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Practice Tape - Alone Together - solo

So I didn't have much time this weekend I thought I would put myself in the open a little, just to see what would happen.

Tonight I decided I had to record something I know I wouldn't be confident about... So I decided to do a solo version of alone together. This is really raw material and I haven't worked on this a lot, so I justed wanted to see what happened.

Milt Jackson - October 9 1999

We lost arguably the most soulful player on the instrument 10 years ago today. But look at all great influence he's had on everyone who works these bars. I read and listen to all the players here who site his great influence on their music.

This is my Ballad For Milt - it's happy, and it's sad - i wrote and recorded it shortly after i heard the news.

Transcribing Parker

When I transcribe Parker I think about Bach. I'm telling you they're the same people.

I'm falling asleep here at the computer, but I wanted to start transcribing his solo off of the tune Merry Go Round. That woke me up for a bit.

I just love lines that move harmony in themselves, and Bird is the master. I'm a real Parker fan. I've been putting on headphones when I go to sleep and listening to him.

Sight Reading

I spent the last 2 weeks and will the next 2 weeks, learning a ton of tunes for gigs. But these gigs are big bands or really written out originals.

This has been hard. Reading is not my forte. I can read a lead sheet, but following a big band chart is not something I've done a lot in my life. I think when you play tunes a lot, you just get in this listening vibe and use that side of your brain.

I think I've talked about this before, but I've had to read a ton these days.

What do you guys use as sight reading material? I got plenty of Bach.