Author Archives: Gandalfe

Unknown's avatar

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.

It’s only a calendar…

Posted on December 27, 2006 by Gandalfe

This time of year I get to thinking about time and calendars. One of my projects, well one that I have been thinking about for a couple of years, is to save all my calendars and reuse them as they … Continue reading →

Posted in Everyday Science | 2 Comments

How do Seattle and Salt Lake City Differ

Posted on December 26, 2006 by Gandalfe

I purchased the Statistical Abstract of the United States, which comes out every year. The facts and figures from the U.S. are very interesting to me albeit sometimes disappointing. For example, the 1996 version, which is the one I have, … Continue reading →

Posted in Everyday Science | Leave a comment

The Search for the Elusive Bass Sax Case

Posted on December 23, 2006 by Gandalfe

Okay, so obviously I finally found a hard case for my ’24 Buescher bass saxophone that I purchased last month. The sax in the picture is not my silver-plated beauty. It came in a gig bag (canvas) complete with a smashed … Continue reading →

Posted in Saxophone | 2 Comments

Expecting my new Selmer Bass Clarinet (to low C)

Posted on December 22, 2006 by Gandalfe

Some time during the end of January or the beginning of February, I expect to get delivery of this Selmer Paris Modele 67, low-C bass clarinet. I’ve been working mightily on my Leblanc Paris low-Eb bass clarinet and have finally … Continue reading →

Posted in Clarinet | 1 Comment

Terry Talks about the “full Boehm” Clarinet

Posted on December 21, 2006 by Gandalfe

There seems to be some misunderstanding here about the purpose of the “full Boehm” clarinet. It has two distinct aspects that it covers: 1) The low Eb key allows for the performance of A clarinet parts on a Bb clarinet. … Continue reading →

Posted in Clarinet, Music, Reference, Repair, Vintage | Tagged | 2 Comments

Pick a Response

Posted on December 20, 2006 by Gandalfe

Okay, now you are going to find out what a really weird sense of humor I have. I found this to be very funny, especially the first and last response. * Thank you. We’re all refreshed and challenged by your … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor | 1 Comment

Musicianship is like a Fractal…

Posted on December 19, 2006 by Gandalfe

"I am reminded of a old but true tale about Westerners in Japan. It is said that after one week they know everything there is to know about the culture, after one year they find that there is a bit more … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 3 Comments

Brad’s Christmas Present of Music

Posted on December 18, 2006 by Gandalfe

 A close friend of my who is a stellar bass and guitar player gave me a CD that he cut last year. It has Christmas songs and the song you listen to on this site is an example of Brad Benefeld’s work. … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 1 Comment

A Friend’s Purse is Stolen

Posted on December 17, 2006 by Gandalfe

A family member who is dear to us all had her purse stolen out of her car. She was in the habit of leaving her purse in her unlocked car every night. So the next day her husband got a … Continue reading →

Posted in Security | Leave a comment

Steve Marcus

Posted on December 17, 2006 by Gandalfe

Steve Marcus is a roaring player! There is some Buddy Rich footage of him on YouTube. He should be mentioned with Liebman,Grossman and those guys. He takes a solo here and here. Weep, gnash your teeth, cheer, enjoy…

Posted in Jazz | 1 Comment