10:51 PM; New Years Eve

Went through some hard work practicing with the five patterns in the Silver book tonight. My musical goal for 2015 is a simple one: work through the Silver book.

ALL THE BEST IN 2015 TO ALL WHO ARE READING THIS. 

Valley Night

Ok so they say when learning music, there will be plateaus, peaks, and valleys. Well today was a valley day. My bassist/ukelele player came over to play some jazz tunes. Well my fingers fumbled over my repertoire, and my attempts at improvisation were abysmal. 

After he left I just went over the four of the five patterns in the Silver book.  

Mucho Practice

•Went over repertoire.

•Continued to practice four out of the five of the patterns in Silver's book. Went over the patterns all over the guitar's neck; taking my time really trying to get them ingrained.

•Added the last pattern of the pentatonic scale to my knowledge base

• Starting to think of musical goals for 2015 but I have a feeling they will be few in number but concise.

• Starting to think of getting into doing the exercise bike while watching movies, and eating better. 

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday to my daughter (middle child) today!!!!

Went over repertoire, pentatonic scale stuff, and added the fourth of five patterns from the Silver book.

December 26

Happy Day After Christmas to all. 

Christmas Eve Mass went well except my dang-gone microphone kept going on and off during "Children Go Where I Send Thee."  Time to get back to the guitar today.

Well, I did get back to the guitar today! Went over repertoire and still if I do not go over these songs consistently they are remain not easy to remember. Went over shape number 3 of 5 in the Silver book, and worked on the pentatonic scale.

Christmas Eve, 2014

Starting work early today. I should

add that with regards to the car accident I was involved in last night that the driver of the other car was ok too. If there is a good thing to have come from this for me, it was that the other person was extreme my nice; the person was kind of young, so the father was called; he was very civil about it also. I do not trust driving my car so a friend volunteered to take me into work today. Another friend will take me home. This is my favorite day of the year, and I'll try to not let the car accident mess that up. This being my favorite day  probably means that I'll be adding addendums to this post as the day goes on...

Addendum: 2:53 PM

Things progressing. Will be picked up at 3:15 to play at Mass tonight. Daughters and wife and neices getting ready. Son playing drums.

Happy Christmas' Eve's Eve

Played gig. Got in a car accident. I'm ok.

(Not so) Little Drummer Boy

Ok no guitar practice today. But helped my son put together his early Xmas gift: a drum set!

"Happy Xmas (War is Over)" [John Lennon]

Worked on Patterns 1 & 2 in the Siver book. Worried it's going to get complicated. Went over my repertoire. In a couple of days I'll be playing Christmas music with a couple of bandmates at a coffee shop. There's been some friction in our church band regarding the appropriateness of us playing John Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" in the spot after our Christmas Mass in the spot we usually play "Oh Christmas Tree." Apparently Lennon remains controversial after all these years. I arranged the Lennon song for the band, so of course I'm in the camp that wants to play the song. Yesterday I got disgusted, and gave up trying to argue to do the song, but then I changed my mind today. We'll be doing it. 

Taking the Plunge

• Practiced with some band members for the Christmas Eve Mass

• After practice, played some songs with the bassist/ukelele player. My improvs were, in my opinion, sorely lacking in quality.

• Received a book/CD package in the mail today. Will "take the plunge" and take my time with it, because it seems to be exactly what I'm looking for: A method for improvising that just might match how I'd like to learn it. Looks like this year I'm going to devote a lot of guitar time to it. It's called: "Contemporary Guitar Improvisation" and its author is Marc Silver. I started the first lesson today....

Just The Way You Look Tonight

Experimented with recording some improvisations! Feel good about it. Mistakes are obvious, you can hear my dog bark, but I'm glad I tried this:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/89r410ad5xzghdp/Improvitwylt.m4a?dl=0

                  Dylan and Bruce

Pentatonic Plan

I have one more pattern to learn on the pentatonic scale. Of course it's not mastered, but here's a little plan that just might yield some cool dividends:

In playing an improv over standards, just play the pentatonic scale on the appropriate key. But here's another key: I may be wrong (only time will tell), but it just might be that the scale notes will sound appropriate as long as the chords to the particular diatonic scale (I think that's what those chords are called) are used. If the chords change to a different key, then possibly just adapt accordingly. 

Went over repertoire tonight and added that other pentatonic pattern.

Practice, etc.

Went over repertoire, adding "What Child is This?" to the list. Added another pattern to my improv stuff. Playing a very small Christmas gig at a coffee house December 23rd.

Dec 17

Last known pic of John and Paul (1974, with Harry Nielson)

December 16

Went over repertoire. Also went over some patterns that can be used in a major key in improvs AND IT SOUNDED GOOD!!

Repertoire

Went over repertoire; received email that my new book was shipped. 

(Before) picture of Marlon Brando.

(After makeup) picture of Don Vito Corleone

12/14/14

A nice day playing with the band for the Make a Wish Foundation. 

Later played my repertoire at home through the amp with the fireplace and Christmas lights on. Also recorded a little Christmas solo:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/94lz1ii4081773q/What%20Child%202.m4a?dl=0

Marc Silver

Practiced today with the band mostly for Christmas Eve Mass. Ordered Marc Silver's "Contemporary Guitar Improvisation" book/CD package. Why not reiterate again: I want to improvise! Playing in the band for the Make a Wish Foundation tomorrow. 

