Saxophone

A good day of saxophone practice. Practiced a couple pages in the method book. Also practiced the D minor 7 scale and the C minor 7 scale. It’s looking probable that I’ll be getting my own alto sax soon. Just not sure which one between two that are in the running. Cost is of course a factor. But maybe cost shouldn’t be a factor. 

Saxophone

Learning some accidental notes on the saxophone. Learned E flat, and reviewed B-flat and A flat. Getting there slowly.

Bob Dylan / November 29, 2021 / Concert

Bobby Dylan, age 80, performed a moving show this evening at Philadelphia’s Met venue. Rather than give a standard review of the show, I’ll just present my personal reactions.

First of all, this is the second Dylan show that I attended with my son. The first time I saw Dylan with my son was on the opening night of the met in Philadelphia. During that show, it was moving to hear Dylan play an updated version of blowing in the wind. But let’s fast forward to tonight‘s show. What struck me the most about tonight show was just the fact that it was a moving show. By moving, I mean that it was kind of on the emotional side. It almost sounded as if Dylan was choked up singing mother of muses. I always took this song to mean  that Dylan, being 80 years old, is still hoping to get the muse to inspire him to continue his art. Dylan‘s voice was fantastic. His version of false prophet was powerful. Really enjoyed his Frank Sinatra cover version. Also particularly liked Dylan’s Revamped version of I’ll be your baby tonight. This man is 80 years old and he is still writing and performing. This says something to me about his dedication to his art. Not only is he touring, but he is touring with a relatively new album. And Dylan only played piano this evening.; No guitar. His piano playing reminded me of Thelonius Monk. I Bob Dylan remains so Inspiring. Doing musical things his way. Expressing himself his way. And it continues to work.

Bob Dylan Concert

Happy Thanksgiving, 2021

Sax!

Took the plunge and signed up for saxophone lessons. My teacher isn’t comfortable teaching soprano since it’s apparently a difficult starting instrument, so I’ll be taking alto lessons. Looking forward to this! First lesson is December 1. I have respect for my teacher because he could have easily said yes to teaching me soprano just for the money, but he did not. I hope I stick with this! 

Sax vs Guitar

https://app.box.com/s/lrjxcrpnridc2q8yzdwjnj2frxgwqs0m

There’s a link to a recording of soprano sax I recently made. Still torn between sax vs guitar in terms of where to really put my focus. I think sax wins out. Want to get a new electric guitar, but the problem is I don’t need a new one. What I have now is fine…

Gig

Gig yesterday with the band

Saxophone

Had a really good soprano saxophone day. Played out of the method book, and the songs “Edelweiss,” and “Silent Night.”

Guitar

Practiced from the arpeggio book and some scale stuff today. The Sudnow Method keeps calling to me. I used to have some good fun with it.

Guitar Plan

Back to just guitar. Here are some practice goals:

 1) Learn song melody. Use chord melodies and learn them and memorize them. Build repertoire. 

2) Work on the Musso arpeggio book

3) Work on the Silver improvising book main material

Today I was able to do some productive work on #2.  Worked a little on #3 and certainly can see some weaknesses I have there.

Piano

Back to piano. Music (for me) is difficult (at least on instruments other than the guitar). 

Worked on Here, There, and Everywhere tonight, using the Sudnow Method. 

Piano

Been continuing off and on with the piano. Looks like I need to learn song after song using what I know.

Piano

Here’s the scoop. Could get a new guitar, but surprise....don’t really want one. Made a deal with an old friend from my PhD days at Florida State University. He wants to learn violin, and I want to learn piano. So that’s what we will work on, encouraging each other if it gets tough. It’s good for me to have an “accountability buddy” with this. 

Guitar? Still technically with the trio, but we haven’t done anything in awhile since COVID-19. Gypsy guitar? Sounds interesting, but not sure I “want it” enough to keep my interest, and I tried it before and lost interest. Soprano sax? Maybe. But I think piano is the Mt Everest for me.

Going back to my piano teacher this Saturday. 

Here, There, and Everywhere

Working hard on my first piano lesson. Finding it very difficult. Those inversions are quite difficult for me. But this may be the first or second time that I’ve worked hard on them. 

Piano

Starting new piano lessons this Saturday, January 8. Haven’t posted in awhile. My dad died December 18. It hit hard, but I’m doing better. Still in the trio band, but we haven’t played out or practiced in awhile. I haven’t played the guitar in sometime. Trying again to lose weight and eat better.