Piano

I just keep going with the piano and mostly the Sudnow Method. It takes work, and for me the challenge is to just stay in it for the long haul and just trust the Method. 

Just doing the Sudnow Method requires you to actually spend time at the piano, rather than watching videos, reading, or doing other things that take away from the task and hand.

Continue to work on “Yesterday” and “Over the Rainbow.”

Giving some thought to getting an acoustic piano!

The Zone

I played the piano tonight and I went into “the zone.” A place where self-criticism of my play quiets down, where I just seem to be kind of immersed in what I’m doing just for the sake of doing it. Just played “Yesterday” over and over ... never mastering it, yet immersed in it. I even added a little bit into it that was a reference to “Strawberry Fields Forever” (my favorite song). 

Constructive criticism: focus more on keeping a regular beat. On time. Go for quality. 

Also started a different piano program too tonight and will see where that might lead me while I work on perfecting “Yesterday.” 

Played a little guitar also, trying to work on the five Improvisation shapes and relate them to a major key. Will probably try to do a bit more Improvisation during Christmas shows this year. Speaking of which, band practice for the Christmas season starts tomorrow.

Gypsy

Yea so tonight I took out a couple of instructional Gypsy Jazz guitar books. I guess I get bored with an instrument, a genre, or a method. 

As with any genre, I’m not really interested in playing in fast tempos. like the mid tempo, or even the slower tempo stuff.

What a Wonderful World (Band Video)

The Band!

Gig Night

Our band played tonight for a community of older folks. It’s nice to see them actually enjoying it and singing along. I think our band wasn’t on our “A” game, but I think that overall we did well. May be missing some, but I sang lead on “Hello, Mary Lou,” “What a Wonderful World,” “Johnny B. Goode,” and “All Shook Up.” Here’s a pic of your’s truly singing “What a Wonderful World.” 

Shifting Winds

Recently, thought of gettting back into Gypsy Jazz guitar. Also, thought of taking a course in Blues-Jazz guitar that seemed to possibly focus on the Gypsy guitar style. Thought of even getting a Gypsy guitar. Tempted a bit to trade my guitar for a different guitar. Rejoined a Gypsy jazz band.

But I didn’t do any of the above, and will not.  I kind of backed out of the Gypsy band and basically suggested I’ll join if we do more of electric swing jazz band rather than acoustic.

Played at the piano a bit, and that seems to still be what I should focus on. 

Playing a gig for an older folks’ community tomorrow night.

No Making Music Today

Not in the mood to make music today...

"Want to Believe"

My friend worked on my song and he did a great job with it!  Wondering what to use, how to use it, try lyrics, etc.

Was tempted to take a jazz / blues guitar course that may focus on Gypsy Guitar but I think I'll pass.

Worked a little on piano. As odd as this may sound, playing "Yesterday" which I thought might be difficult, was kind of relaxing even though I definitely don't have it at a performance level. Continue to work (slowly) on "Over the Rainbow."

"Want to Believe"

Sent my friend the chord structure for the song. Maybe he'll help with it:

"Want to Believe"

Made what I think is a pretty good recording of my song, with a new section. Bad day: the Vegas shooting, and the news that Tom Petty is having bad health issues. First, news came that he had a heart attack. Then the news said he died. Now, the news says that he's alive. Would be beautiful if he can stay with us! Prayers up!

"Want to Believe"

Tried playing my Les Paul to see if it would do anything for me; didn't work. 

Piano:

Continue to play "Yesterday." I started working, I believe yesterday, on "Over the Rainbow."

A friend intrigued me regarding his suggestions that I try writing a song. So I did it. It's called, "Want to Believe." The title is inspired by his faith in Christ and how is like to have that faith. The song has no lyrics, and I'm not sure if it will. It's not bad for a first attempt at songwriting in awhile.

Philadelphia Eagles win and their record is now 3 - 1.