Recently I had the opportunity to learn to use Logic Pro X. If you are like me and haven't dived deep into the world of music software programs and MIDI, it's definitely a lot to learn, but could be worth it! One of the aspects that made this program most useful for me as I began was the ability to import an mp3 track and change the bpm to match the project tempo, meaning I could import a song to learn, slow it down to play along, then speed it up little by little without losing the quality.

Last month I was talking to Tony about non-jazz music on vibes. I listen to a lot of traditional Canadian folk music, especially Québécois and Acadian tunes, so I decided to transcribe one for vibes. Here is an Acadian piece called La Fougue des Fées ("the passion of the fairies") by the band Vishtèn, from Prince Edward Island in Canada. This was sometimes hard to figure out the best sticking and which ornamentation to keep, but it was a lot of fun! I hope to learn another one soon :)

This is an original composition that I wrote a few days before my daughter was born.

I managed to get involved with a great student jazz group on campus at my new teaching job (Philosophy at Sac State). We are playing this tune, Tricotism, and Joy Spring on a concert next week.

This was a take during rehearsal the other day. Sorry about the crappy angle.

I attached the lead sheet in case anyone wants to check out the tune. Feedback welcome.

“I Can’t Get Started" - I love teaching and miss seeing the students but I am enjoying the sabbatical and having the time off to musically explore, experiment and shed. The books on solo vibraphone playing and pedaling and dampening are coming along nicely. For my sabbatical project, I am recording videos with a focus on solo vibraphone playing combined with improv concepts. Here’s a clip with a nod to the great pianist Art Tatum. I’ve listened a lot to Art and probably have most of his recordings. His recordings still inspire me.

by Arthur Schwartz