Author Archives: Gandalfe

About Gandalfe

Just an itinerant saxophonist trying to find life between the changes. I have retired from the Corps of Engineers and Microsoft. I am an admin on the Woodwind Forum, run the Pacifica Big Band (formerly the Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra) and participate in other ensembles. Mostly enjoy time with family and friends.

I luv those guys at work – redux

Posted on October 23, 2008 by Gandalfe

Ronald Lemmen found some pictures on his camera from this year’s Global MVP Conference in Redmond. The first one is of my band the Dissonance: This picture clearly shows MVP Curtis Spanburgh in his first guitar gig in the Seattle … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 4 Comments

Where’s Waldo?

Posted on October 21, 2008 by Gandalfe

Or Gandalfe in this case… I’ve been spending time with my sister visiting from Minneapolis and my brother from Austin. Yesterday and today I’m taking a very enjoyable all-day class taught by Gerry McGovern called "Creating Customer Centric Web Sites." … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 3 Comments

The Future of Music – Catio X-55 Synthesizer

Posted on October 17, 2008 by Gandalfe

Saw this at work and it just made me laugh. There has to be a story somewhere in this… Gordon, do you miss the musmicro alias from your last job?

Posted in Humor | 4 Comments

23 Pieces of Advice that College Graduates Don’t Want to Hear

Posted on October 16, 2008 by Gandalfe

From SavingAdvice.com: “You’ve finally done it — earned that coveted diploma. You’re feeling a bit cocky. Your parents are wondering why they had to pay for your expensive education when you already knew everything. Now it’s time to enter The … Continue reading →

Posted in Everyday Science, Getting a Job, Health and wellness | 4 Comments

Messy Bessy and the Didgeridoo

Posted on October 15, 2008 by Gandalfe

From the Back at the Chicken Shack by Jimmy Smith comes a tasty piece called "Messy Bessy". It is by no means messy. Wonder of Jimmy is up to now-a-days? I’m still luvin’ this CD. And in a total non … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 2 Comments

Paul Haar: Practicing Late at Night

Posted on October 15, 2008 by Gandalfe

A friend of mine travels a lot and has been trying to figure out how to practice whilst on the road. Part of it is about getting an instrument that is small enough to be in your carry on, think … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 5 Comments

Phil Collins does a tasty “Do Nothing till you Hear from Me”

Posted on October 12, 2008 by Gandalfe

There is so much beautiful Jazz out there. Sample it on YouTube. And then support your local musicians by attending the events of your choice.

Posted in Jazz | 4 Comments

The Republicans – Fear Mongers?

Posted on October 10, 2008 by Gandalfe

As I watch the candidates posture and sound bite like crazy I am so saddened by the Republicans using the same ‘fear monger’ strategy they have successfully used for years now. The term that comes to mind from my military … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 8 Comments

Joie tet: Some Serious Jazz Bones

Posted on October 8, 2008 by Gandalfe

I saw Eric Samse playing drums this weekend with a pickup band and as always was very impressed. Here is a band he’s in that I want hear too. Thanks for the pointer Jeff. I’ve highlighted this on my Gandalfe … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz | 2 Comments