Author Archives: Gandalfe

About Gandalfe

Just an itinerant saxophonist trying to find life between the changes. I have retired from the Corps of Engineers and Microsoft. I am an admin on the Woodwind Forum, run the Seattle Solid GOLD Big Band (formerly the Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra) a GOLD sax quartet, and enjoy time with family and friends.

Dog Walking Joy

Posted on May 13, 2023 by Gandalfe

Abby loves to take us walking, insists upon it actually. I suspect she wants to keep us active and happy, This collie is such a joy, never met a kid she didn’t instinctively love. We walk her 4 to 6 … Continue reading →

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At long Last: Returning to Music Performance

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Gandalfe

After a 25 year break in music performance, I returned to my roots. I purchased an alto saxophone, joined a band, and started taking lessons. First thing I noticed is that I was a horrible sight reader, something that is … Continue reading →

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Por Une Cabeza

Posted on March 15, 2023 by Gandalfe

At our last dance performance my wife Suzy put down her tenor sax, picked up a clarinet, and joined Lauren on the stage for this lovely duet. So many happy dancers, such a nice arrangement. I heard another band doing … Continue reading →

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House Purchase Wants/Needs List

Posted on March 5, 2023 by Gandalfe

My son and his family have moved into their forever house. Before he did I gave him the list of criteria we have used over the years to pick our forever home, although three times we ended up moving. The … Continue reading →

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Project Inspiration: Start a Sax Quartet

Posted on March 4, 2023 by Gandalfe

When I started to play saxophone again after a 25+ year hiatus I started looking for ensembles to perform with. I started with a community band to find connections into the local music scene. I really love big bands but … Continue reading →

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That One Crazy Gig – Take 50

Posted on February 8, 2023 by Gandalfe

Our first gig of the year turned out to be both lucrative and interesting. It was billed as a birthday party for one of the couples who love and support our band. It was to take place the week after … Continue reading →

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Wood or Metal Clarinet Prediction – 1920

Posted on December 16, 2022 by Gandalfe

Although the prediction that metal clarinets would become de rigueur proved to be false, this is an interesting read. Note, it was written in The Melody Maker in the late 1920’s by a well-known clarinet player, Ralph Dunbar.

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Last GOLD Big Band concert of the Year

Posted on October 6, 2022 by Gandalfe

As is my custom for this band, this was the last concert for 2022. I like to take November and December off to enjoy the holiday season. The rest of October we will be sightreading some charts to pick new … Continue reading →

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Ring Security

Posted on October 1, 2022 by Gandalfe

We have installed two (of three) cameras from Ring. We are impressed with the simplicity of the installation, the crisp and clear videos and pictures, and the immediate ability to share the streams with the neighborhood and police. I have … Continue reading →

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The Royal Room ~ Seattle

Posted on September 2, 2022 by Gandalfe

My big band, the Seattle Solid Gold, performed at the Royal Room in Seattle this week. No, really! It was in South Seattle which can be a sketchy part of town. Parking was … well, let’s just say challenging. But … Continue reading →

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