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.

And this one time, at band camp…

Posted on March 3, 2008 by Gandalfe

Can I just say how much I luv the xkcd.com guyz for stuff like this. :o)

Posted in Humor, Music | 6 Comments

Dad back in the pulpit, Mom in the choir

Posted on March 3, 2008 by Gandalfe

Actually this is a space holder for the ten minute sermon that Dad conducted yesterday. I had my video at the lowest resolution and still it took over 5 hours to upload to YouTube. And mom’s singing, a shorter video … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, My World, Religon | 9 Comments

YouTubage: Giant Steps by the note

Posted on March 2, 2008 by Gandalfe

From YouTube, a new way to practice your music. John Coltrane’s landmark tune and solo as you’ve never experienced it before. Reminds me of the t-shirt seen at practice this week that sez,   What part of can’t you understand? … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 8 Comments

Clarinet Perfection.com

Posted on February 28, 2008 by Gandalfe

Today I’m blogging about a nice clarinet reference site called Clarinet Perfection. My good friend and a moderator on the Woodwind Forum runs this site. It has a lot reference information on clarinets that can’t be found anywhere else on … Continue reading →

Posted in Clarinet | 6 Comments

Some Reasons to Quit Complaining About Your Job

Posted on February 27, 2008 by Gandalfe

Luv this piece that I got in the e-mail this morning.  :o) Give one pause to think, no?     

Posted in Humor | 8 Comments

1911: Vintage images of the C. G. Conn band instrument factory

Posted on February 26, 2008 by Gandalfe

From the always interesting Oberloh Brass Works site are vintage images of the C. G. Conn band instrument factory from 1911. Now most instruments are made overseas because of the high cost of labor in the U.S. You can read … Continue reading →

Posted in Saxophone | 5 Comments

NPR: Saxophones from Taiwan Aiming for the Pros

Posted on February 25, 2008 by Gandalfe

I caught the tale end of this piece on NPR this morning and thought I’d share it with my saxophone luvin’ friends out there. The Taiwanese have come a long way from making the saxes you loved to hate to … Continue reading →

Posted in Saxophone | 2 Comments

Quote du Jour

Posted on February 25, 2008 by Gandalfe

Heard on the work music alias: Easiest way to make a million in the music business? Start with 2 million.

Posted in Humor | 3 Comments

C Melody Saxophones – a Blast from the Past

Posted on February 24, 2008 by Gandalfe

When I started looking to acquire C Melody Saxophone, I had visions of looking over Suzy’s shoulder as she played the piano. You see these instruments were designed in the early 1900s (1910 – 30s) for the amateur to use … Continue reading →

Posted in Saxophone | 4 Comments

Fats, Ray, and Jerry Lee, the Boogie Woogie Piano Men

Posted on February 23, 2008 by Gandalfe

Can you dig it? I *knew* you could… Ray Charles, Jerry Lee LewisUploaded by Hanvak Pianists: Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats DominoMusical director : Paul Shaffer (David Letterman’s "Late show" band leader)Guitars : – Carl Perkins (author/creator of "Blue … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz | 4 Comments