Member

Real quick, I never have time to write in depth reviews. But I'm listening to Tom Beckham's CD and thought I'd mention it here. It's a great CD with really great playing! You guys should check it out.

Maybe Tom will post a track here and lead sheet!

I think we might go overboard sometimes by suggesting that there is only one legitimate improvisational language in music and it comes from Bebop/blues/jazz. We tend to require some historical quote from the "jazz language" or it is ignored or labeled that it doesn't speak and isn't legit music. Sometimes we can be a bit closed minded to the point of prejudice with the idea that everyone has to play "jazz/bebop/blues" to be worth anything as an improviser.

At last, I found a video clip of Victor Feldman playing vibes! This is from an old TV program called Frankly Jazz. The first tune I don't know the name of, but it features Feldman on vibes, Jimmy Rowles on piano, Kenny Dennis on drums and Bob Whitlock on bass.

I just thought I'd pass this on. A quick story.

I gave finals today. Each student had to perform Donna Lee in 3 keys and solo.

Anyway let's make it short. All but one student is left in the room. He plays Donna Lee in 3 keys. It was the best performance of the whole class.

When he got done he looked up at me and he was shaking. He said, 'I'm sorry, I tried'. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe the demons that were just in his head while playing this. If his head would have been cleared he would have got done and said, "wow". Instead he thought he failed.

I went through the lessons and books last night and I was floored. There's so much knowledge here I can't believe it. I was blown away.

I just hope you guys are combing through all the lessons and pulling stuff out and working through things one at a time. That's important ONE AT A TIME. (ok maybe 2)

I just got back from Chris' and checked out Tom Beckham playing music from his new cd. He had Chris Cheeks on sax. I went with Patty (who's a faculty member of the site).

It was great music and great playing. Tom studied with Ed back in the day and me and patty saw some of his influence still resonating. Tom is a great vibe player and interesting approach and really interesting lines.

His new CD is called 'Rebound' which I bought and will check out. I hope he puts up a link to where you guys can buy the CD.

Mike here you go. Some tunes I wrote.