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.

Predators at Casa du Glassa

Posted on May 18, 2017 by Gandalfe

Last night, I was reading out loud to Suzy some tales of raccoons killing chickens and ducks on some of the nearby chicken community sites. Usually we have more questions than answers. Were the chickens kept at night in a … Continue reading →

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Sax Quartet 2017

Posted on May 11, 2017 by Gandalfe

I am starting to put together this year’s sax quartet repertoire for our gig at Ballard Locks. It’s a labor of love that I’ve been doing for at least ten years now. My wife Suzy, Molly and I have been … Continue reading →

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Happy World Naked Gardening Day!

Posted on May 6, 2017 by Gandalfe

Okay, so truth be known I have never gardened in the nude. It is really quite dangerous to do. No, really. Just imagine the potential insect bites, thorn or itch weed disasters, and oh yeah … the sharp tools. That … Continue reading →

Posted in Holiday, Nude, Pagan, Summer, Sun bathing | Tagged | 1 Comment

The Booking the Band Scam! Be Aware!

Posted on April 15, 2017 by Gandalfe

An Attempt At An Old-school Scam From my good friend Helen’s blog dated  April 15, 2017: In this day of phishing; spoofing; identity theft; salami slicing, spam; trojan horses; and a seemingly endless supply of Nigerians who claim that they … Continue reading →

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Circle of Fifths Revisited

Posted on April 9, 2017 by Gandalfe

Overheard: Music has always been a bit of a mystery to me because I didn’t understand it. As a specific example, I didn’t understand why a major chord sounds nice. Why does (0,4,7) harmonize? I’ve finally read enough to figure … Continue reading →

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Jack Ziegler, Cartoonist at The New Yorker, Dies at 74

Posted on April 2, 2017 by Gandalfe

Jack Ziegler, whose satirical, silly and observational style enlivened more than 1,600 cartoons at The New Yorker beginning in the mid-1970s, died on Wednesday in a hospital in Kansas City, Kan. He was 74. ~ New York Times, 2 April … Continue reading →

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WSJ: With Washington’s Blessing, Telecom Giants Can Mine Your Web History

Posted on March 30, 2017 by Gandalfe

From the Wall Street Journal piece: https://www.wsj.com/articles/with-washingtons-blessing-telecom-giants-can-mine-your-web-history-1490869801 What if your telecom company tracked the websites you visit, the apps you use, the TV shows you watch, the stores you shop at and the restaurants you eat at, and then sold … Continue reading →

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Funding a Nonprofit Music Organization

Posted on March 16, 2017 by Gandalfe

Future public education will require involvement and collaboration among various local, civic, private and nonprofit entities, a concept I like to refer to as ‘community entrepreneurship.’ ~ Donald Bren Running a nonprofit, such as a community band, can be a … Continue reading →

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Best Big Band Bari Sax Sound Tip (du Jour)

Posted on March 12, 2017 by Gandalfe

“If you’re going to make a mistake, make it loud so everybody else sounds wrong” ~ Joe Venuti I often play bari sax in big bands, including my own band. I find that I usually end up blowing my brains … Continue reading →

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The History of the Real Book

Posted on March 9, 2017 by Gandalfe

Excerpted from: https://officialrealbook.com/history/ For more than 40 years, the Real Book has been the go-to resource for jazz musicians playing jazz standards and classics from the Great American Songbook. You’ll find this ubiquitous tome on music stands the world over, … Continue reading →

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