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Milt Jackson - October 9 1999

We lost arguably the most soulful player on the instrument 10 years ago today. But look at all great influence he's had on everyone who works these bars. I read and listen to all the players here who site his great influence on their music.

This is my Ballad For Milt - it's happy, and it's sad - i wrote and recorded it shortly after i heard the news.

Transcribing Parker

When I transcribe Parker I think about Bach. I'm telling you they're the same people.

I'm falling asleep here at the computer, but I wanted to start transcribing his solo off of the tune Merry Go Round. That woke me up for a bit.

I just love lines that move harmony in themselves, and Bird is the master. I'm a real Parker fan. I've been putting on headphones when I go to sleep and listening to him.

Sight Reading

I spent the last 2 weeks and will the next 2 weeks, learning a ton of tunes for gigs. But these gigs are big bands or really written out originals.

This has been hard. Reading is not my forte. I can read a lead sheet, but following a big band chart is not something I've done a lot in my life. I think when you play tunes a lot, you just get in this listening vibe and use that side of your brain.

I think I've talked about this before, but I've had to read a ton these days.

What do you guys use as sight reading material? I got plenty of Bach.

Vibraphone - Flamenco & Hip Hop : Alfredo Chacon!

Guys!

Our last newbie's name is "Achakon", from Spain. I made a little search, and I came across some great vids with a guy named Alfredo Chacon. I'm not yet sure it's him, but this guy is smoking!

A few links for you:

- Cruceta Flamenco: a spanish band mixing flamenco and hip hop, AND including vibes in an "honorable" role. This reminds me sooo much the band "Jaleo" my vibist friend Norbert used to play in: I love this music!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceZfW34X6WM

- Same guy, on the drum with hip hop dance, and really good music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zdIcOQeoZc

Prescription for the Working Class Musician

Hi All,

There's been a great discussion on a thread started by Steve Shapiro on the future of the music business (see check this out). I've been enjoying that quite a bit, but I'm worried that it's a bit too esoteric for most of the people here. So I'd like to start another thread about concrete steps working musicians can take in the new environment to optimize their chances of making a decent living.

Fabrizio Fratepietro and "Reseau" – Hip Vibes for the future?

Hi all,

I was checking our newbies, and saw this guy from Perugia: Fabrizio Fratepietro. I thought: wow, Perugia, one of the European capitals of jazz!

He had the good idea to put his myspace link. I went there and listened to the first sample...

Wow! I thought we were right in the discussion "Competition Part 2": that's quite modern hip music, groovy, with vibes, trumpet, etc… and that cool vibraphone comping and even solo. And there are lyrics sang as a rap (huh?) and the guy sings in a perfect French (huh?!). And guess what is the subject of this first tune: clones! Haha! :o)