Apart from the regular production, last couple of weeks we spent a lot of time on redesigning the electronics for the motorsystem of the LW-series, and finishing the new 3 octaves vibe model.

Both are done now, and the first LW with the new motorsystem goes out this week.
The upgrade is huge!!!

With the previous motor system, the software controlling the motor itself was spread over 2 parts/devices, being the touchpanel taking care of the user interface, and the servo controller taking care of everything involving driving the motor system.

Dick and Jimmy Odgren are two excellent jazz musicians that were part of the Berklee scene in the 1970s. Jimmy did a stint with the Gary Burton Quartet. They are both fine composers and one tune I've always enjoyed is one of Dick's tunes titled "Bossamba". I've included a lead sheet and an mp3 of a piano accompaniment (4 choruses) for you to play along with. The head has a couple of tricky lines, and the whole thing moves along at a nice clip.
I recorded this back in the mid 90s. I can't believe I've been playing this tune for about 35 years! Yikes!

A friend of my Michael Varner is coming to Boston. He wants to meet up with the following. (He teaches down in Texas I think at University of Arlington.)

First, Jazz vibraphone, its teaching and performance skills.
Second, world music, specifically examining performance ensembles and ethnomusicology classes.

Of course I recommended Ed, and then said to check out if Victor has a Latin Ensemble at the school.

Guys,

Two Experts are in Manhattan this afternoon!

Joe Locke & Christos Rafalides are giving a percussion masterclass in the Manhattan School of Music.

All details here: http://www.msmnyc.edu/calendar/event.asp?eid=4151

If anyone of you attend, please give us a report, take pics, let us know!!!

- M

Pict is attached. I promised Marie I'd post the bad news.

Another cut from the Mountain View Concert

Here's minor blues tip. I always think this is common knowledge but I find that a lot of new players don't know about this.

Here is my recording of Friedman Etude 9