all-levels

"A Simple Sentiment" - an original composition for solo vibraphone that I just finished and ran through on the vibes. Sort of a somewhat simple anthem composed for a basic sentiment for our current times. It's an AAB odd bar form composition with both A sections being 11 bars and the B section being 5 bars. The lead sheet can be downloaded via the google drive link in the video description. Ed

In the online meeting a week or so ago, David played a Red Norvo video and, when talking about it said, "I don't know why nobody has ever transcribed this solo.."

That was enough motivation for me. :)

To my ears, even though this was performed/recorded in 1960, it is an excellent example of the crossover point between ragtime and jazz. So much of what Red plays, from his low to the keyboard mallet technique to his linear construction, is reminiscent of the George Hamilton Green studies. Sometimes literally... check out measures 208-209.

"Bright Size Life" by Pat Metheny. Great song by Pat that still sounds fresh. When this came out with Pat, Jaco and Moses in the 70s it turned a lot of heads. A classic album featuring Pat's compositions and superb trio playing.

Playing lines over “Stella By Starlight” with the inside mallets. Using an open spread and “digging in” with an up and down motion via the use of the fulcrum as with a two mallet player or drummer. For more information on the fulcrum grip, there are some YT clips on my channel that illustrate and discuss the concept. There is also a Wikipedia page on the grip.

Download the attached PDF for notation and general background.

"Never Never Land" from Peter Pan - Fun exploring on this great song with music by Jule Styne and lyrics from Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Such a hip song with wonderful chord changes and a memorable melody and lyrics.

"How Deep Is The Ocean" - One of my favorite standards by the great composer Irving Berlin.

Arrangement from Gary Burton of Michel Legrand's "The Summer Knows". Dug this up from the files and got this way back from Gary during lessons in the 70's. Some really nice things in here in terms of the harmony, techniques and voicings.

Here's the link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19q3XU8qLELCQt1g_WDZfF4xKPk1Be1Z1/view?…

The harmony is based off of Tony's chord study in the pop up class 2 weeks ago. I tried to make it lyrical using arpeggios, chromatic bass lines and surround notes, as well as with 3 and 4 note chords. I am still working on learning to play my own arrangement accurately... sigh.