A Nice Night

Played some Christmas music for older folks tonight. Was ok, but what was particularly touching was the performance by a specific singer.

On Sunday our band will be playing for a holiday celebration for the Make a Wish Foundation. Well tonight, a 12 year old girl with a brain tumor sang the most beautiful version of "Blue Christmas" ever. 

Jamey Aebersold

Just might return to book 1 (adapted for guitar).

Great News

Rock and roll band back together. Bassist asked to rejoin. Watched a bit of Jamey Aebersold's "Anyone Can Improvise" DVD and found it interesting.

No More Rock and Roll Band

Yesterday got the news that our bass player no longer wants to be in the rock and roll band. Shocked. I'll hopefully still do some jazz with him. 

Back & Forth

Went over repertoire. Continue to work on the Baker book. Wonder if I should continue with the Baker book, use the Aebersold book, or give the one book book that I've been looking at a chance.

I want to learn to improvise over chord changes. The first half of the Baker book seems to focus on learning jazz chords which I can already kind of play already. Actually I "fake"them now. But I'm just wondering if it's just worth it spending so much time on learning chords that I can already mostly play when the time might be better spent on practicing what I really want to do, which is improvising.

Weird

A weird music day. Got into some Mickey Baker stuff, and played my repertoire. But looking at another possible book that teaches improv...............

Using this website

Here's a great website that I'll be using to help with the Mickey Baker book:

http://www.advancedguitarstudygroup.com

Mickey Baker. Decision Made.

Decision made. Will utilize the Mickey Baker book. And that's it. It is jam packed with stuff and it seems to be a great course that is broken into 52 chapters (one per week). I think he'll be discussing practicing two hours a day, and I really don't see that happening; however this is it. No more pondering if methods. I mean it this time! Started chapter 1 today.

Mickey Baker

Thinking of not using the Aebersold book but getting down to serious business with the Mickey Baker book....it's called "Mickey Baker's Jazz Guitar" (the blue one). 

Breakfast With Santa

Played some Christmas songs with some bandmates for the Breakfast With Santa event at our church. Friday playing for some senior citizens, Saturday practice for Christmas Eve Mass, Sunday playing for a Make a Wish event. 

Making yet another change in my guitar learning plan. Will not add any more chord melody songs for now. After trying so many methods of learning improvisation, I think the best for me is back to Jamie Aebersold. So I'll be returning again to his Volume One, adapted by Corey Christiansen.

A Lot of Guitar Gigging

Today is the 45th anniversary of the disastrous Rolling Stones Altamont concert. Well today my gigs were a lot different. Played a gig with two bandmates benefiting the "Make a Wish" Foundation. Also played electric guitar at Mass. Tomorrow will be playing at a "Breakfast with Santa" event at our Church. 

Went over repertoire. I need to sound smoother with a better sense of easy flow in my repertoire songs.

Continued to try to learn some chords and some of their associated scale numbers in the Charlie Christian book.

Friday Guitar

Went over repertoire and learning the proper thirds and/or sevens in the chords in the Charlie Christian book. Playing a benefit tomorrow for the Make a Wish folks. Looking forward to that.

Here's my version of "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" as it sounded tonight:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/jv8av3lud2n756a/Chrestut.m4a?dl=0

Children Go Where I Send Thee

Practice for Christmas stuff tonight. Went well. New song "Children Go Where I Send Thee" (Johnny Cash version) went well. Worked on other stuff including Lennon's Christmas song.

Interesting day....kind of.

Went over repertoire. Trying to learn all the intervals in a scale or chord is very daunting. So almost gave up again on the Charlie Christian book. Bit I think I want to stay with it and try just to memorize where the appropriate third or seventh is in relation to the root. Must learn some new chords too. Today learned the chords associated with the low E strong as the roots.

Monday Change

Decided to move in another direction. Will be using Joe Dochtermann's "The Charlie Christian Method for Jazz Guitar" to work on improvising. Tried it before, but I want to give it another chance. Must go slow and be patient.

Yucky Guitar Day

Went through repertoire, ok. Tried to start lesson 2 in the Conti book and lesson 1 stuff started getting in the way. Patience is key. I need to really be patient. Decided to stop trying to learn a new chord melody song. Want to focus more on improvisation.

Good Guitar Day

• Went over repertoire

•Finished Lesson 1 in the Conti book but of course can benefit from going over it

•Started a new chord melody song to add to repertoire: "Moonglow."

Black Friday

A pretty good guitar today. Went over repertoire, and continue to work on lesson 1 in the Conti boom. Went over Christmas repertoire with a band member.

The Best. (Charlie Christian)

Thanksgiving 2014

Me and my dad:

It was great to see my Pihiladelphia Eagles totally dominate our rival Dallas Cowboys! 

Actually had time during the craziness of Thanksgiving day to go over repertoire and work on p. 13 of the Conti book.

I hope everyone reading this a very blessed Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Eve

Travelled a number of hours away in the bad weather to do some visiting of a relative. At his place, watched The Godfather II. Spending the night here with no guitar, but continued to read the Conti book and take notes to help the first couple of concepts sink in. I think the concepts are indeed sinking in, and I have a guess where he is going to go in the rest of the book: a challenging yet ultimately rewarding place if I stay committed to it. 

