Really looking forward to getting Joe's new recording "Love Is A Pendulum". Joe was here at the house in January with Gustavo and I for a nice weekend hang of playing, cooking and conversation. It was a lot of fun and very productive since Gustavo and I got a chance to pick Joe's brain about his improv concepts and what he's playing and working on. Joe gave us a sneak preview of the new recording and we were blown away. The recording is inspiring and superb in terms of the writing, playing and production. This will be a gem for sure and I can't recommend this recording enough.

I've been putting together a book featuring conversations with great, living jazz vibes players, and here is an excerpt from my chat with Terry Gibbs...

I'm excited about this project, and hope to get the book out later this year

Terry Gibbs, 90 years old and still going strong:

Shedding today in a practice room at Berklee on Jobim's Triste before a lesson.

Guys check out Tim Collins.

Aloha Vibesworkshop,

This is my first attempt for a video lesson, via my GoPro Hero aka the entry level gopro.

I have been coming to the vw since 2007 and remember one of the first lessons that tony put up with the vibes in front of the washer and dryer .. Bravo to tony and everyone who continually makes this site a great place to connect..

For the past couple years I have been blessed to get back my career as a vibist. ( had to give up playing due to health and hand problems ).... its a blessing to be back and playing with no pain.

This etude combines some of the voicing and line ideas we discussed in the other etudes. Enjoy!

For anyone exploring diminished scales, some basic ideas to work with.

A short clip from the vibes cam...recording my tune The New Old with pianist Steve Allee.
Rusty

My philosophy is kind of simple. You get better by making things sound good. By playing things well. If you're learning a melody and really trying to play it well, you're getting better. If you're transcribing a solo and making it sound as good as you can, you're getting better. If you're working on a tune and working out a solo, figuring out how to get through the changes, you are getting better.