Here is week 1 for the Practice Club. I really enjoyed working on this etude. It allowed me to work on my reading and learn some new voicing’s that I can now start implementing into my playing. Then taking those voicing’s and putting them through the keys.

Comping has never been my strong suit but I’m hoping that working through these rootless voicing lessons for the next few weeks is going to help. Let me know what you think!

This is Giant Steps stuff!

Here is my new travel vibraphone.
Now I finally get no more trouble with the cottage neighbors or my wife.

As my summer toy doesn't create a great sound I have taken the wonderful recording from Maciej Afanasjew for background. I love the sound of the bass vibraphone.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHqtlA3E_0g)

Check out Gene. Great vibe player, lived in LA and played with everyone out there! Great Drummer!

If you know anything about Gene Estes please share it!

Click here for more info
Soft, quiet, but articulate

Super soft, nearly silent, slurring articulation

So, I need to share this amazing fusion tune from 1976. The band "Gong" and this tune, in particular, transformed my life when I was in high school. There is loads of mallet playing on all of their music. Esnuria is an epic that kicks into many gears and is a virtual percussion extravaganza. The ending in 7 is what I would call "Awesome!" I'll shut up and let the music speak for itself...

remember this for the most part it is:

scale tone above, half step below.

C7 would be D B C F Eb E A Gb G C A Bb

For some reason this etude is especially challenging for me. If I went a little faster, then you can hear the dampening mallet almost ring. I tried using harder and softer mallets and these worked the best. I tried to keep the dampening mallet quiet and still feel and express the song.
To get it to this point, believe it or not, I practiced it a LOT. It is elegant and there's nowhere to hide! You can hear everything.