On Friday I was expecting the delivery of my M44. But it did not happen. But to save the day Tony had shipped my mallets so I had a chance to check out grips. That's what I did much of Friday evening and Saturday.

I had already seen most of the videos on VW about grips and tried all that were mentioned.
What I discovered is that the Burton Grip is the easiest/most comfortable for me.

But I've observed one problem I'm having.

The pdf's for this lesson are under the 'Check This Out Section'.

This is an original tune by the pianist. Let me know what you think!

Joe Doubleday- Vibes
Adam Ledbetter- Rhodes
Jemar Poteat- Drums

Barry was talking about preparing for a gig he might or might not do.

It hit me while I was practicing. Every one should spend time 'preparing' for a gig. Even if you don't have one, or feel like you're not good enough. Whatever!!!

When I post my solo pieces, I'm always preparing for my solo vibe CD. I might never make this cd, but I'm always preparing for it. That gives me a level that I have to achieve with each piece.

I fantasize about making a solo cd. So I'm always preparing for it. That means I'm practicing 'for real'.

Jimmew check this out. My response to your stride video.

I posted a story about preparing a cafe solo gig. http://www.vibesworkshop.com/video/secret-weapon-those-long-solo-gigs/t…

Here is one of the tracks from my practice session. It was a sight-read of "On a Clear Day (You Can See Forever)". "You Can See" why I turned down this 4-hour solo gig.

Barry

My first real attempt at stride vibes, also a very early take. Any advice on independence would be awesome.

Thanks

P.S. I'm still working on the whole "Playing with your mouth closed" technique, I'm having a harder time with that than anything else.

There are a lot of potential solo gigs out there for vibes players at local eateries, cafes, street fairs, etc. Granted they don't pay much but it is a great opportunity to work on your repertoire and your solo chops.

Some folks posted about Storms / Nocturnes and our London appearance. I thought some who are unfamiliar with this trio might like to sample a taste. This is a piece by the saxophonist and main composer in the group, Tim Garland, entitled "Night Forest". I love Tim's writing. He won a Grammy award this past year for the symphonic arrangements he did for Chick & Gary's 35 anniversary CD with the Sydney Symphony. Oh, BTW - the pianist in Storms / Nocturnes is Geoffrey Keezer... he's one of a kind!
-Joe Locke