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Keeping lines sounding really clean and clear is tough with vibes. It's easy to let notes ring together and just as easy to let notes ring together that shouldn't be. We have 3 tools to control ringing - the pedal, mallet/hand dampening, and using dead strokes.

I use dead strokes all the time to keep my lines sounding as clean as possible. This video clip demonstrates one example of where using dead strokes can make your playing sound just a bit better. The better you become at listening for notes ringing that should'nt be the better your playing will sound.

Here's a clip from circa late 90s of a gig at a local jazz club featuring the late clarinetist Dick Johnson. Marshall Wood is on bass and Les Harris Jr. is on drums.

Marshall and Les can really lay down a beautiful and solid groove. I had the opportunity to play with Dick on many occasions (many times along with trumpeter Herb Pomeroy) and it was always special. I learned so much from Dick and Herb and feel very fortunate that I got to play with both of them. They are both sadly missed.

One of my favorite etudes to practice. Based on the changes to Flamenco Sketches.

Guys, here's another clip from that old 1984 footage I ran across. This is a clip of an original of mine called A Fine Line. You can check out and download the lead sheet here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/82431551/A-Fine-Line-by-Ed-Saindon

Don't laugh guys, this is an old clip. I was recently was going through some old VHS tapes and ran across this footage from 1984. With me on vibes is Greg (Iggy) Mooter on electric bass. We were playing some tunes and doing an interview back then for a local TV station. Actually, I think the facial hair and hair style is very funny. OK, you can laugh.

Here's a clip of Jobim's Chega De Saudade. I don't think Lance played this before, so a few loose spots here and there. A little information about the guys in the band. Lance is very active here in town playing with a lot of players. David is on the faculty at Berklee. Jun was visiting from Tokyo. He and I went to Berklee around the same time. We had Joe Hunt down for the gig, but he wasn't feeling well and Jun gladly said he would fill in.

Hey guys,

I was working on something today, and decided to make it into a little video for VW... my first lesson here.
Hope u enjoy.

Steve

Hey Guys,

I don't know if you are familiar with the Ralph Peterson Fo'tet. The group has released multiple albums over the last 23 years with very few personnel changes. It featured Don Byron on clarinet and Bryan Carrot on vibes. Ralph has recently reformed his group.

Here's a version of Fats Waller's Jitterbug Waltz. We're playing it in Db versus Eb. Joe and I played this at our recital at Berklee this past summer. It's a fun tune to play on. There are some fantastic pianist versions of the tune from Art Tatum and Chick Corea.