I had a great time on Saturday at the 09 vibesworkshop held this past weekend. The instructors were top pros and educators all dedicated to the cause and that came through without a doubt. The technical display and theory information I took in as much as I could; it let me know right were I stand. The hi-lite for me was when Joe Locke critiqed my solo over blues changes. I was quite nervous and felt that emotion was coming through in my playing. However, Joe heard something different and I felt reassured by his comments.

FIRST OF ALL HERE'S AN IMPORTANT TIP: Make sure you click on the link and you're in the virtual classroom.

Next when you post something instead of choosing where you usually post which is up clicking on the word post, NOW you will look down on the left and see the classroom and under that you will see all the 'create' links. Usually you'll just use 'CREATE STORY' and post. that will keep the post in the classroom.

NEXT:
Why don't we each talk about the highlights from the workshop. This is help others remember things maybe they set aside or have forgotten.

This tune, "Four in Ony", by Monk, is from an older album of mine, "Of the Wind's Eye", on Enja records, not released on CD.
I thought this would be an interesting addition to Tony's Practice tape and video of "Four in One" The other musicians are: Jane Ira Bloom, soprano sax, Harvie Swartz, Bass(now known as "Harive "S"(!), and Daniel Humair, drums.

Check out Stephen Hambright. Not only is he an accomplished percussionist, he's also the programmer for the site! He's heavy duty, and there would be NO vibesworkshop.com without him.

Here he is playing vibes at the workshop!

Here is audio and video of people practicing and working on things.

He's pro on the West Coast, but other than that.... Who is Steve Yeager?

He certainly knows a lot about music. I know he plays accordian and vibes.... But WHO IS JOHN KEENE?

Ok here's the etude. It should be in good shape. But here's what happened. I came home from a gig and started reading Arthur C. Clarke's 'Rendezvous' and couldn't stop until i finished the book. I really tried!!

Then I ran down to my studio and cranked this out. I added a solo section for you to check out also. I'll add the midi file. Remember it sounds bad (the midi file) but might serve as a good reference.

I put the chords in for the head, and then left them out for the solo section. You should play each bar, write the chords in and study it that way.

Here's a dampening etude. Put the pedal down and leave it down for the whole etude. Dampen every note until the very end where it's indicated to let the notes ring. There's also a quite different accompaniment part if you want to use it. Listen to the whole thing. Below is the following:

Just the vibe part
Just the accompaniment part
The Sheet Music

The workshop seemed to be a success! Its not everyday that you get to meet guys like Joe Locke, Tony Miceli, Mike Pinto, Dana Sudborough, and Randy Sutin. It was a bit nerve racking to have to follow these performances at the vibe hang. Those guys are real heavy weights. Hopefully next time I'll be able to hold my own.

Joe Locke is THE hippest guy I've ever met. He has now become one of my major role models. Meeting and talking to him was such a blessing. I hope I can meet him again sometime.