None of These

I remember going to Dave Liebman's house for an all day private lesson. What a GREAT player and great human being. That was my take. At one point, I sat in a chair and he preached to me about his thoughts on music. Next, I pulled out my vibe and we played together. You can only learn so much in any lesson because 99 percent of doing anything well is all about the kind of heart you have and desire to achieve.... practice, driving 1000 miles for a lesson, risking everything to "say something" in your art and craft. That's what it's all about.

Slow Agbekor (traditional Ewe warrior dance in 12/8, also known as “Atsiagbekor”)
In this one-man-band arrangement, four support patterns and drum languages build the ensemble array: gonkogui (bell), totodzi and kagan drums, and ankle bells. Once the groove is established, I recite a number of master drum themes, with several songs interspersed. The left hand uses the Burton grip to simultaneously play two parts: bell and totodzi.

by Chick Corea

“Moment’s Notice”: A somewhat lengthy “stream of consciousness” and experimental practice session version of this classic by the great John Coltrane. I'm starting here without any specific technique in mind or any preconceived agenda and just seeing what happens and develops. Sometimes we lose and sometimes we win. There are a few times here where I almost “fall off the cliff” but I think it's not necessarily about perfection. For me, it’s the process that’s the focus and not specifically the final outcome.

by George Bassman

Short versions, working on harmonizing the melody.

Close Enough for Love (Johnny Mandel)
Everything Happens to Me (Matt Dennis)

by Ralph Rainger

The title track to my first “Cubist” CD opens with an African Balafon vamp using 4 heavy mallets. The melody is played on glockenspiel, with other percussion layered inside. The tune features Indian rhythmic cadences called “tihai” that I play on tabla, clay drum and vocals. The great Randy Roos plays guitar and bass.

by Jimmy Van Heusen

More from a series of solos I recorded in early August with an old design of leather mallets. Working on a new mallet design that I'm hoping to share with the world.

A ballad by Jimmy Van Heusen