Alright...working hard on the solo, but in the meantime, here is a recording from rehearsing with my friend Beth last weekend. This was our first rehearsal aside from the day we sightread, and I'd say we're making progress. We're getting used to listening to each other and learning how we play together.
Not a bad start, eh? :)

I recently acquired a marimba, and started messing around with some stuff!

inspired by patrice cool version i searched on youtube for a playalong and found this one.it´s slow but fun anyway to play over.

the playalong link is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm9wX0AZ0P8&feature=player_embedded

VibesWorkshop people!! This Wednesday, November 14 the Millersville University Percussion Ensemble will premiere Tony's composition "WEISS GUY" dedicated to Steve Weiss. Through many rehearsals, rewrites, and student input I think the piece is in a pretty cool place. It certainly showcases Tony as a soloist and has plenty of very hip ensemble moments. It has been a pleasure working with Tony on this venture and the kids have certainly gained a considerable amount from the experience. If you are in the area and can make it out please do, you will not be disappointed!!

One more for my accordion/guitar jam. I worked on this a couple of years ago but I think this one is much better, with some ideas from Behn's licks.

Question: How do I sound less choppy on the solos (e.g from 2:09 on)? I think the head is fairly smooth because I was using dampening, but when I solo, it sounds very choppy. Is it my technique, or my instrument? Do I need reverb?

I was noticing how beautiful Rusty's sound is in
http://www.vibesworkshop.com/video/chovendo-na-roseira-samba-jazz-syndi…
and

Hello fellow vibists,

I'll be leading a group of Berklee faculty for a performance on Saturday, January 5th at the 4th Annual JEN (Jazz Education Network) conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The group will feature Matt Marvuglio - flute, Marco Pignataro - sax, David Clark - bass, Ron Savage - drums and myself on vibes. The conference takes place from January 2nd through the 5th. David Clark will be assuming the bass chair for Barry Smith who can't make it.

Marie suggested me to record a tune with the metronome.
Sorry for the singing and tss tss stuff.
I'm desperately trying to eliminate this in my playing without any result.
When I shut my mouth, ideas don't come ....
Wierd !

Well...it's been a busy start of the month, and Afro Blue took a seat on the backburner when I had to learn new music for jazz ensemble very quickly (concert coming this Friday already!). Over the past week and half I've listened to Afro Blue and played the intro. and head almost every day, but I didn't start tackling the solo until yesterday (but on a marimba, so today was the first time playing on correctly spaced bars!).

Here's my approach to the solo: