Here is a lesson on harmonic and melodic tonics. I never knew this by these terms, however, thanks to Stephan Harris I now do.

It sounds to me like guys like Michael Brecher and Bob Mintzer do this sort of thing a lot. Microphone off

So this was kind of a difficult lesson to create because it basically happens when I'm doing a one-on-one lesson. In the lesson we talk about something like comping, or soloing, work time, or whatever. Then usually I come up with some parameters to work in and we start playing.

Hey everyone,
Here's a video of the Brian Blade song, Stoner Hill from a gig I played a few nights ago. It was our first gig with this group but I'm really excited to get to play with these great musicians. Tony wanted me to post a recording as part of my assignment.
Thanks a lot!
Andrew

It's Dana's Birthday! Besides being a great player Dana has incredible energy and is a real team player. I love having him on the site!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANA!!

This is an effective 4 mallet exercise that I’ve been using for years. I do the exercise at the beginning of my practice time and often before a gig or concert. I think it helps to condition your hands and fingers by building some strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Rockin' Out with Ron Von Strattum on drums.

I stumbled on this! Probably at least 10 years old. This is a group I had with Christoph Eidens. Christoph died a few years back.

I'm playing Marimba! Maybe that's the last time I played it!! It's been a LONG time!

It's My tune. I'll attach the sheet.

Bernd Zinzius - bass
Ron Von Stratum - drums

For me John Lewis was one of those pianists whom sometimes I thought, man can this guy play or not. His minimalist approach is a little confusing sometimes for me.

But, check him out playing Django here. Beautiful harmonies and some of the rhythmic stuff on his solo is really cool.

I have to remember that he played with Dizzy, so no way was he a slouch. Anyone get what I'm saying? It seemed like Milt was that cat in MJQ that sparked all the fires. Or so I think.

I came home from work this evening and was surprised to find my new Mike Balter custom Mallets had been delivered. It was amazing how fast it was from request to delivery.

These are Tony Miceli signature mallets and the Mike Balter R23's but with the rubber grip used on the John Piper M44R mallets added.

I can't play without the rubber grip. So I asked Mike if it was possible to add them after the fact and he said yes. I sent them in and received them back within a very short period of time.