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.

Summer uke Project ~ Take One

Posted on June 9, 2016 by Gandalfe

“Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair…” ~ Susan Polis Schutz Some years ago I was called upon to recommend a ukulele for some cute girls from my sister Deb’s in-law side of the family. … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Music Instruments, My World | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Some More Kitty Pictures

Posted on May 25, 2016 by Gandalfe

There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats. ~ Albert Schweitzer I was just on a friend’s blog site and enjoying yet another cat picture. What is it about these furry creatures, creatures who … Continue reading →

Posted in Cat, Pets | Leave a comment

Sax Pinkie Key Madness

Posted on May 6, 2016 by Gandalfe

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” ~ Bob Marley Practicing for an upcoming concert and this little pinkie key run (at milepost 92) is kickin’ my hindermost. Still, it’s a lovely line, very … Continue reading →

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YouTubeage Joy: The One O’Clock Lab Band Plays Yesterdays

Posted on May 5, 2016 by Gandalfe

Can’t stop playing against this. So many good ideas, multi-tones, edgy-ness, vibrato techniques, and just good sound. Expand the window to fill the screen, turn up your sound system. Listen to it a couple of times. Then grab your sax … Continue reading →

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Maceo Parker – We Do This

Posted on April 30, 2016 by Gandalfe

Scott’s at it again and blowing us away with this transcription.

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Brass and Winds ~ A Quinn the Eskimo Company

Posted on April 24, 2016 by Gandalfe

We rolled out a new web site this month. I blog there periodically and work to get my bestest friends and family as good a deal as I can on their instrument purchases. Check us out and let me know … Continue reading →

Posted in Clarinet, Music Instruments, Saxophone | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Hawaiian Vacation – 2016

Posted on April 15, 2016 by Gandalfe

“I can’t even speak Hawaiian, but if you go there and listen to a Hawaiian song, you get captured because it’s so beautiful, like the melody is just gorgeous and you know Bob Marley is on the radio every single … Continue reading →

Posted in My World, Vacations | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Bicycles: Making good women go bad since the 1800s

Posted on March 27, 2016 by Gandalfe

Fascinating look at our recent past, thought I’d share this here. FIT IS A FEMINIST ISSUE   I’ve been working on a project on women and cycling, which begins by looking at the role the bicycle played in early feminism. … Continue reading →

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Warning! Rant in Progress

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Gandalfe

A most excellent rant from author LaMonte M. Fowler on Facebook this morning. I feel the need to drop a little truth on y’all. So buckle up…I’m about to be politically incorrect. We don’t need to take America back. No … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, Community, Politics, Tips and Tricks | Tagged | 2 Comments

MJJO: First Gig of the New Year

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Gandalfe

Music is a gut thing. You’re working in a medium which is more in touch withthe primal than the modern. A gig is a ritual. There’s a congregation. ~ Siobhan Fahey Ah yes, the first gig after a long break. … Continue reading →

Posted in Big Band, Dancing, MJJO, My World | 1 Comment