John Mark Piper started an interesting discussion about "Playing with you eyes." I thought I would complicate things by posting this diagram. This a diagram showing the various areas involved with hearing, sound memory, sound production, association, imagination and other things. It's humbling to look at this and realize that just to play a simple line nearly the entire brain is involved. Considering the complexity and possible individual differences it makes sense that some are better at making music than others.

Dear all,

This is very sad news. Last Monday 10th, Croatian vibist Boško Petrović died at 75. Not only was he an example of "eastern swing", a great band leader, composer, arranger, but he was also a great teacher, and a true mentor for our young Slovenian friend Vid Jamnik (bellow a nice photo of both).

All our sympathy and support goes to Vid, whom at 17 will be our youngest member at the winter European workshop. We'll be much happy to welcome him in person in the team.

We've talked a lot about sitting and playing. I've done it before. Last night I sat for the whole gig. I was using my old M-55 which is my lowest instrument. This bar stool was a little high but ok. I felt great playing like that. It was very comfortable. No problems at all playing. I just sat because the stool was right behind me. It wasn't planned.

Just thought I'd mention it.

Hey everybody.

First post of 2011, so happy new year!

Just before Christmas, I had a letter to say I'd been offered a place to study Jazz Vibes at the Royal Academy of Music, London, from September 2011. Needless to say I replied accepting the place in seconds!

This is a rough recording I have done on Bluesette, it has taken me ages to get to this point, chords melody solo and chords with melody again to finish but trying to be more rhythmic at the outro using left hand to comp with melody, Rip me up, I have to move on at this point to get some more stuff ready for Holland aaaaaagh....., anyway all comments good and bad welcome

John

Here's a new lesson on using common tones.

I've always liked this piece. The harmonic movement in one section sounds very modern to me. It was probably written originally for a keyboard, but I guess could also have been for an ensemble.

There's not too much to worry about dampening wise. Just keep it sounding as clean and resonant as possible. The manuscript is attached.

Hey,

While I've had an incredible time, I'm now anxious to get home and back into my grind. I definitely miss all the work I put into the site, and especially all of you guys. Although, these days I'm certainly checking things out via an Ipad, Iphone and Macbook. So it's not that bad huh?

This is certainly paradise, hanging out practicing and reading all day. I stay up every night until about 3am just to read and check out the ocean. Add to that a couple of Dutch neighbors who like to swim naked and visually it's incredible here!

Todd C. brought up a very interesting point in another post that read and I think it might make good conversation on its own.