Category Archives: Big Band

Makin’ Music: This year’s MJJO Recordings

Posted on October 19, 2017 by Gandalfe

“Making music together is the best way for two people to become friends.” ~ Hermann Hesse This year I decided to take my band to a recording studio, TopOfTheHill Music Studio. This is the second time I’ve done this. The … Continue reading →

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Best Big Band Bari Sax Sound Tip (du Jour)

Posted on March 12, 2017 by Gandalfe

“If you’re going to make a mistake, make it loud so everybody else sounds wrong” ~ Joe Venuti I often play bari sax in big bands, including my own band. I find that I usually end up blowing my brains … Continue reading →

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MJJO: First Gig of the New Year

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Gandalfe

Music is a gut thing. You’re working in a medium which is more in touch withthe primal than the modern. A gig is a ritual. There’s a congregation. ~ Siobhan Fahey Ah yes, the first gig after a long break. … Continue reading →

Posted in Big Band, Dancing, MJJO, My World | 1 Comment

Big Band Book System ~ Take 4.5

Posted on January 24, 2016 by Gandalfe

Good management is the art of making problems so interesting and their solutions so constructive that everyone wants to get to work and deal with them. ~ Paul Hawken Today I was spending another two hours putting the solo tenor … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Band Management, Big Band, Books, Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra, MJJO, Tips and Tricks | Leave a comment

My first New Year Gig

Posted on December 31, 2015 by Gandalfe

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” ~ Oprah Winfrey I am so jazzed about tonight’s gig with my wife Suzy on alto and me on bari sax. So many of my friends … Continue reading →

Posted in Band Management, Big Band, Holiday, MJJO, Music, My World | Tagged | 4 Comments

The Life of a Musician ~ Take 123

Posted on November 17, 2015 by Gandalfe

Only a dedicated musician would take $20,000 in instruments in his $500 car, 50 miles one way to make $20. ~ Anon The holiday season is upon us and for most musicians this is a busy time. I am an … Continue reading →

Posted in Band Management, Big Band, Guides, Music, My World | 2 Comments

Suzy’s Clarinet Microphone ~ AMT WS

Posted on March 5, 2015 by Gandalfe

I purchased this mic for Suzy to help her with some clarinet solos. It’s amazing and I use it with my bari when I sit next to it as it picks up the bari when I lean towards it on … Continue reading →

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In the Mood 2013 ~ Charity Theater Run

Posted on December 8, 2013 by Gandalfe

What a great theater run this year for the Sky Notes Orchestra. I will have some videos next week. A message from the war front to our friends watching our house, “If you forgot to feed the cat, don’t bother … Continue reading →

Posted in Big Band, Female vocalists, Theater | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Squirrel Nut Zippers

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Gandalfe

I accidently found a recording of this band and just loved the bari sax line. So I thought I’d drop this here so that I can find it later, especially if I ever do a small jazz ensemble again. The … Continue reading →

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Microsoft Jumpin’ Jive Orchestra Vocalists–Roger Bare

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Gandalfe

The Microsoft Jumpin’ Jive Orchestra shares this number sung by our own Roger Bare. This dance was at the Third Place Books Big Band dance.

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