Thanksgiving's Eve's Eve with "The Jazz Lines"

Expecting the first snow storm of the season to start late tonight. Played repertoire.

Started Conti's "The Jazz Lines" today, Lesson 1. I think this is going to be some hard work for me, but I'm hanging in there. Up to page 13.

My initial reaction to Conti's book: it's certainly not easy stuff for a guy on my level. It may be over my head, but I don't quite think so. It will definitely be a challenge, but I think if I am patient, expect some frustration, expect some confusion (about the parts over my head), but remain committed to this book, I might actually get somewhere when comes to the world of improvisation. I'll just have to understand that this is not easy stuff (for me, anyway), and I want easy than I should give up trying to learn how to improvise. Will hang in there!!

Robert Conti's "The Jazz Lines"

Received my new Conti material today. I'm up to Lesson 1! If this book is anything like his "The Assembly Line" book, then I am in for some great stuff!

Repertoire Yet Again

Played repertoire today; looking forward to getting Robert Conti's "The Jazz Lines" possibly in the mail tomorrow.

The Repertoire

Went through my repertoire and toying with the idea of adding to it.

Robert Conti Repertoire

Went over repertoire.

Christmas Music Practice

Practiced some Christmas stuff with some colleagues tonight. Had the opportunity to play some really nice background ballad chords to a wonderful singing accompaniment. The singer is just fantastic!

"The Jazz Lines" - Robert Conti

Ordered this Conti book today. Yea!

The Plan

Will go back to 100% Robert Conti. Feels great! Played my repertoire tonight and helped a friend get ready to join our musical get together for Christmas Eve Mass.

Robert Conti

Ok here's the plan. Back to learning from THE man, Robert Conti. I like chord melody songs, so guess what? I've decided to keep playing them and learning them the Robert Conti way.

Also, will be ordering his book "The Jazz Lines" to learn improv. 

Lost

Ok so I tried some scale stuff and . . . let's just say it wasn't that great. Just confused as to how to learn improvisation. There's the scale approach and there's the Robert Conti approach of just learning licks and their applications as well as how to use the licks in an individualistic way. There's pattern approaches too. I haven't had too much luck with any approach and my chord melody stuff takes up a lot of time. 

I don't know. I think maybe the Conti approach is winning in my mind at this time. 

Taking a Bow

Major Change Now To Be Implemented

I'm going to put chord melody stuff on hold (for now, at least).  

Going to put jazz learning books on hold (for now at least).

Going to simply use some pattern learning of pentatonic stuff that might help with soloing in blues and songs in major keys. 

We'll see how this goes. I think I have an idea how to use it; it might be a simple yet powerful method.

Sunday

Practiced the Johnny Cash version of "Children Go Where I Send Thee" with six other singers/players. Went ok. 

Worked on some jazz standard songs with some of the band after that and I made mistakes.

Went over repertoire. Working in the Aebersold book, on the minor scale section. Wondering if I should give up chord melody songs for a year and focus....just really focus.....on improv.

FSU football wins yesterday against Miami, but Philly Eagles get a lesson in humility today from the Packers. 

Good Music Day

Went over repertoire; just about done with the major scale forms in the Aebersold book; started the minor scale stuff. I like the way my ReverbNation stuff (http://rvrb.fm/1xaD9l9) is going. Big practice tomorrow with about 8 people involved in trying out the Johnny Cash version of "Children Go Where I Send Thee." The plan is to practice some jazz afterwards with some of those participants. 

Sore Throat

Some time ago I focused mostly on piano. Then I got back to my first i instrument (the guitar) at the influence of a current bandmate. Anyway, he came over tonight and we had a nice practice getting ready for some Christmas gigs. Man, I am so lame taking guitar leads. Oh yea, I have a sore throat, too.

Pushing it

Wasn't really in the mood to practice, but forged on. Went over repertoire, and I'm up to page 6 of the Aebersold book. Starting to get a little itch to start a new repertoire song.

Improvisation

Played repertoire.

Learning improvisation (to me, anyway) is difficult. Better get committed to be in it for the long haul if I expect to be able to do it in a way that is personally rewarding.  Went over some major scale stuff in the Aebersold book. Tried to improvise a little over some stuff with less than satisfying results. Must realize I am still early in the game and stay committed.

Just Another Guitar Tuesday

Practiced repertoire ... worked on major scale single octaves in the Aebersold book ... good about using the Aebersold book ... worked more on the song "Children Go Where I Send Thee" (Johnny Cash style) arranging it for the Church group (practicing it this Sunday with the Church band) to play it at Christmas Eve service.

Major Shift

Decided to use the book: Volume 1 "Jazz Guitar" by Jamie Aebersold; Adapted by Corey Christiansen in order to learn inprovisation. I want to improvise! Will be playing a number of gigs in December. 

I refuse to give up on this improvisation stuff. It just does not come natural to me but I am strongly drawn to learning it. The idea of doing it successfully in a song is just to cool.

Sunday Frustration

Went through my repertoire as well some Fewell melodic extentions. Very frustrated.

