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Hitting the Nodes - On Purpose

Everyone says to avoid hitting the bars at the nodes. Well, I wanted to see what it would sound like in a musical context. Enclosed is my experiment. The idea was to play over Am on the nodes in one phrase, then answer over other changes with a more hollow tone on the middle of the bars. Playing at the nodes is neat because you can hit it hard and hear the attack of the mallet but the notes sound like they are in the distance or as if a low-pass filter is applied to the sound. Does anyone else use this technique?

Jammin' with Spring Valley Kids

A few months ago I started transcribing John Mark Piper's tune "Spring Valley Kids". I didn't get any further with the transcription but every once in a while I play a few measures of it on my vibes. I recorded my jam on that tune. After you listen to my version, listen to the Master's performance (link above). I am floored every time I listen to it.

Barry

I Have a Bluesy Idea

I'm just not sure how to implement it!

I thought about get 2 choruses at a specific tempo from as many players as i can and then make a blues train.

Man, if we had 40 or 50 players each playing 2 choruses of the blues, with their info on the screen and video or a photo.

that could be a great way to get to know everybody here.

what do you vibists think.

Forum Topic: Dan McCarthy - George Garzone - Mark Shim - Michael Bates - Nasheet Waits - JANUARY 30th, NYC

Hey everyone, I just wanted to draw your attention to an exciting gig that I have coming up in January with a new band of mine. We'll be doing all original music, and it should really swing. If anyone will be in the NYC area come January, please drop by and say hello!

Dan McCarthy, vibes
Mark Shim, sax
George Garzone, sax
Michael Bates, bass
Nasheet Waits, drums

Tom Beckham's CD

Real quick, I never have time to write in depth reviews. But I'm listening to Tom Beckham's CD and thought I'd mention it here. It's a great CD with really great playing! You guys should check it out.

Maybe Tom will post a track here and lead sheet!

Music Improvisation

I think we might go overboard sometimes by suggesting that there is only one legitimate improvisational language in music and it comes from Bebop/blues/jazz. We tend to require some historical quote from the "jazz language" or it is ignored or labeled that it doesn't speak and isn't legit music. Sometimes we can be a bit closed minded to the point of prejudice with the idea that everyone has to play "jazz/bebop/blues" to be worth anything as an improviser.

Victor Feldman

At last, I found a video clip of Victor Feldman playing vibes! This is from an old TV program called Frankly Jazz. The first tune I don't know the name of, but it features Feldman on vibes, Jimmy Rowles on piano, Kenny Dennis on drums and Bob Whitlock on bass.