Category Archives: Band

Squirrel Nut Zippers

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Gandalfe

I accidently found a recording of this band and just loved the bari sax line. So I thought I’d drop this here so that I can find it later, especially if I ever do a small jazz ensemble again. The … Continue reading →

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Photos: Microsoft Jumpin’ Jive Orchestra 2013

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Gandalfe

   More photos of the Microsoft Jumpin’ Jive Orchestra from the  David Nadalin and Nadalin Photography.

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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 →

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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

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 →

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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.

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Microsoft Jumpin’ Jive Orchestra

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Gandalfe

“Talking about music is like dancing about architecture.” ~ Thelonious Monk Here is one of the videos we made of the Microsoft Jumpin’ Jive Orchestra last year. Enjoy.

Posted in Band, Big Band, Microsoft, MJJO, YouTube | 1 Comment

Lesson One: Fronting a band at a Bar

Posted on January 5, 2013 by Gandalfe

“People don’t dance to brilliant guitar solos or heady changes, they dance to the hook lyrics of a simple chorus.” This was posted in Miami craigslist by a club owner about the bands he encounters, and also the realities of … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Band Management, Big Band, FAQ, Gigs, Guides, Music, My World | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Free Sheet Music

Posted on September 16, 2012 by Gandalfe

“Without music, life would be a mistake.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche Found at the Community-music (band/orchestra) group on Yahoo. Are you looking for great music from the past? A quick check on BandMusic PDF Library reveals that there are many early … Continue reading →

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Outdoor Gigs for Big Bands

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Gandalfe

One of my bands, the Microsoft Jumpin’ Jive Orchestra, had two outdoor gigs this August. Outdoor gigs are not my favorites, but playing at the Ballard Locks has always been a favorite activity for me. Here is some of the … Continue reading →

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