An experienced vibe player plays a lot less roots than an inexperienced one. We know that roots for us do not move the harmony, the upper partials do. I've talked extensively about this on vibes workshop.

Also with a bass player there's no need to play the bass notes right? So work on your rootless voicings.

One thing I've talked about is the following. Play these chords:

Fmaj7
E triad / F
Emin7

That's what the chords look like without the roots. That's a ii V I in the key of C. Play it you'll see.

I tell you ..... after Tony told me. Alterned sticking is the key over up tempos.
Alterned sticking Alterned sticking Alterned sticking Alterned ......
:o))

I first heard his quartet in a club in Sausolito, CA back in the late 1960s. I remember Roy Haynes had a tympani drum included in his kit which he played with great enthusiasm.

I loved the music, but as a young teen with very limited ears, I struggled to comprehend what is was all about. However, I knew I wanted to play that music. Gary was my inspiration.

I had 2 of Gary's records in my possession at about that time, Duster, and Country Roads and Other Places. I especially liked General Mojo, Sweet Rain, the Ravel Prelude, and My Foolish Heart.

A little homage to Gary: some practice time today in one of the Berklee practice rooms running through one of the first tunes I learned from Gary. Forever grateful for Gary's instruction and support through the years. He had his birthday yesterday and he's feeling great and playing great!

Hi everybody,
I just founded this vidéo showing how to make a M55 work better, adressing the problems of the pedal, which is the weakest point of this instrument.
I thought it would be useful for many of us who own a M55.
Would love to read any comment from the specialists (Indianaglen...) about this video to know if the work done by this guy is worth to do on our own axes...

Just discovered via Dave Holland's Facebook page that today is Gary Burton's birthday. If you see this Gary, Happy Birthday and thank you for a lifetime of inspiration.

It's a beautiful composition by Jacques Ballue, the pianist of the 4tet I play with.
The guy broke his leg last week in a motorcycle accident. I wish him a prompt recovery by recording one of his tune. :o)