Posts made by SSmith1226

I’m a neophyte at this, probably not much more advanced than you, so take what I have to say with a grain of salt. What I have personally found to be extremely helpful in the “self taught” aspect of my journey, besides listening to accomplished musicians, studying theory, ect.,is playing along with iReal Pro as my rhythm section. There are over a thousand “standards” programmed into it, and you’d can create your own accompaniment (chord changes) in any key, tempo, and rhythm that you want. I have found that very helpful, especially in working out solos on Big Band Charts. I suspect that there are other “Band In A Box” apps that are similar.
I have also found a music transcription program to be very helpful in writing down, developing, annd editing my ideas.
Good luck with your journey!

@Gendreauj said in St. James Infirmary:

Looking for a book that contains St.James Infirmary, other songs of that era and genre.

The Creole Jazz Band Fake book, available as a free download has what you are looking for. It is available for Bb, C, Eb, Bass Cleff, etc. If you can’t find this on line, contact me with a private message including your email address, and I will send it to you.

Relative to my last post concerning the inflated price of fast food chicken and the upcoming holiday….

Inflation isn’t humorous, but yesterday I went to one of my favorite chicken restaurants. Fortunately I didn’t order the Nuggets and Strawberry Ceesecake. If I did I might have to pay with $100 bills.

You can fill in the blanks!

@gregco
Greg,
Thank you again for your very relevant, informative response and analysis.
I too am an amateur and comeback player since 2016 with a 44 year layoff. I practice 1-3 hrs per day, play in multiple community bands and 2 Big Bands six months per year and have fewer playing obligations the rest of the year. At nearly 76 years old, I don’t know whether a year and a half of commitment will be worth the effort. I also would question whether spending the time trying to perfect a new embrasure will cause deterioration of my current abilities.
I would find it helpful to talk to you further on Zoom or FaceTime to discuss this further. I’m in the United States and in the Eastern Time Zone. I’ll send you my contact by chat, and perhaps we can set something up.

@gregco
Greg,
Excellent and concise answer to my question!
How long did it take you to switch to your new embrasure and feel comfortable playing in all ranges?

Over the last few years I have seen advertisements for Greg Spence’s Windworks “Mystery to Mastery” program. I certainly could benefit tremendously from making my playing more efficient and I’m considering taking the plunge. I have a few months coming up of reduced playing obligations, so I will have time to spend learning and practicing this method. My questions are, does anyone on the forum have any firsthand experience with this program, and if so, could they report on their experience and results?
Thanks

1 hr and 45 minutes later in the same spot, overlooking Cape Cod Bay, The Northern Lights!

Three hrs after the above photos

Twilight over Cape Cod Bay

@tjcombo
Our’s tastes like chicken. It’s very good on the grill with Baby Rays BBQ Sauce.

@J-Jericho
All I have to say to that is tekiah, shevarim, t'ruah, tekiah gedolah and the walls came tumbling down.

“Over a thousand (1,006) alphorn players gathered on Klewenalp in Canton Nidwalden. At the gathering, they played choral melodies and broke the world record for the largest alphorn ensemble.”

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@administrator said in A little humour:

You gotta eat whatever the local environment produces, I guess. I keep hearing something about cats and dogs...

Reykjavik, Iceland:

@J-Jericho

Another performance of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”, this time a Big Band Arrangement, played in rehearsal. I am the soloist starting abound 1:30, with a solo that I created.
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@BigDub said in A little humour:

@SSmith1226 said in A little humour:

You have seen a real one, to compare? Yes?

Actually yes! As a kid I enjoyed hanging out at the Museum of Natural History in Manhattan. Below is a video of what I saw and remember clearly to this day.
Interestingly enough, when the book, Jurassic Park, came out, I read it while on a fishing trip, staying in the Darien Jungle of Panama. Needless to say, watched out carefully for Velociraptors and other carnivorous dinosaurs, especially when walking back to my cabin after dinner in the dark. Fortunately I did not encounter any other than in nightmares, which were very real!

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@J-Jericho said in How about a "Random Meaningless Image...let's see them string"?:

An understanding of music theory can improve one's howling.

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