Category Archives: Jazz

Movie for the Weekend ~ The Fab Baker Boys

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Gandalfe

I was using a Michelle Pfeiffer video of “Ten Cents a Dance” for the Microsoft Jazz Band and I thought of all of the great music played in this movie. It takes the worst of experiences from all singers and … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Female vocalists, Health and wellness, Jazz, Movies, Music, Piano, romantic, Video | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Woody Herman, “Four Brothers”

Posted on June 20, 2011 by Gandalfe

The song features four saxes (three tenors and one baritone) in an arrangement that gives each “brother” a solo and culminates in a hard-swinging sax section chorus. The song so typifies the sound of Woody Herman’s second “Herd” that the band … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz, Music, Sax Quartet, Video, YouTube | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Wit and Humor of Paul Desmond

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Gandalfe

“I would also like to thank my father who discouraged me from playing the violin at an early age.” ~ Paul Desmond Paul was such a humorous fellow in addition to being one of my fav musicians. I luv’d this … Continue reading →

Posted in Heroes, Hobbies, Humor, Jazz, Music, Saxophone, Vintage | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Jazz Drums Redux ~ A review of my kit

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Gandalfe

I invited Scott Small to sit in with the Microsoft Jazz Band for an upcoming gig. One of the practice sessions was in my music studio. I have a drum kit, bass and amp, and Roland keyboard sit up so … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Drums, Jazz, Man stuff, Music Instruments, My World | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Swing dance your way to health and happiness

Posted on May 22, 2011 by Gandalfe

With so many bands it’s about their ego. But we’re just servants to the dancers; we wouldn’t be anything without them.” ~ Heather Ellison, of the Savoy Swingers I was looking at some pictures of the dancers at one of … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Culture, Dancing, Jazz, Music, Style, Swing Dancers, teachers | Tagged , | Leave a comment

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

SMIGLY: Kinda Black and Blue

Posted on April 8, 2011 by Gandalfe

Allen Mezquida, yes a Facebook friend, has penned this new video that will surely boost his SMIGLY video series into the lime light. Who’s SMIGLY? Here’s what Alan has to say. Have you ever wanted to fulfill a dream? Of … Continue reading →

Posted in Facebook, Health and wellness, Heros, Humor, Jazz, Saxophone | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Jim Cutler Jazz Orchestra ~ Tula’s Almost Every Sunday

Posted on March 9, 2011 by Gandalfe

For a long time I’ve been meaning to check out Tula’s in Seattle. It is located in the Belltown district which is not my favorite part of Seattle (think dodgy). I also wanted to hear the Jim Cutler Jazz Orchestra … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Band Management, Big Band, Jazz, Saxophone, Seattle | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments