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.

Warning: Grousing about Travel

Posted on July 7, 2008 by Gandalfe

I spent 4 hours on a plane yesterday. Imagine a 6′ 4" fellow like myself jammed into seat designed for a person 5′ 10" or so. My knees are at my chin and I had the always fun window seat … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel | 10 Comments

Strange Maps: The South Shall Snack Again

Posted on July 5, 2008 by Gandalfe

Fat city from Strange Maps. Anyone watch the Wall•E movie? And Americans continue to get fatter. Read more…  As I watched the Wall•E movie I thought it would become propaganda as the too fat to move humans were showcased. It … Continue reading →

Posted in Health and wellness | 3 Comments

A July Morning in Redmond

Posted on July 4, 2008 by Gandalfe

Molly, our principal saxophonist, took such nice pictures of her Lupines in the back yard of her new house last week that I was inspired to wander around the yard with my camera. And Carole has been sharing her video … Continue reading →

Posted in Ecology, Everyday Science, Gardening, Pagan | 7 Comments

DEEP SCHROTT – the world’s first bass sax quartet

Posted on July 3, 2008 by Gandalfe

DEEP SCHROTT is the first bass saxophone quartet ever and was founded in April 2008 by Dirk Raulf (Cologne/D), Andreas Kaling (Bielefeld/D), Wollie Kaiser (Saarbruecken/D) and Klaas Hekman (Rotterdam/NL). Check for concert dates starting in October 2008. This sample was … Continue reading →

Posted in Saxophone | 6 Comments

A Big Bird in Woodinville

Posted on July 1, 2008 by Gandalfe

This just in from a fellow writer at work: When I got home Monday evening, a bear was snacking on the bird feeders in the back yard. My wife Cynthia was sitting on the back deck watching the squirrels just … Continue reading →

Posted in Wildlife | 7 Comments

WJE at the Ballard Locks

Posted on June 29, 2008 by Gandalfe

The Woodinville Jazz Ensemble was my jazz home for a number of years. But this year my friends and I split that band into two to create the all-new Woodinville Big Band. More about the Big Band later. Yesterday the … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Community, Jazz, Music, My World, Saxophone | 4 Comments

Killer Alto Solo – Doobie Bros “Long Train Running”

Posted on June 28, 2008 by Gandalfe

Crank up the sound, turn to 1:30 minute mark, sit down, and shut up.  ;o) Tip o’ the cap to Brit Alan over in C Melody Land. Oh my!

Posted in Saxophone | 5 Comments

Wall•E Luv and the über LEGO Guy

Posted on June 27, 2008 by Gandalfe

Does anyone not know who Wall•E is? I’ve been listening to the Wall•E soundtrack and thinking can a Broadway show be far off? Andrew, one of the Lead Writers where I work is a LEGO enthusiast with some serious creds. … Continue reading →

Posted in Games, Movies | 3 Comments

Guess Where We’re Going Spring/Summer 2009? :o)

Posted on June 25, 2008 by Gandalfe

     

Posted in Travel | 10 Comments

Alert: Stolen Eppelsheim Bass Sax – $1500 reward

Posted on June 24, 2008 by Gandalfe

An update from Benedikt: I did not expect it at all but my bass saxophone has been found in a second hand jewelery store in Munich. The store had bought it for 1100 Euros. They thought the price was too … Continue reading →

Posted in Saxophone | 3 Comments