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Making the Case For Gates

A few months ago, I bought Lionel Hampton's autobiography. As I am slowly, but surely, making my way through it, I have learned a great deal from the master. I want to share some of that with you all.

I look back on my history with this instrument and I realized that I always threw Hamp to the wayside. I loved Gay Burton and Milt Jackson, but never gave him much consideration. I have now realized how grave a mistake that was.

Cluster Cuss

Steve Roehm Vibes
JT Bates Drums
Chris Bates Bass

A moment underneath my deck in Minnesota this past fall.
We're playing a tune of mine called "Cluster Cuss". I'm joined by the
amazing Bates brothers.

Solo Vibes Arranging Lesson: Rubato Chord Melodies on "Easy to Love" Part 2: Explanation

Hey everyone,

I'm starting a new series on solo vibes arranging, where in the first part, I'll give an arrangement in the form of sheet music, and in the second part, I'll walk through it, note by note, explaining why and how I'm picking voicings, textures, etc. I hope this gives everyone ideas on arranging tunes on their own, as well as giving a tangible arrangement to play on gigs or for practice.

As this is the second part on "Easy to Love," I'll be posting an explanation video.