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.

Viral Video Shows the Extent of U.S. Wealth Inequality

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Gandalfe

Think you know where the money is distributed in the US? Think again. Mashable: The issue of wealth inequality across the United States is well known, but this video shows you the extent of that imbalance in dramatic and graphic … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogosphere, Economics, Education, Employment, In the news..., Lifestyle, News and politics, Politics, Social Media, Work Related, YouTube | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

MJJO at the Jumpin’ Jive to Thrive dance 2013

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Gandalfe

Suzy joins me on tenor for this event. I *really* like performances where she can make it. Since she works nights, she isn’t always available.

Posted in Big Band, MJJO, My World | Tagged | Leave a comment

The National Community Band 2013

Posted on March 3, 2013 by Gandalfe

“From childhood I was passionately fond of music and wanted to be a musician. I have no recollection of any real desire ever to be anything else.” ~ John Philip Sousa Suzy and I will be performing in our third … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Bucket List, Clarinet, Community, Saxophone, Vacations | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ever Google Your Name?

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Gandalfe

When you have a common name like mine, Googling it can be a very humbling experience. I was reading the Recruiters Lounge article, You’re a Nobody unless your name Googles Well and started pinging my name. Bonus learning, adding an … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogosphere, Culture, Google, MJJO | Tagged | Leave a comment

Imagine…

Posted on February 16, 2013 by Gandalfe

Imagine waking up to this *the rest of your life*!

Posted in Art, Culture, Erotic, Tattoo | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Microsoft Jumpin’ Jive Orchestra Pictures

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Gandalfe

“You don’t take a photograph. You ask, quietly, to borrow it.” ~Anon I asked a friend of mine to take some photos at the last Microsoft Jumpin’ Jive Orchestra gig. We have a lot of fun playing swing music, especially … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Band Management, Facebook, flickr, Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra, MJJO | 2 Comments

New Big Band Fronts ~ You Choose

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Gandalfe

I am designing the next band fronts for my band. Do y’all have a fav?     I’m leaning toward the black background with the font from the white sample above. But I actually like all of these. We were … Continue reading →

Posted in Band Management, Microsoft, Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra, MJB, MJJO, Music | Tagged , | 2 Comments

MJJO Guest Vocalist, Tae Phoenix

Posted on February 10, 2013 by Gandalfe

“I’ve often cringed when I heard myself described as a jazz singer. I’ve always thought of myself as a jazz vocalist.” ~ Cassandra Wilson After a gig at Winterfest 2013 a young lady walked up to the band and said, … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Female vocalists, Jazz, Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra, MJJO, Vocalist | Tagged | Leave a comment

Reddit’s 100 Most Beautiful Songs

Posted on February 3, 2013 by Gandalfe

“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” ~  Plato If you’ve been living in a cave, here’s a musical … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Guides, Music, Wikipedia | Tagged | 2 Comments

After the gig…

Posted on February 2, 2013 by Gandalfe

“With every gig we have to prove ourselves better than the night before.” ~ Ron Wood And after a long running gig, there is usually profound sadness. But then, there is always the next gig to get ready for.

Posted in Band, Music, Theater | Tagged | Leave a comment