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.

Ink, the art of fine tattoo

Posted on May 22, 2011 by Gandalfe

Sounds like a nice title to a book don’t cha think. I’m not sure what it is about tattoos, maybe that they are taboo… or were? I see a lot more use of tattoos in the world of fashion. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Nude, Style, Sun bathing, Tattoo, Wikipedia | Tagged , | 2 Comments

YouTube Subscriptions Never Fail to Impress

Posted on May 20, 2011 by Gandalfe

I just got my YouTube Subscription Update which looks like this: I will have a lot to listen to this weekend. My fav this week (so far) is CrazyDaisyDoo’s rendition of “Love is Here to Stay. Tasty stuff. Crazy on … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Jazz, Music, Saxophone, YouTube | Tagged , | 1 Comment

A Bari Sax can *Never* be too LOUD?

Posted on May 19, 2011 by Gandalfe

I was talking to Greg Cagle, a friend of mine and a woodwind doubler who can often be heard tootin’ on a bari sax like in this number: Can you hear this bari? I luv his sound styling and you … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Band Management, Big Band, Jazz, Movies, Music Instruments, Quote, Saxophone | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Come out swingin’

Posted on May 19, 2011 by Gandalfe

Just posted this fun video of the Microsoft Jazz Band kickin’ it with Larry Neeck’s “Come Out Swinging” to a very appreciative audience. Micah Lapping-Carr covers the alto sax solo and Kress Franzen is caught busting out all tbony and … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Band Management, Big Band, Culture, Dancing, Entertainment, Hobbies, Jazz, Microsoft, MJB, Music Instruments, Saxophone, YouTube | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

In search of simplicity

Posted on May 17, 2011 by Gandalfe

I have spent most of my life simplifying. When I was a college student, I remember thinking it was because I am basically lazy. I even told that to a neighbor kid as we worked on a carpentry project. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Lifestyle, My World | Tagged | Leave a comment

Design: The Hunt for the Perfect Big Band Stand Front

Posted on May 15, 2011 by Gandalfe

In the almost seven years that I have been running a couple of Big Bands, I have been trying to design a stand front that is all things to all people. My wife does the actual fabrication, but I do … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Band Management, Music | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Lazy, Comfie, Rainy Sunday Morning

Posted on May 15, 2011 by Gandalfe

I am sitting here listening to one of my favorite shows, CBS Sunday Morning, and looked out to see a typical early spring morning in the Northwest. I like how the evergreen trees look as the fog nestles around them. … Continue reading →

Posted in Dog, Family, iPad, My World, Television | Tagged , | 2 Comments

For Men: Fighting the Lust Thang

Posted on May 14, 2011 by Gandalfe

“I’ve looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. God knows I will do this and forgives me.” ~ Jimmy Carter I was lookin’ around for something to highlight today and ran across this … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Community, Culture, Education, Family, Health and wellness, Lifestyle, Nude, Poetry, Too Spicy for some, Wikipedia | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Eppelshiem & Reese C Soprano Sax Redux

Posted on May 14, 2011 by Gandalfe

Here’s a recent update from my Gandalfe buys an Eppelsheim & Reese C Soprano post of two years ago. This advice comes from a professional musician and I still need to get permission to attribute this to him. But I … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Collectable, Conn-o-sax, Hobbies, Music, Music Instruments, My World, Nerds, Recorder, Saxophone | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Power of Words: It’s a beautiful day

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Gandalfe

Yeah, I’m sappy. Change your words. Change your world. Enjoy. It was hard to find this video that someone hadn’t co-opted for their own message.

Posted in Advertisement, Art, Heroes, Lifestyle, YouTube | Tagged | 3 Comments