Saturday PreChristmas

IPlayed gig at Christmas Church get together. It was something of an indoor flea market, and we provided the music for it. My most fun part was singing the Springsteen version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" as well as the Chuck Berry version of "Run Rudolph Run." Played really in three different bands. The first was the rock and roll band, the second was the band with an added guitar player who has a great singing crooner voice. I played acoustic guitar and sang "Blue Christmas" in the third band which was the gypsy band. That was probably my last gig with the gypsy band. It's not very fun for me, and I'd rather devote my musical energies elsewhere. 

The gig was kind of fun, but Christmas songs can be kind of boring. The audience was pretty much not responsive, but we were there for background music and not the main attraction. 

Came home and collapsed for a nap. Did practice my guitar: my repertoire and Frwell melodic extensions. Might be getting close to trying improvising utilizing the things I've learned from the Fewell book.

Setting up

Tonight will be traveling to bring some gear to where we will be playing tomorrow's gig. Looking forward mostly to playing Springsteen's version of "Merry Christmas Baby." 

More Melodic Extensiions

If you are reading this and interested in hearing some of my original songs, check me out on ReverbNation. Once on that site, I can be found by searching for: The Shortwave Radio Band. Check the sight periodically because new songs will be added. Right now it only has two songs.

Looking forward to Saturday's gig at our Church social hall. 

Good practice day; went over repertoire and melodic extensions. Up to page 27 in the Fewell Improv book. Looking ahead in the book, it looks like inext in line is actually applying the learned melodic extensions in an improvisational exercise.

Nice Tuesday

Went over repertoire; went over melodic extensions; up to page 25 of the Fewell book of major melodic extensions. Good day of practice.

Sunday Plan

First, let's go over what I did musically today: went over repertoire, reviewed my melodic extensions in the circle of 5ths forwards and backwards, and started to get back into chapter 3 of the Fewell book. 

Made another plan to help me with this jazz learning stuff:

1) Will continue to utilize Garrison Fewell's "Jazz Improvisation for Guitar: A Melodic Approach." Generally up to chapter 3 currently.

2) Decided that maybe using another approach can add to my repertoire of what I can do with regards to improvisation. Decided to try to use Jamie Aebersold's Volume 1 Jazz Guitar, Adapted by Corey Christianson.

3) Thinking that maybe learning to read music may be helpful. I know how to read in the first position, but it might be quite helpful to learn to read in other positions. Utilizing "Music Reading for Guitar: The Complete Method" by David Oaks.

4) Will continue to use the concepts in Robert Conti's "The Assembly Line" if wanting to figure out a chord melody arrangement of a song.

Not sure if I can commit to all of that, but I'll try. The priorities will be the Fewell, Aebersold books, and my chord melody repertoire.

Of course, I will also stay in the rock & roll

band.

Philadelphia Eagles win today!

Trying to get better with my health stuff  but with results not entirely successful.

Guitar!

Back to the guitar! Yesterday's temptation to go back to piano instead has subsided, at least for now! Determined I will learn to improvise over jazz standards! Went over my repertoire today, and also played a set of melodic extensions utilizing the circle of fifths forwards and backwards. Played acoustic guitar also at Mass tonight. 

Piano

Thinking of going back to piano. Practiced with the Gypsy Band tonight and it was fun! Here's our version of "Blue Christmas" with me on main vocal:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/zimpjxloe292okg/BlueXmas.m4a?dl=0

Reversed Melodic Extensions

Went over repertoire. Still working on my melodic extensions from the Fewell book and taking my time doing it correctly as best as I can. Working on the first set of melodic extensions in the cycle of 5ths and working on playing them in reverse in order to maximize my possible usage of them. Worked on the E minor one tonight; that one has been fighting me since the fingering is different from the others. I'm anticipating a fight with the F# one next! Trying to get some of my original stuff on ReverbNation, but I must wait for my technologically savvy sin to help with that. 

Healthwise, I fell off the wagon yet again, but the wagon is still in sight and I can climb back on board.

Although I am no longer in the Gypsy Jazz band, they have asked that I sit in one upcoming gig with them since their other guitarist can't make it. So I'll be sitting in a Gypsy Jazz rehearsal of Christmas songs tomorrow. 

Busy Day

Walked my 1/2 hour but ate waaaaay too much pizza. Practiced my repertoire, and I'm still taking my time (trying to do it right) learning my Fewell melodic extensions (including in reverse order). 

The Learning

The learning never stops. Went over repertoire. Went over some melodic extensions and am learning to play one in reverse order. Reminder to self to have the Fewell book in hand when practicing the melodic extensions to not only make sure that my fingerings are correct, but to make sure that I am playing the right notes and following the circle of fifths correctly.

Melodic Extensions

Went over repertoire / continue to try to learn how to use Garrison Fewell's melodic extensions. 

Started vegan diet again today, and walked my 1/2 hour.

Melodic Extensions

Went over my repertoire, but spent most of my practice time trying to get those Fewell melodic extensions on my fingers. Working hard!

Went food shopping today to begin the vegan diet again tomorrow. Will also begin walking 1/2 hour a day starting tomorrow. I hurt my knee walking an hour a day not too long ago. 

Friday

A good Friday practice with most of the band of mostly Christmas songs. "Happy Christmas (War is Over)" by John Kennon remains a challenge, but we are trying to work it out. I really have a blast singing and playing "Merry Christmas Baby" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" (The Bruce Sprinsteen versions). 

