What is on your i-pod playlist?

Apparently we have formed some pretty strong stereotypes that link people to the music they listen to.  HERE is the full study out of Cambridge University.  It's a hard read so you should probably just skip to this thing HERE.  It's a video clip and summary of the article.  Another study out of Heriot-Watt University adds to the mix.  Check it out and give a listen to it's author HERE.

"Mom, I want to grow up and be a jazz musician."
"Now son, you have to pick one or the other, you can't do both."

A classic!

This is a classic tune, and one of the all time best selling songs of jazz.  It's called "Take Five" because it's written in 5/4 time.  It is the title track from the album of the same name.  If you don't own it, you should.
 The song was written and made famous by the Dave Brubeck Quartet.  Dave is on piano, Joe Morello is the drummer (and he plays one of the most famous drum solos in the history of jazz on the album), Paul Desmond is on alto sax and Eugene Wright is on bass.  JAZZ GIG TIP #67:  If you want to clear a dance floor, play something in 5!

Monkey Business

Apparently monkeys don't go for music, unless it's made for them.  Click HERE to take an auditory journey like no other.


Which do you prefer...happy or fearful monkey music?  I know you're probably asked that a lot, but indulge us after you check out the snippets.

The left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing.

The left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing.  Maybe it's better that way?  This is a clip of a guy named Phineas Newborn Jr. doing some left hand blues.

GO HERE NOW!

How do I, your blog, get you to to click HERE now?  This is the best.  This is what the internet was invented for.  Well, for this and other stuff.  I'm guessing this link probably only works in the evening when the jazz set is under way.  

PROJECT IDEA #1:  For added fun, rearrange the living room furniture to face the computer, invite your friends over, dim the lights, have your friends wear their shades and make comments to each other in between songs like "they should take this uptown, where the bread is at."

Some thoughts on learning the trombone in 1878

We here at the blog like to keep it old school.  Click HERE to view this article.  It's from the NY Times in 1878.  It starts about halfway down the page on the left and then continues into a second column.  Why?  Why not?   Below are two excerpts  that might raise your eyebrows...

"Of all of the various brass instruments which have been devised by musical or malevolent ingenuity, there is none which in it's capacity for inflicting both torture and delight is comparable to the trombone."

Agree or disagree?  Here is another...  

"Central Africa is clearly the place designed by nature for students of the trombone.  There alone they can practice in safety, and there alone will their brazen discords aid the march of civilization."

"...lets see what we can do here."

Ingrid Jensen is a trumpeter you should check out.  As a musician, she lives in the moment and interacts with what she hears, which is what you should strive to do.  She also has a pleasant, down to earth attitude.  Let her show you the way.

I'll bring it to you.

Click HERE for the Smalls jazz club live video feed.  It's pretty much the coolest thing since sliced bread.  The best part is you won't miss the last train home.

Now play me some blues!

I'm not sure it's accurate, but I like this quote from Bleeding Gums Murphy on the Simpsons as he was teaching Lisa to play..."The blues isn't about feeling better. It's about making other people feel WORSE, and making a few bucks while you're at it."

Click HERE to tryout a slow blues in F

Click HERE to live dangerously with a fast blues in F