish.

Welcome to the new advanced group on Vibesworkshop.com.

We have two members so far. This is for advanced players only. Players who really really are putting time in on the instrument. In order to be in the group you have to do the assignments and submit them and do them perfectly. This is a group that will require hard work.

Anyone in this group that performs at this level will get certain perks.

1. A skype lesson (once in a while) with me
2. Letters of recommendation (from me for now, hopefully from others).