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.

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!