Performance

I have a concert in a few days. It's with The Philadelphia Mallet Quartet. That's me, Behn Gillece, Oliver Mayman and Morgan Walbridge. We are each going to play a solo tune in the middle of the concert. That's a little nerv racking! 

When I do something like this I first work on the tune, then start recording it. I walk in my studio turn on Logic. I HAVE TO play the first version complete. Imagining I'm at the concert and walking on stage. I have to try and play with some nervs, if you know what I mean. 

THIS IS SOOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL. Take the time to listen to this! 

Mike Mainieri: An Interactive Exploration

He is the man on the Malletkat IMHO! 

Just found Mattias Ståhl. Anyone know about him? 

I think he sounds great and very interesting! 

This is a video many of us have probably seen, this version is colorized which is cool. 

For me they play one of my most favorite songs 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square'. Also the third song they play is one of Gary's and I love to see how much the audience loves his playing and the song. I imagine Gary just floored musicians and especially percussionists. No one had played like this in 1966. He was the first. A must watch!

If you are really interested in mallet instruments, this is an incredible place to visit! I was blown away the first time I went. 

If you are interested I put all this into NotebookLM an AI notebook. If you want to poke around: 

I am working on another solo CD. So I have been picking tunes and playing them. I don't think I work out stuff but I think about approaches. If I do this, then I can do that, etc. 

It's interesting to play solo, because it's all on you. I think all of us should think about one scenario. 

In one week from today you have to walk out on stage and play something by yourself. You have 7 days to figure that out. No rules on what you play, just you have to play something. What would you do? Then in 7 days you video yourself playing the tune. 

This is a very cool piece that Chick Corea wrote for Gary Burton and pianist Karill Gerstein a pianist. 

Here's the email from Gary talking about his recording: 

We had a Sunday coffee hang with Gary Burton which was so great! He is so full of knowledge and in many ways the best vibe player ever. 

He talked about playing solo and the need to play chords and melodies. He has a very pianist approach to the instrument. And IMHO no one has ever played it better.