Jimmy Reed

Mr. Jimmy Reed. Some of the best blues music as well as best music in general that I love listening to.

Add another page

Went over repertoire; added another page of knowledge regarding the Fewell book. Seem to not look forward to practice, but once I get going, I'm ok.

Rock and Roll band practice tomorrow night.

Wednesday Practice

Did not go over anything new, but at least put forth time into going over repertoire and going over what I've been learning in the Fewell book.

I M P R O V I S A T I O N

I am going to learn this inprovisation stuff. I feel the Fewell book is helping. Will NOT give up. Did you hear that? I will NOT give up. Even when I miss a day or so of practice. That doesn't mean anything. I will get this thing in my hands so I can express myself using guitar sounds in a sonetimes beautiful and sometimes dissonant and sometimes funky way. Will not give up. The commitment and tools are there. 

Tuesday Practice

First of all, I know that the last paragraph of my last post should have been edited, but in not sure why it wouldn't let me edit.

But I had a good practice day: went over repertoire and adding a page of knowledge from the Fewell book. 

! ! Announcement ! !

Very proud to announce that my 17 year old son (who goes by the name "New-Hope") has released his first EP called "Not Tangible" on iTunes:

Not Tangible - EP by New-Hope:

https://itun.es/us/CcRH3

One thing I find cool is that one song is called "Treestars." When he was a small boy, me and him were going to form a band and he wanted to call the band the "Treestars."him were going to form a band, 

Florida State University

My alma mater Florida State University beat Notre Dame last night and that is just fantastic. 

Saturday Trek

Went to visit an old town today; had some good food, and met up with a high school friend who introduced me to the Rolling Stones many years ago.

Practiced my repertoire and continue to work on the Fewell book.

Happy Christmas

Went over some Christmas songs with the band tonight. Did a rough recording of John Lennon's "Happy Christmas (War is Over)." Took the recording home and added tracks. This is me on everything except one background vocal and mandolin:

https://app.box.com/s/m1a7xzck4ohb91a2875t

Practice, Learning, Garrison Fewell

Practiced repertoire and the Fewell book. This improv stuff will take some time. Yesterday I actually tried to learn some stuff about modes.

I know I've probably said this before in different contexts, but yet again, I'm learning the fact that LEARNING TAKES TIME. There ain't no magic book. (Though Robert Conti's "The Assembly Line" is an exception!)There ain't no way of learning a musical instrument easily (for me, anyway). What I'm really talking about it that there is no real easy method out there that teaches inprovisation for me. 

So what I ended up doing is getting a bunch of books that teach guitar inprovisation. I have a hunch that dedicating one's self to any one of these books can lead someone to improvise. But it ain't easy! These books are not easy. 

So this is one tactic that I used: 

I got my improv method books and listened to the accompanying CDs or downloads to hear what I might sound like as a result of using the method in question. 

I kept coming back to Garrisin Fewell's "Jazz Improvisation for Guitar: A Melodic Approach." So this is the book I remain committed to. Now I may gain some knowledge from other stuff, but this is the book for me. 

Not to say this book is easy. For someone at my level, it is quite a challenge. But my habit is usually to quit one method and go to another when the going gets tough. I don't think I'll use that escape this time.

If I want to learn to improvise jazz, this is the method for me. The solos sound musical and not like just a series of notes. So it's time to stay committed, knowing that it will take a long time to get through this book, and there will be times of frustration, but the rewards might just include helping me to do what I want to do: express my spirit and soul using the language of melody and improvisation.

So thank you, Garrison Fewell!

As a kid, I thought the Batmobile was so cool

Not the Best Practice Day

Seemed like brain and fingers just refused to cooperate. Perhaps I'm tribe to do too much than what is recommended. So I'll just go back to following along most of recommended paths. Yesterday played guitar at Mass at Church and it went ok.

Rehearsal

Had rehearsal tonight with the rock and roll band to prepare for a few Christmas gigs. Added some new stuff. We probably sounded ok, but this was one of those nights where I wasn't really happy with my guitar playing. Sometimes my limitations really get on my nerves, and tonight was one of those nights. I think part of the blame lies in the fact that during rehearsals I do not use my own amp but rather a friend's. This leads me to not really get the sounds I want and can get with my own amp. 

Sometimes my goal of improvising seems so distant, and tonight was one of those times. But I refuse to capitulate !!!

Lennon / Rock & Roll / Jazz

First things first. Happy Birthday to John Lennon who is 74 years old today! 

Practiced some stuff in preparation for our rock and roll Christmas practice tomorrow. I added "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" by John Lennon.

Practiced a few repertoire songs today. Also reviewed some stuff from the Fewell book. Trying to play some of the stuff backwards to get them learned better. 

Rock & Roll Christmas

Our rock & roll band who be doing a couple of shows this upcoming Christmas season. Looking forward to practicing  some rock & roll Christmas tunes this Friday. Specifically, I'll be singing: "Run Rudoph Run," "Merry Christmas Baby (Sprinsteen version)," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Sprinsteen version)," and "Jingle Bell Rock." Some other rock/blues Chistmas songs we'll be trying where I won't be the one carrying the arrangements might include (but not limited to): "Blue Christmas," "Merry Christmas Baby (Blues version)," "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree," "White Christmas (Drifters version)," and I think "Winter Wonderland (Fats Domino version)." 

