Subscribers

I would like to know what resources are available (online, software, books, CDs, etc.) for ear training. I'm interested in something that would be self-directed and I can work on at my own pace.

I'm interested in this subject because I seem to have a great ear for some things and a terrible one for others. I never had formal ear training and I'm thinking it might be a good idea to just go back to the basics. I'm interested in whatever anyone has to say about ear training. Thanks, Bob

In this study we work on the tune 'Take the A Train' and study it from top to bottom!

Free CD to any vibraphonist who shows up to the gig!

Saturday, July 18th
Tom Beckham Trio

The Bar Next Door
sets at 11pm & 12:30 $10/set

129 MacDougal St
New York, NY 10012
Tel: (212) 529-5945
http://www.lalanternacaffe.com

feat:
Tom Beckham - vibraphone
Gary Wang - bass
George Schuller - drums

Getting around with the vibes can be a difficult thing. But I have it down. I have great soft cases and a rock and roller (see under check this out).

I can go up stairs, down the street. I can add my PA on the cart. I'm really flexible. You know getting your mobility together with this instrument is a real must. If you can't get around easily, it will deter you from getting to jam sessions, doing rehearsals and other great playing situations. The number one priority if you're learning this instrument is to get out and play with other people.

I was chatting with my Dad tonight and he mentioned he heard Skylark on the radio and thought it would be nice to learn.

I couldn't find it in my two fake books, which I am surprised. I thought it was a popular standard.

I started doing some research and hit on this album from Boz Scaggs, who I remember from the 70's ("Lido Shuffle", anyone?).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001J10RLG/ref=sr_1_album_12_rd?ie=UTF…

The interesting part of all of this was that I heard vibraphone in some of the songs. It was Mike Mainieri (vibes/marimba).

I am working on "Somewhere In the Night" by Milton Raskin and Billy May. I first heard it on Cal Tjader's "Soul Sauce" album. See "Check This Out" link. I can't find the sheet music so I am trying to figure out the changes. I stopped listening the recordings and just played some chords that I thought sounded good with the melody. I don't know if I have the changes right or not. I'll work on that more another time. I put these chords into BIAB and started jamming with it. Spent a couple hours tonight. Had fun. Here is a snippet from my jamming and the backing track.

Here are a couple videos from vibraphonist, Andrei Pushkarev. He uses the traditional 4-mallet grip

, where the inner mallets are on top, versus the Burton grip where the outside mallets are on top.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNWTXDD53EE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGy2cZAl46M

Just some quick tips I was thinking about with chord voicings. You know the goal is to be quick with all the voicings. So you have to practice moving around the instrument and getting familiar with the voicings. That takes a lot of work and time, but once mastered comping gets a lot more fun!

Give it up, California boy!