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.

So much to do, so little time

Posted on December 5, 2008 by Gandalfe

Or how I blew the morning on my day off… Suzy and I downed the PDF converter for Microsoft products. We send marked up copies of music all the time and so this was long overdue. Thanks Gary for this: … Continue reading →

Posted in Microsoft, My World, Technology | 1 Comment

Gorgeous and on my wish list – Contra Alto Clarinet

Posted on December 2, 2008 by Gandalfe

It’s not as if I don’t have enough instruments or would play this a lot… I was on the Woodwind Forum and Pete, evil Pete I might add points to the most interesting offering on the Music-Oldtimer.com site. It’s a … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 9 Comments

Getting Ready for a Gig – YouTube can Help

Posted on November 29, 2008 by Gandalfe

I have two gigs coming up in the next two weeks. Vanessa said the other day "That means the concert is next Saturday!" We can excuse her for being surprised with the passage of time as she just gave birth … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 5 Comments

Joshua Redmond and some tasty Rhythm Changes

Posted on November 27, 2008 by Gandalfe

Neil from the SaxStation points to this YouTube recording from 1994. Check out the changes at the 1:40 minute marker for a nice little surprise. Happy thanksgiving family and friends. May this day be filled with great conversations, music, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz | 4 Comments

Poodle-fakers and Scrimshankers

Posted on November 26, 2008 by Gandalfe

50 of your favorite words from the BBC… I’m told there are a lot of sesquipedalians out there. I’m surrounded at work by word people such are most writers and editors. The BBC asked for “your favourite words and were … Continue reading →

Posted in Language, Slang | 7 Comments

Quote du Jour

Posted on November 25, 2008 by Gandalfe

Elwood: What kind of music do you usually have here? Claire: Oh, we got both kinds. We got country *and* western. The Blues Brothers – 1980           The Blue Brothers by Annie Leibowitz

Posted in Humor | 3 Comments

Vintage Sax Collection Sale of the Century

Posted on November 25, 2008 by Gandalfe

A Collection of 20th Century American Made Saxophones Sometimes a once in a lifetime opportunity comes by and you have the opportunity to purchase a museum full of saxophones. This eBay sale offering is such a deal that I know … Continue reading →

Posted in Saxophone | 3 Comments

Washington Wind Symphony

Posted on November 24, 2008 by Gandalfe

Suzy, grandson Nicky, and I went to hear the Washington Wind Symphony. I wish I had brought my good camera, but with a little tweaking you get the idea. Don Furness, Nicky’s Jr. High band teacher was playing trombone. Leah … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 6 Comments

I Like to Watch

Posted on November 23, 2008 by Gandalfe

My favorite TV shows for the 2008 season These are not in any particular order as I am hard pressed to pick my favorite much less the third or fourth best: 1. Sunday Morning on CBS – Starting with the … Continue reading →

Posted in Television | 5 Comments

World’s Sexiest Beaches 2008

Posted on November 22, 2008 by Gandalfe

After weeks of mostly cloudy and rainy days you can’t blame me for thinking about a get-a-way. I’m daydreaming about finding a deserted island for Suzy and me to escape too. So the Concierge.com site article "World’s Sexiest Beaches 2008" … Continue reading →

Posted in Too Spicy for some | 4 Comments