Not A Lot of Time

Did not have a lot of time to practice today. Did manage, however, to go over Fewell's stuff and two of the more difficult chord melody songs. 

Tenacity

Not giving up on this guitar stuff. Practiced some repertoire as well as some stuff from the Fewell book.

Monday Monday Monday Monday

Played the "Christmas Song" trying to stay on track. Added another jazz Inprov part from the Fewell book.

Eagles Win / Guitar Win

Practiced my repertoire today. Also went slowly over one of the Fewell patterns. I'm thinking to learn this improv stuff, I need to take it slowly. And that's ok. I got everything I need: guitars/amps/two great method books. I don't need anything else except dedicated practice. The Philadelphia Eagles won today but they almost blew it at the end.

Remember the homecoming dances I spoke about in the post below? Well I found out two kids died as a result of alcohol and driving with regards to the dance. Sad and horrible.

Saturday / Homecoming Dances

Homecoming by dances were tonight for two of my kids. Musically, I mostly worked on that Christmas song. Looked thru some various jazz improv learning books I have, and again, the Fewell book won. I'm going to have to really commit to it, but I think it will lead to great benefits. My Florida State Seminoles (ranked #1) won again, but to be honest they did not look very domineering (I think the 43-3 score, believe it or not, was not indicative of how the game really went). Here are some pics of my son and daughter on this homecoming dance night:

And the Winner is.....

I think I am going to go back to my original plan of some time ago:

1) Will use Robert Conti's "Assembly Line" to build a repertoire of chord melody songs.

2) Will use Garrison Fewell's "Jazz Improvisation for Guitar: A Melodic Approach" to learn improv. This book connects with the sounds I like, and it seems to utilize a logical and elegant approach to building solos. So this book is the "winner" that I will employ.

Health Update and Jazz Guitar

         !!! NO SURGERY NEEDED !!!

Just some physical therapy, meds, and follow-up.

Received my 4,000th book today about how to improvise Jazz in guitar. So fat, I think the Charlie Christian one may be winning. Maybe.

Church Picnic

What a great time plating with the rock and roll band at the Church picnic today. Channeling my inner rock and roll star with Springsteen type of talk during some songs. Interesting from a musical standpoint applying some stuff from the Fewell book during my solo for the song "Moondance." A fun day!

Saturday

Read a bit of "Zen Guitar" today. I want to express my spirit and my soul

In my music. Results of MRI to be discussed with doctor on Thursday. Ok so I bought a new jazz Inprov book. I'm thinking, though, that the way to go might be to just dedicate myself to the Garrison Fewell Jazz Improv book and

Jazz Improvisation for Guitar: A Melodic Approach

really concentrate on it. Playing at church picnic tomorrow with the rock and roll band. Looking forward to expressing myself with my music there [and eating their food :) ] !!!!

A Good Gig

Gig went well, but of course the lack of a participating audience was an issue. It was mostly a car show. I think we sounded good. Here's my friend relaxing at the show:

Gig Day / Health

Will be playing a gig today with the rock & roll band at a car show; we will have a jar set up for donations to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The set lists will be similar to the September 13 post below. Some notable exceptions are that we added some songs switching our bass player to saxaphone on "Tequilla," "Sleepwalk," and "Honky Tonk / pt. 2." 

Another very notable exception involving me is that we added a medley of "Mona/Not Fade Away." For years I have been a gigantic fan of Bruce Springsteen's versions of this medley where he utilizes these tunes and others that have this "Bo Diddley beat" which lead to Bruce's "She's the One." "She's the One" is the first Bruce song I really liked. Needless to say, I'm a huge fan of the Bo Diddley beat, and I am very much looking forward to doing this stuff!

Got some scary health news the other day which I'll try to summarize in the "short version" here. Having an MRI of my next this week to see if I have a certain health condition. If I don't have the condition, then ok. If I do have the condition, and I do NOT have surgery, then I can expect to eventually get paralyzed and end up in a wheelchair. This news stunned me, but then when I had a chance to think about it more, what it comes down to is a win-win situation: if I don't have the condition, then great! And if I do have the condition, then that's actually fine because surgery will stop the progression of the condition! Actually found out that our drummer had surgery for the same exact issue and it turned out just fine.

I told my wife about this issue a couple days ago when I found out, and I was pretty shook up. Told my kids yesterday, and wow, my 17 year old son was so great about it.  (The younger kids were too, but I told them all late at night and my younger ones were just going to bed).  My son actually asked how I was doing with it, told me I can talk to him about it, knew sonething was wrong when I talked to wife the other day alone, asked if I wanted to watch a movie with him, and treated me late last night to some fast food. So proud of him!

Anyway, I'm very much looking forward to today's gig and hopefully people will show up, actually listen to us and do some dancing, and will make some cash for the Make-A-Wish folks. If you have read this post and are a believer in God, I'd appreciate some prayers for the health stuff; thanks!!!!!

