Author Archives: Gandalfe

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.

An Exciting Weekend of Music ahead…

Posted on April 16, 2009 by Gandalfe

Suzy and I are looking forward to an exciting weekend of music and family. I’ve purchased three new sax quartet charts from professor Russ Peterson including his just finished Lil’ Darlin’, ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’, and ‘Georgia On … Continue reading →

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Tower of Power’s in town… again!

Posted on April 15, 2009 by Gandalfe

Jazz Alley is hosting the Tower of Power at the end of the month. That’s where you go for some very funkilious music if you are in the Mood. Roy’s Place, a music studio for rent run by Kennelly Keys … Continue reading →

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YouTube as a Musical Reference

Posted on April 10, 2009 by Gandalfe

I use YouTube.com a lot as a musician. If I have a new chart to work up or a solo to cover in a jazz band, I’ll go to my CD collection and YouTube to find something I like. Part … Continue reading →

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New Project: Add Swing Dance Music to setlist

Posted on April 9, 2009 by Gandalfe

I am working with the Eastside Swing dance club to set up some playing opportunities for my various Big Bands and combos. This is a new opportunity for us and the music is a big genre for us to explore. … Continue reading →

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Come blow your nose…

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Gandalfe

A friend on Facebook pointed this artwork of Shawn Feeney from his Musical Anatomy site. (Thanks Terry Hummer.) With apologies to Jimmy Van Heusen, "Come blow your nose, come blow your nose with me…" “Musical instruments are prosthetics for body … Continue reading →

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Crazy Rag – National Saxophone Choir (sax octet)

Posted on March 31, 2009 by Gandalfe

Having played all the types of saxes show here from Soprillo to contrabass sax (thanks Jay) I can tell each come with their own idiosyncrasies and challenges. But playing the sopranino made the soprano easier to play. And playing the … Continue reading →

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NYT: Geography of a Recession

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Gandalfe

Interesting quote that caught my eye, “Unlike the last two recessions — earlier this decade and in the early 1990s — this one is causing much more job loss among the less educated than among college graduates.” Read more. I … Continue reading →

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GIANT SAXOPHONE IS SO LARGE PLAYER STANDS ON LADDER (Jun, 1924)

Posted on March 29, 2009 by Gandalfe

I often put things in my blog, okay like 90% of the time, that are all about me being able to find them in the future. So it is with this picture (GIANT SAXOPHONE IS SO LARGE PLAYER STANDS ON … Continue reading →

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Jazz Soup Lines

Posted on March 28, 2009 by Gandalfe

Reading Harri’s (owner of SOTW) blog titled: Jam Sessions in USA and Greater Helsinki Area and was struck by the differences and indeed some of the sameness encountered at Jazz Jams overseas. Alexei Zoubov, now an American jazz musician, writes … Continue reading →

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