Can You Do This?

Balafon to Vibraphone: a unique path to new ideas

I wanted to share some thoughts about my balafon lessons and how they might connect to your primary instrument: vibes, marimba, piano, etc.

I've been recently working on a solo version of Bobby Hutcherson't "Little B's Poem". It's a 16 bar tune with no bridge. The form is simple but getting the feeling of the tune plus feeling good about the time and the groove have taken me quite a long time. Although I've been "dabbling" in the tune for years I feel I'm finally kind of getting it down. It's a killer. Questions like, "What should I play in the left hand?" "Should I play every change?" "Sould I comp during the solo or just play lines?" Lots of things to consider.

Playing a solo vibraphone version of a new composition titled "Minor Haven". The lead sheet can be downloaded via the link in the video description.

I am not able to play two times exactly the same and with the same attack, but I hope you can get a feeling of the sound.
It was a simple recording using ZOOM H4n on both foldable suitcase frames in my workshop.

A little late, but I'll be uploading a lot more soon.

The "short" story.

I recorded a 4-mallet balafon improvisation that managed to keep the time and rhythm cycle clear enough for me to layer grooves on Cajon and stick. My goal in this samba-like sculpture was to surrender all tension and rhythm gravity, to get into a perpetual flow with lots of energy using the entire range of the instrument. Subscribe to the VW site and discover balafon ideas that can be adapted All Ways and Always.

"Woodwork" is the opening track to my 2006 CD "The Turning":
https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/jerryleake