So I didn't have much time this weekend I thought I would put myself in the open a little, just to see what would happen.

Tonight I decided I had to record something I know I wouldn't be confident about... So I decided to do a solo version of alone together. This is really raw material and I haven't worked on this a lot, so I justed wanted to see what happened.

We lost arguably the most soulful player on the instrument 10 years ago today. But look at all great influence he's had on everyone who works these bars. I read and listen to all the players here who site his great influence on their music.

This is my Ballad For Milt - it's happy, and it's sad - i wrote and recorded it shortly after i heard the news.

When I transcribe Parker I think about Bach. I'm telling you they're the same people.

I'm falling asleep here at the computer, but I wanted to start transcribing his solo off of the tune Merry Go Round. That woke me up for a bit.

I just love lines that move harmony in themselves, and Bird is the master. I'm a real Parker fan. I've been putting on headphones when I go to sleep and listening to him.

I spent the last 2 weeks and will the next 2 weeks, learning a ton of tunes for gigs. But these gigs are big bands or really written out originals.

This has been hard. Reading is not my forte. I can read a lead sheet, but following a big band chart is not something I've done a lot in my life. I think when you play tunes a lot, you just get in this listening vibe and use that side of your brain.

I think I've talked about this before, but I've had to read a ton these days.

What do you guys use as sight reading material? I got plenty of Bach.

This is a recording of me practicing with my piano teacher. We were just working on learning the tune Blue in Green. I am going to go ahead and post this. Any tips are appreciated.

All you knowledgeable vibe players can anybody name this tune Milt is playing

Joe Locke ‘Force of Four’
Live at the Kitano Hotel

October 16, 2009
October 17, 2009
2 sets: 8pm / 10pm

66 Park Avenue
at 38th Street
New York, NY 10016

Reservations:
phone: 212-885-7119
email: jazz@kitano.com

http://www.joelocke.com/projects/fof.htm

Check this out!!

Feb, 6th and 7th. Workshop at VanderPlas Studio with DAVID FRIEDMAN AND myself.

Then in July (still waiting for the dates) a 4 day workshop in Ireland with me (Ireland is very affordable, this will be our most inexpensive workshop by far).

ACE OF CAKES