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I was just sitting here listening to some practice tracks I recorded. You know I say all the time that I might be a teacher on this site, but I'm also a student. And I've listened to many of you and learned something.

I just realized while listening to these practice tracks that I learned a lot about solo playing during our TOTM. And it was from listening to little things some of you did. Even if you didn't do it perfect, I saw what you were going after and got it and learned from it.

Man...I think this blog thing is really helping me. Tonight I wasn't going to spend a ton of time on Afro Blue, but then I said "No, I've got to work on that transcription so I can post!!!".

Had the chance to see Chick Corea and Gary Burton and the Harlem String Quartet in Burlington VT last night. What a show. Great tunes, beautiful arrangements and unreal musicianship. The best part of the show, besides Gary Burton's unbeilably fluid lines (how can lines be so smooth?) was that all the musicians really wanted to share their music with the audience. They were into it! Thank you to Chick Corea and Gary Burton for continuing to Tour!

Alright...I need some motivation. Many times I have said to myself "Carolyn, you should transcribe more, it's great for your ear!" so I'll start working on something...AND NEVER FINISH IT.

Hello,
Yesterday I went to see a concert, lead by Guitar player Marc Ribot. I really felt like sharing this evening with all of you.

Marc Ribot's tribute to fim noir of the 40's, 50's and 60's.

Ribot was backed up by 10 belgian musicians. They received the scores a couple of months ago, and rehearsed with Marc all saturday apparently. Some of the musicians I've seen play before (mostly in JAZZ bands), others I wondered why I didn't see them before. What a band. fantastic musicians. crazy.

Line up :
Ribot : electric guitar/acoustic guitar/Banjo/Electric Sitar.
2 percusionists

Many know my story, but I'll post it here.

I grew up playing classical guitar. Then drums. Then as a teenager I really got into classical piano. But my piano teacher got weird, so I dropped piano. Dumb move now. I'd be working a lot more if is a good piano player!

Hey guys keep your eyes open for a used m55. I need one for the University of the Arts.

I'll take this down once I get one.

Ok, I think we've really worked hard on solo playing. I mean it's obvious some of us have and I assume some of you are working and not posting. Who knows though if you don't post. But I think those of us active on the site have gotten a lot out of all.

So let's start the Chops Festival. Etudes, exercises and more. Things that will help us build our technique.

Question:
I'm a beginner vibes player, and am fortunate to play in a band that has a very wide variety of tunes in the repertoire. Don't ask me why... it just kind of worked out that way, and we're all amateurs in it for fun and doing mostly free charity stuff, so why not mix it up?!?

I have an idea. how about an Etude/Technique/Gear Festival?

Let's work only on chops, and let's gather information on gear. Instruments etc.

Maybe some of you guys could do interviews of manufacturers (Drew??).

If there was an instrument maker near you, I could cover you expenses to get there. Take photos and interview people.

Off the top of my head is Balter and vanderplas of course. There's another instrument maker in U.S., begins with a D. Just a single guy I think.

Stick makers? Tuners. What's the guys name in Chicago, Gilberto!