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.

Opening Night is this Friday

Posted on October 31, 2007 by Gandalfe

Come see the play and hear Suzy and I play in the pit orchestra. High Kicks in November Dear family and friends, How many dancers can we fit on our intimate stage?  Come to see this amazing production of A … Continue reading →

Posted in Theater | 2 Comments

Counselor to musicians and bands

Posted on October 30, 2007 by Gandalfe

A friend passed this to a musician alias because a local rock group was breaking up. "Those who create and perform music provide an important and indispensable gift to our culture; yet they often struggle with depression, anxiety, addiction, conflict … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor | 1 Comment

SOTW’s SaxTek Talks about the Eppelsheim Bass Sax

Posted on October 27, 2007 by Gandalfe

My friend Randy Emerick from the Sax on the Web forum talks about my soon to be finished bass sax in the topic "Dream Machine or Gandalfe orders an Eppelsheim bass sax". Eppelsheim’s bass saxophone is a true large bore … Continue reading →

Posted in Saxophone | 5 Comments

I found one of my fav band teachers, Mr. Robert Lake

Posted on October 25, 2007 by Gandalfe

There are at least two of my favorite stories to tell about growing up in the mid-west and being a sax player. One is when the Urbandale, IA middle school teacher picked a jazzy song for the eighth graders. The song was … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 10 Comments

Morning Sax? :o)

Posted on October 24, 2007 by Gandalfe

With a tip of the hat to Brian Basset.

Posted in Humor | 4 Comments

Vintage Phil Woods circa 1968

Posted on October 23, 2007 by Gandalfe

Look at Phil’s fingers, you can’t even see them move. Astounding! (Hit the ‘ESC’ key at the top left-hand corner of your keyboard to kill my background music before you start the YouTube clip.)  

Posted in Jazz | 1 Comment

Terrorist Activity Map Web site

Posted on October 22, 2007 by Gandalfe

  A friend of mine passed me this link to the Global Incident Map.com site. It was interesting to note the incidents close to my home that were reported here, but I somehow didn’t catch on the news on TV … Continue reading →

Posted in News and politics | 1 Comment

Musical Instrument Fingering Charts and the Circle of Fifths

Posted on October 21, 2007 by Gandalfe

Fingering-Charts.com is the place to go to get fingering charts for all band instruments. The sight advertises ultra-extreme ranges, but I’ve found that some altissimo notes can require different fingerings based on the make of the instrument you play. Very … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 1 Comment

The Health Chair – In search of a good seat.

Posted on October 19, 2007 by Gandalfe

A couple of my friends have touted the benefits of ‘The Health Chair‘. One of these guys never makes such recommendations until now. They are too pricey for me but it does look very comfortable and promising. I spend way … Continue reading →

Posted in Health and wellness | 3 Comments

Chops, a definition

Posted on October 17, 2007 by Gandalfe

Most people, even musicians have trouble keeping up with the slang in the industry. So there is a lot of misinformation out there. And there are so many hobbyist types who guess like they know what the real answer is … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz, Language, Slang | 2 Comments