New Lesson Series Alert: Soloing Through the Changes 

Starting today, we’re launching an 8-part lesson series focused on helping you build clear, confident solos that outline harmony and stay rooted in the form. 

Pt. 1 – Guide Tones Over the Blues

In this first lesson, we zero in on guide tones—the essential 3rds and 7ths that define each chord’s identity. Using a 12-bar blues in F, we’ll build strong, simple melodic lines that move smoothly through the changes. No flashy licks—just solid, musical fundamentals.

Hi everyone,

I'm selling my Musser M75 Century vibraphone and wanted to share the details here in case anyone in the community is interested—or knows someone who might be.

The instrument is in good working condition, with recently tuned bars, a fully functional motor, and a great sound. It has some cosmetic wear, as expected from a used instrument, but overall it plays really well. I'm including road cases for the frame and resonators (no bar case).

This is a very cool piece that Chick Corea wrote for Gary Burton and pianist Karill Gerstein a pianist. 

Here's the email from Gary talking about his recording: 

? Working on Time Pt. 8 – Full Form Flow and Bridge Contrast

In Pt. 8, you’ll play through the entire form of Antônio Carlos Jobim’s Wave, applying developed comping ideas across all sections. The lesson focuses on maintaining time, dynamic control, and feel throughout the tune—especially as the bridge opens up and invites a more legato approach.

What do you guys think? This is what I think and how i approach all this for better or worse!!!! 

I mention the Gary Burton Coffee Hang in this lesson. Here's the link to it. 

https://www.vibesworkshop.com/video-embed/gary-burton-june-coffee-hang/tonymiceli/060125

Here's my version of Waltz New - a contrafact of Someday My Prince Will Come

I am on the cd label Steeplechase now and I have become buddies with the owner. 

We are having amazing talks about his recordings that go back to 1972. Lately it's been of Walt Dickerson. He sent me this picture of Walt from his solo recording on Steeplechase from 1977.

There is also a duo album with Sunra. Nils told me Sunra wore headphones and listened to a ball game whiler they recorded the duo. That's crazy but then he was! 

We had a Sunday coffee hang with Gary Burton which was so great! He is so full of knowledge and in many ways the best vibe player ever. 

He talked about playing solo and the need to play chords and melodies. He has a very pianist approach to the instrument. And IMHO no one has ever played it better. 

? Working on Time Pt. 7 – Syncopation and Motion in Bossa Comping

This lesson introduces a new variation, a more syncopated approach to bossa nova comping over the A section of Wave. Designed to deepen rhythmic phrasing and hand independence, this variation more closely simulates the natural, flowing feel of authentic bossa guitar patterns—adapted for vibraphone.

We had a great session!