So I find that dealing with concentration is a major factor in my practicing. How do I stay focused when I play, that's been my topic lately in my mind. HAHAHA that is while I'm playing!!

I'm finding that singing or playing drums vocally tend to really help and so I realize I'm making more noise when I play. More than usual. And I'm seeing other older musicians do some of this and am figuring that many of us face the same problem.… I'm usually not alone with my problems even though I think they're usually catastrophic and all about me!!

Video quality is not so great but whoa listen to Joe!

Patrice gots the blues... And man he's got it!! :o)
And he's also a bit in a hurry: wait till the end, a surprise for you Tony!
I love it!!!
- M

I was messing around with settings on my camera and trying to find some quicker ways to shoot video and I made a lesson up. Simple but you guys might dig it. Wasn't easier and had some trouple with the cam, but consider it a QDV (Quick and Dirty Video).

Todd posted this on Facebook and I thought it was pretty interesting. I think that the basic premise of you play what you hear is so true that it's close to a "duh!", but putting it into practice can be difficult.

When I play, I often feel like I'm three different people simultaneously competing for dominance. There's a panicked animal that's just trying to keep his place and not screw up. There's this analytical guy saying, "OK, V7 coming up, diminished or altered scale?". And then there's this touchy-feely guy who's trying to guide the whole thing and make art.

here is my final version of bluesette in 5/4. beside tonys lessons i think it was great challenge to do it in 5/4. it´s now so easy doing it in 3 :)
it´s still hard to get away from that take 5 rhythm while comping and play solo simultanous and to play free in 5/4 i need a lot more work on it but i´m almost satisfied with my improvement here

tarik

I have been studying Dana's Soulflakes for the past week or so.

Here is my solo arrangement, based on my own transcription of Dana and Marie's beautiful version. I am playing this from memory.

Also attached is a version with Band-in-a-Box, that I am mainly using as a metronome, as I have difficulty keeping time without it.

Barry

Check out the part on windshield wipers and the part about the orchestra.

Another tune from a recent gig at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. This time no helicopters or missed cues ;)

Dana Sudborough - eVibe
Brian Piper - piano
Jonathan Fisher - bass
Andrew Griffith - drums