Barry was talking about preparing for a gig he might or might not do.

It hit me while I was practicing. Every one should spend time 'preparing' for a gig. Even if you don't have one, or feel like you're not good enough. Whatever!!!

When I post my solo pieces, I'm always preparing for my solo vibe CD. I might never make this cd, but I'm always preparing for it. That gives me a level that I have to achieve with each piece.

I fantasize about making a solo cd. So I'm always preparing for it. That means I'm practicing 'for real'.

Jimmew check this out. My response to your stride video.

I posted a story about preparing a cafe solo gig. http://www.vibesworkshop.com/video/secret-weapon-those-long-solo-gigs/t…

Here is one of the tracks from my practice session. It was a sight-read of "On a Clear Day (You Can See Forever)". "You Can See" why I turned down this 4-hour solo gig.

Barry

My first real attempt at stride vibes, also a very early take. Any advice on independence would be awesome.

Thanks

P.S. I'm still working on the whole "Playing with your mouth closed" technique, I'm having a harder time with that than anything else.

There are a lot of potential solo gigs out there for vibes players at local eateries, cafes, street fairs, etc. Granted they don't pay much but it is a great opportunity to work on your repertoire and your solo chops.

Some folks posted about Storms / Nocturnes and our London appearance. I thought some who are unfamiliar with this trio might like to sample a taste. This is a piece by the saxophonist and main composer in the group, Tim Garland, entitled "Night Forest". I love Tim's writing. He won a Grammy award this past year for the symphonic arrangements he did for Chick & Gary's 35 anniversary CD with the Sydney Symphony. Oh, BTW - the pianist in Storms / Nocturnes is Geoffrey Keezer... he's one of a kind!
-Joe Locke

Quite strange how a tune can fit with a mood...

I got this beautiful version of Summertime, once more thanks to Face Book... and felt like sharing it with you.

Thanks for "being with me"... through it.

- M

.

Here's a lesson from a while back. I didn't dig it so I never posted. I didn't think I really did a good job Illustrating it. Maybe it's not so bad, but I think the idea is important.

It's about role playing, thinking like you're a different instrument. I think putting your brain in a different point of reference can really help your playing.

Let me know what you think.