Vibraphone

🚨 New Tune Deep Dive Series! 🚨
Pt. 1: “Wave” – Establishing Form & Groove

We’re kicking off a brand-new Tune Deep Dive with Antônio Carlos Jobim’s Wave—a bossa nova classic that’s as groovy as it is deceptively tricky. This tune has a 44-bar form (A – A – B – A, with 12-bar A sections and an 8-bar bridge), so memorizing the structure is step one.

THIS IS SOOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL. Take the time to listen to this! 

The procurement and bending of aluminum has become increasingly expensive in recent years. Therefore, I decided to make another folding frame for my M55 bar set, this time using mostly 3D-printed components.

Mike Mainieri: An Interactive Exploration

Today, during the vibe hang with Mike Mainieri, we were discussing Lionel Hampton's solo on Stardust.   Mike was absolutely correct that Lioniel barely touched the damper pedal throughout, playing the instrument as if it were a drum.

Many years ago, Lionel had a fire in his apartment and lost many of his instruments.  His valet, on several occasions, would call me to bring an instrument to a gig in the Philly area so that he would have something to play on.   At one of those events, his valet gave me a copy of a transcription that a friend had done of that solo.

Charlie is a great vibe player from California. This is a great cd with an allstar personnel. 

Love Vibe For Sale. I'm helping a friend sell his instrument. It's a Love Vibe and it's in good shape. You can email me, if you are interested (tony@tonymiceli.com). The instrument is Near Philadelphia in New Jersey. Cash Only, and you have to pick. I can drive an hour if that helps.

$4750 with cases.

🚨 Soloing Through the Changes Pt. 8 – Soloing with the Altered Scale

In Part 8, we explore the altered scale (seventh mode of melodic minor) as a way to create tension over dominant chords before resolving back to the tonic or next chord. This scale contains altered chord tones—♭9, ♯9, ♯11, and ♭13—which provide a wide palette of colors for jazz soloing.

🚨 Soloing Through the Changes Pt. 7 – Soloing with the Diminished Scale

In Part 7, we explore the half-whole diminished scale as a tool for soloing over dominant chords in the blues. This symmetrical scale creates tension and color that can really open up your sound—especially when used sparingly and with intention.