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.

Mr Lucky’s Sax-o-glue

Posted on November 28, 2006 by Gandalfe

For more info see Pete Thomas’ Mr. Lucky CD.

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The Bis Key Sax Quartet: For the kids

Posted on November 27, 2006 by Gandalfe

Suzy, Jim, John, and I had our second gig so far. Remember we are all late bloomers, with two to four years experience on our instruments so far. Suzy started playing last year, John the year before that, and Jim the year … Continue reading →

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Conn Naked Lady and Thelonius

Posted on November 25, 2006 by Gandalfe

My friend Matt always seems to have very interesting musical instruments. Today I looked a very heavy gold alto sax made by Conn. It had the famous Naked Lady logo but this was the first time I had seen the … Continue reading →

Posted in Saxophone | 2 Comments

Gandalfe Buys a Bass Sax

Posted on November 19, 2006 by Gandalfe

After a number of years listening to , studying, and researching the bass sax, I have finally bitten the bullet and purchased a Buescher bass sax vintage 1921. ONe of the best sites that discusses the challenges of owning a … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 1 Comment

Subs for the Pit Orchestra

Posted on November 19, 2006 by Gandalfe

Ray Guyll on reeds and Kim Dare on keyboards played their first night with the Second Story Rep pit orchestra for ‘Anything Goes’. I can’t imagine the stress associated with being a sub and coming in to an ensemble with … Continue reading →

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Wikipedia defines ‘Riff’

Posted on November 14, 2006 by Gandalfe

As a jazz saxophonist, of little repute, I enjoy finding a riff in a solo and running with it. To me it provides context and can make the solo ride just that much more fun. In jazz, solo’s are rarely … Continue reading →

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Nigel Tufnel Weighs In

Posted on November 13, 2006 by Gandalfe

  Nigel: Gandalfe, I read your blog on Live Spaces regularly, through an aggregator. However, I don’t comment because you have to be a member to comment. I bet that cuts down on comments that you receive.   Gandalfe: Hmm… … Continue reading →

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She Started at an Early Age

Posted on November 9, 2006 by Gandalfe

My granddaughter Amber is an inquistive squirt, digging in her toys, exploring the house, and chasing the pets. She has become very used to Suzy or I playing our instruments at a moments notice. Suzy usually plays serenely and quietly, … Continue reading →

Posted in Saxophone | 1 Comment

Opening Night at the Second Story Rep

Posted on November 4, 2006 by Gandalfe

We opened last night. This after four nights of 3 to 5 hour practices. Suzy was awesome, had a good night and was my rock. I fumbled for the soprano once and missed an entrance and that won’t happen again. … Continue reading →

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Theo, the new kitten, arrives…

Posted on November 2, 2006 by Gandalfe

The first night, Theo slept on my head… no literally. I’ve never had a cat do this—I move around too much at night. The second night, Theo claimed the alpha position on the bed next to Suzy’s pillow. Theo is … Continue reading →

Posted in Pets | 2 Comments