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Lines, phrasing, melody, articulation, expression, feel: Victor Feldman

I LOVED Victor Feldman! He was a pretty busy studio player back in the day but ventured out and recorded some GREAT vibe recordings. I went to his house for lessons a few times and it was a huge treat but like the other masters I studied with, I wish I was a better student. Victor was an amazing artist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fchnx2ESjIk

Anyone Know About John "Poli" Palmer?

This is from wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Palmer_(musician)

John Michael "Poli" Palmer (born 26 May 1943 in Worcester) is an English rock musician who was a key member in the progressive rock band Family. Though he was not an original member, he was regarded as being integral to the group's sound. He played the vibraphone, flute, piano, synthesizers and occasional drums, and he was with the band from late 1969 until late 1972.

More Vibraphonics Trivia: Mallet handle/ Pencil Grips

Back in the mid-1980's I started using pencil grips on my mallets. I was obsessed with finding and eliminating every little thing that contributed to extraneous noise on the vibraphone. As I became a little more known for my "Vibraphonics", I got an endorsement opportunity with Michael Balter to make the John Piper Mallet. I sent him pencil grips and told him the mallets have to include the orange ones (see photo) because for some unknown reason, the orange ones have a better feel and longer lasting quality.

Vibraphonic Trivia: "Mbrace"

The idea of the MBraces was created WAY back in the 80's when I first started working on my M55 vibraphone for improvements. I discovered (with the use of two cymbal stands) that by placing two braces from near middle of the pedal rail to the sides of the leg frames, the results were fantastic for stability. Very simple but they are the braces that were missing on all previous designs of the instrument! Many people had secondary braces added to their instruments but for some reason, no one was doing the obvious. In the L.A.

Doxy by Sonny Rollins

Doxy" composed by the great Sonny Rollins. Had a request from a special friend and great vibist to post this song. I love everything Tim played on this clip. I learned this song many years ago from the great Herb Pomeroy. Herb was a wonderful mentor to so many musicians in the Boston area. Tim and I played with Herb for many years. Herb was a one a one of a kind musician and gentleman. He always will be remembered and missed. His legacy and influence continues in the music of all of us that knew him and played with him. This one was for Herb.

Wave by Antonio Carlos Jobim - vibes/piano duo

One of my favorite Jobim tunes. Actually, I love them all. Ha!Ha! Tim is special to play with. Probably the most in demand pianist in Boston playing with guys like Jerry Bergonzi and every vocalist in Boston. He was also the pianist for Lyle Lovett. He's so versatile and a real team player with really big ears. So sensitive and responsive. That's why he's working all of the time. I think the ear thing is so important. I think that's the case with all of the great players. Ed