Getting acquainted with this beautiful vibraphone (Dave's vibraphone which we think is from around '67) and playing a song that I composed in honor of Dave. This is instrument is a gem and will be well looked after for sure. It's a gift and an honor to be able to play this instrument. I was thinking of Dave when writing and playing this piece. Gustavo and I had many great times with Dave when he would come into Boston to teach at Berklee. Many great lunches and many stories and laughs. He is sorely missed but his legacy as a great musician and educator will not be forgotten.

Read the pdf for all the information. Using licks to learn vocabulary and to practice moving harmony around in different keys is great! Take all your licks and move them around!

Find variations of them as well. Then you won't be a copy and paste player. You'll understand vocabulary and harmony and harmonic sound.

Figured I'd post one more tune I have been working on the last few days...where I am using or hoping to use, the same basic approach I did with the last tune i posted earlier (There'll never be another you) - trying to play the tune in TIME, staying true to the chord structure, and then using primarily quarter notes and (basic) comping to work my way through it after playing the melody.

The key for me is staying in time and not losing my place! :)

And playing the right notes. Ha.

Accountability: There Will Never Be Another You

Hi! So, I've got so many things to learn and work on it's almost overwhelming. Yet when I drill it down, the skills I need the MOST are simply learning tunes, playing tunes (in time), and starting to develop lines and ideas. I certainly have enough technical skill right now to get by and I can read all day long, yet as an improviser....and as someone who can learn and remember tunes, I'm a complete beginner.

Anthropology is not an easy tune. But learn it any way :-).

It's interesting going on Youtube and listening to vibe players around the world.

I'll hear a player that is the top player in this country or that country.

For me though sometimes those players don't shine. I like the guys who know the language and can quote. So after listening to a bunch of players from different parts of the world this came on. Dave Pike is a great player in my book. He really has a vocabulary and history of the music.

I have a version of this piece and love it.

Great to hear MJQ playing it. I didn't know they played it!

I always was a fan of Teddy Charles. You guys know him? Check him out!