Author Archives: Gandalfe

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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.

Casa Valdez: The Honest Band Leader

Posted on September 14, 2008 by Gandalfe

Do these guys exist or survive very long?  ;o) Turns out this cartoonist is a very interesting person too. "Lennie Peterson studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He graduated in 1979, toured playing and teaching music and … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor | 2 Comments

Microsoft Jazz Band ’08 – At Crossroads of Bellevue

Posted on September 13, 2008 by Gandalfe

Flat out the best band I’ve ever played with. This was a pickup band put together for a one week run. We were celebrating Microsoft’s participation in the United Way of King County’s Day of Caring. So here are excerpts … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz | 11 Comments

HBO’s True Blood

Posted on September 12, 2008 by Gandalfe

Suzy and I were rather bored one night and took a look at HBO’s "True Blood" which really didn’t have that much appeal to us… we thought. Forbes take was interesting is here, HBO Craves True Blood. But the suspense … Continue reading →

Posted in Too Spicy for some | 3 Comments

Band got canceled tonight :o(

Posted on September 12, 2008 by Gandalfe

A perfect storm of excuses. First there was the concert band cancellation. It happens. But still there was big band practice. Then the sub drummer canceled at 4 PM when practice starts at 6:15 PM. So we were missing the … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, My World | 1 Comment

What’s the definition of “nerd?

Posted on September 11, 2008 by Gandalfe

Someone who owns *her* own alto clarinet. The band director wants Suzy to play E-flat (aka Eb) alto clarinet for the Christmas concert. So we pulled it out and wow, it plays. It is a Leblanc Paris alto clarinet with … Continue reading →

Posted in Clarinet | 7 Comments

The power of the right words…

Posted on September 8, 2008 by Gandalfe

Never lose sight of your good fortune. give|time|money|hope

Posted in Health and wellness, Video | 1 Comment

Your Band’s First Impression

Posted on September 7, 2008 by Gandalfe

Music Stand Fronts or Banners Suzy has been working on banners for the front of the Microsoft Jazz Band sax section stands. This is our third Big Band incarnation and the first Big Band (the Woodinville Jazz Ensemble) we belonged … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Music, My World | 1 Comment

FROM THE VINTAGRAPH VAULTS: The Clown Band 1923

Posted on September 6, 2008 by Gandalfe

A clown band plays at a children’s hospital in the Washington, D.C. area on May 1, 1923. From the National Photo Company collection. View full image.

Posted in Jazz | 2 Comments

Casa Valdez Studios

Posted on September 6, 2008 by Gandalfe

I’ve been listening to interviews on the Casa Valdez Studios blog. Interview with Trane, Bird, Desmond, ah the goodness just keeps coming. So for my sax peoples, take a peek. Not only will you learn you will probably enjoy too. … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz | 3 Comments

Hurricane = Horrific

Posted on September 5, 2008 by Gandalfe

Paul Coats, a talented musician, inventor, arranger and more wrote to the Bass Sax Coop posse about his recent hurricane Gustav experience in Louisiana. It was such a compelling read that I asked him if I could post it here. … Continue reading →

Posted in News and politics | 3 Comments