G u I t a r

Been really getting into guitar lately / learning scales

Son’s graduation with his MSW

Dark Eyes

Working on upper extensions is a pain.

Dark Eyes

Working on four note arpeggios in the first and second inversions to the chords of the song. 

Dark Eyes

Continuing my work on this song, I now have completed the melody, chords, and playing two inversions of single notes of the chords. It’s all leading up to learning how to improvise. Was hard work today and sometimes got frustrated, but it’s working out.

Dark Eyes

Worked to get the melody and chords of “Dark Eyes” in my hands. Must admit it was easier than I thought it would be.

Gypsy Jazz

Recently joined an on-line study course in Gypsy Jazz. Today I worked on memorizing the chords to “Minor Swing.” Also worked on learning a solo to it using arpeggios. 

Gypsy Jazz

Getting into Gypsy Jazz guitar. Using Robin Nolan’s book: “Beginner Gypsy Jazz Guitar.” Learning, at this point, minor and major chords. Not into the speed skills in this genre, but I really like the melodic solos that remind me of Louis Armstrong. Who knows? Might get a gypsy jazz guitar. My weakness will definitely be in soloing. I can fake it if I try now, but I’d rather know more. 

Saxophone practice

Practice on guitar the song Irish washerwoman. I can play it, but not At the speed that is needed. Practice on the saxophone was a little rough today. Practice from the method book and that went generally OK. But then I practice from one of the improvisation books, and it was a little more rough going. Practicing the C minor Dorian scale and the D minor Dorian scale. I can play them OK looking at the notes; however, I have a difficult time playing them or at least the D minor Dorian scale backwards.

I listen to some classical music today on the way to visit a friend about an hour away. Enjoyed it. Finding That I like mostly rock ‘n’ roll, early jazz, swing jazz, and the blues. But not so much the free jazz stuff.

Lester Young / Charlie Parker / John Coltrane

Of these three saxophone players, Lester Young as my favorite. What a cool sound. Charlie Parker Hass to be in second place. His talent seems to be incredible. John coal train is on the elderly talented also, but he’s not quite my taste. I’m more of a person who likes melody and music rather than free jazz. Therefore, it’s easy to see why John Coltrane’s “ballads” album is probably my favorite of his. But Lester Young sound is what really grabs me.

Saxophone

It’s easy to get intimidated, or should I say it’s easy for me to get intimidated regarding practicing the saxophone. There seems to be so much to learn. So much that I might get so intimidated that I do not even practice at all. But then there comes a time like today when I decide to practice. I find that things are easier than they seem. Practice segments at a time don’t seem that bad after all. Just a matter of patience.