Slow, Patient, Practice

Not sure if I will get to practicing today due to my schedule. But yesterday I did something a little different with my practice of the Fewell book. Took my time. Didn't focus on quickly turning pages as much as slowly trying to absorb and internalize the material. The result was that I think I made progress in terms of better internalizing the material. Having the guitar in hand while using my mind to learn and internalize material is a good method for me in learning improvisation.

Gig Day II

Benefit gig for kids with cancer went well in terms of how we sounded; it's a shame though that turnout wasn't big at all. Didn't get through all the songs (see post below this one). One song that I particularly liked was the old Everly Brothers' song "Let it Be Me." I sing lead on it, and the other guitarist provides a wonderful harmony vocal.

Will soon be getting on the mail the book "Outside Music Inside Voices" by Garrison Fewell (the same author of the book I'm working out of to learn improv.). The one I recently ordered talks about improv and spirituality.

Today's gig setup:

Gig Day I

Yesterday went over repertoire and worked on some melodic extensions.

Today is gig day for our rock and roll band; playing at a benefit for kids with cancer. Here's the set lists ( *denotes songs I sing lead on or a lot of):

1. 

Blue Suede Shoes

Bad Moon Risin *

Lucille *

Come a Little Bit Closer

That's All Right Mama

Ain't Too Proud to Beg *

Land of 1000 Dances *

Dream

Twist and Shout *

Bless the Child (an original written by a band member) *

2.

Memphis

Midnite Special

Spooky *

All Shook Up *

Last Kiss *

Kiss the Girl

Pink Cadillac *

Bebopalula *

Don't be Cruel

Margariteaville

3.

White Sport Coat

Spider and the Fly

Midnite Hour *

High Heeled Sneakers

Shake Rattle and Roll

Secret Agent Man

Heard it Through the Grapevine *

Werewolves of London

    Bye Bye Love *

Jumbalaya

Hang on Sloopy/Louie Louie (Medley) *

4.

Johnny B. Goode *

CC Rider

Moondance

Suzy Q *

Let it Be Me *

I Saw Her Standing There *

Slow Down *

Little Sister *

Amazing Grace (House of the Rising Sun format)

Teach Your Children *

Guitar Thursday

Another good guitar day. Went over repertoire, and dove again into Garrison Fewell's "Jazz Improvisation for Guitar: A Melodic Approach" book. 

Our rock and roll band had a fun rehearsal tonight in preparation for our Saturday gig. It's a gig benefiting kids with cancer. 

"The Christmas Song"

Well it needs work, but here's how it's sounding today:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/vl95cur4l3wuq5x/My%20Song%2032.m4a?dl=0

Finished the song, yes, but still fighting with how to do improv. Worked aittle on a minor scale; tempted to go back to a book I started a while ago. 

Another Good Guitar Day

Interesting and good day with the guitar. Worked on repertoire and also added to my chord melody knowledge of "The Christmas Song" utilizing Robert Conti's "Assembly Line." 

Just airtime talk about 'fear' is in order. Perhaps I didn't move on sooner in that song because of fear. Fear I couldn't handle it. So it's easier to stagnate thanto take  the risk. Well I confronted that today and I'm glad I did! It's sounding nice.

Also ready to move on in the Aebersold book.

Cool Beatles Picture

This looks like it was taken in some kind of time warp or something:

Agenda

Guitar Agenda for Today

1. Review Repertoire

2. Experiment with Charlie Christian shapes. Maybe I can use these shapes as a basis for my improvs?

3. Continue to work on "The Christmas Song."

4. To the extent that #2 above is successful, utilize the Aebersold book.

5. Practice for Saturday's rock and roll gig.

Agenda (Other)

1. Clean gutters and try to get gutter guards.

2. Food shopping 

3. Buy stamps

4. Consider possibly working on basement; cardboard and CDs.

Well, here's how I did today with the above agenda items:

Regarding "Guitar Agenda," I did #1, #2 (my experiment did not work the way I may have liked), #3 (but did not learn anything new to the song), #4 (major scale shapes), and #5 (with a bandmate).

Regarding the "other" Agenda Items:

Successfully cleaned gutters and somewhat successfully installed gutter guards. Did #2 and #3, painted part of shed (with wrong kind of paint [!]), and painted address plate on our home. Did not do #4.

This Ray Rice / Baltimore Ravens / NFL stuff is not cool. 

Really great guitar day

Felt good learning "The Christmas Song" (again). It's not done yet. Went over my repertoire; began relearning Aebersold scale forms. Felt like a good guitar day.

Philly Eagles were losing 17-0 in their season opener, then they stage a comeback to win in the second half. Good job, men!

Opening Day of Philly Eagles Football !

Saturday

Received sacrament of Penance at Church tonight, then played guitar at Mass. Practiced my chord melody songs, still in the wilderness at night without a light when it comes to improv. FSU Seminoles win tonight; Philly Eagles play game one of new NFL season tomorrow.

September 5, 2014, Music, and the Guitar

Went back a bit to the joy of melody in going over some of my chord melody songs. Do not want to lose this skill, and I can't say enough about Robert Conti's "Assembly Line" in teaching this.

Considering utilizing Herb Ellis books or Conti's "Ticket to Improv." I am all over the place, I realize, with my sources of learning material.

Lesson 1 / Stefani Course

Have not yet received lesson two in the mail yet; this is a GOOD thing, because it gave me a chance to work more on the third lick given in the "Jazz Language." It is a challenge for me to implement those picking direction changes in that third lick!

Mark Stefani Course

Currently utilizing Mark Stefani's Jazz Guitar Course by mail: "Swing Blues: The Doorway to Jazz." It has 24 lessons, and I should be receiving the second lesson any day now. Just about done with the first lesson, though it isn't quite perfected. For this lesson, I learned three jazz licks, a song, and how to use some chords in a progression.

Labor Day, 2014

Went on a date with my wife to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary!

A nice guitar practice today of some repertoire songs and my jazz guitar lessons. Having some trouble with alternate pickings as described but it'll be ok. 

Finding that "seize the day" can't mean "conquer everything in a day" when it comes to learning guitar, having a family, and having a career!

Last picture of Titanic

Dead Poets Society

Carpe Diem

Seize the Day

What's your verse to be?

Watched "Dead Poets Society" today with my son. Saw it before, but what a great inspiring movie. Loved it. Inspired me in teaching early in my doctoral training. Still sad about Robin Williams.

Good practice day today, going over my riffs and some repertoire. Getting ready soon for a rock and roll gig with the band. Quit the Gypsy Band; want to do more rock and roll as well as jazz.

Health. Guitar.

Long story short: some problems with discs in neck. Knee issue (although painful) seems to be not as concerning as neck stuff. Exercise on hold. No more being a vegan. Got to regroup and work with what I got (Tony Evans talks about being "great" with what you got in his book, "Kingdom Man"). 

Guitar work is coming along at a snail's pace. Was tempted again to go back to piano and the Sudnow Method, but I do not think I'll be doing that. 

Have been listening to some cool Johnny Hodges stuff. 

Slowly coming around to being a Catholic again. Have been reading Christian stuff. 

Practice Sunday

Traveled about two hours to see my dad today. Listened to some cool Johnny Hodges in the car. Got home and had a good guitar practice. I have to learn two more jazz things before I'm done with Lesson 1.

Practice Saturday

Good practice day. Of six assignments, I am working pretty good on three. It's a lot of work doing this jazz guitar stuff! 

Healthwise, I am out of commission due to my knee. Got to get back to the diet but it's seeming easier to break it, unfortunately. Feel bad, stlll, though about eating meat; couldn't bring myself to eat a lunch meat sandwich today.

Slowly working my way back to Jesus in the Catholic faith. 

COOL EARLY ROCKER BEATLES

Bumps in the Road

Went off of diet big time today. Big car bill did not help. Knee pain precludes exercising at this point. Getting lackluster about guitar though today I did practice some new stuff and some of repertoire. I will bounce back and both health and music fronts. I've come too far with good health to give up now, and one day of cheating won't eliminate all gains (after a month of eating better and exercising more, my blood pressure seems to be improving, and I lost 13.5 pounds). Can't give up now! 

Here We Go!

Got my first jazz guitar lesson in the mail today. It's looking cool. Got some stuff to work on! Still walking an hour a day and trying to eat better. 

The Stones, My Guitar, Change, and Health

Fun practice with the rock and roll band tonight. Really enjoying my Epiphone ES-339 Pro. 

Been listening to the Rolling Stones' "Ventillator Blues" on the "Exile on Main Street" album. Love the hypnotically repeated riff in the song, the guitar solo at the end of the song, how the song segues into the next track, and that track itself "I Just Want To See His Face."

Still shocked regarding the sad, sad death of Robin Williams...

Haven't really been into practicing my repertoire for some reason. Maybe I'm ready for the change that the new jazz lessons might offer. Maybe I'm being drawn to making other kinds of music with my guitar. However, in the band tonight we did play a couple of songs in my repertoire: "Over the Rainbow," and "Misty." 

Lost 13 pounds since July 21st; eating mostly a vegan diet (with some cheating :)); walked for an hour every day for the past 25 of 27 days; have started to sometimes jog during part of my walks. Feels really really good.

Robin Williams

So heartbreaking and shocking to hear of the death of Robin Williams....

Rest in Peace 

:( 

Back From Vacation

A good family vacation. Spent a week doing some walking, trying to eat healthy, and having some family time. 

Musically, signed up for the Mark Stefani course, read some of the Bix Beiderbecke book, and read some of Robert Conti's "The Formula!"

Today was the first time I picked up the guitar in a while. Played repertoire.

"Boyhood"

Saw a beautiful movie last night: "Boyhood." I connected with it on so many levels, and I give it a five star rating (if five stars is the best a movie can get). Related to it as a parent, and related to the main character's point of view. Highly, highly recommended. 

Abbey Road

45 years ago today the Beatles made their walk across Abbey Road for the album cover. 

How'd this guy photobomb it? :)

Swing Blues: The Doorway to Jazz

Ordered the first three lessons of Mark Stefani's course: "Swing Blues: The Doorway to Jazz."

Bix

Reading an interesting book: "Bix: The Definitive History of a Jazz Legend," by Jean Pierre Lion. It's a biography of Leon "Bix" Beiderbecke, a jazz horn player during the 1920's.

Interesting how some musicians just seem to be so focused on their art, at the expense of fitting in with so-called normal  society. 

I'll probably be making a major announcement soon regarding my next step in learning jazz guitar. Stay tuned.