Category Archives: MJB

10 Essential Qualities of Great Band Leadership

Posted on December 7, 2017 by Gandalfe

As the founder of a number of music ensembles I have always meant to write an article like this. Christiana does it better. Pictures from my collection by various photographers, some of which I know. 10 Essential Qualities of Great … Continue reading →

Posted in Band Management, FAQ, Guides, MJB, MJJO | Tagged , | Leave a comment

New Big Band Fronts ~ You Choose

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Gandalfe

I am designing the next band fronts for my band. Do y’all have a fav?     I’m leaning toward the black background with the font from the white sample above. But I actually like all of these. We were … Continue reading →

Posted in Band Management, Microsoft, Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra, MJB, MJJO, Music | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Building a Community at Facebook

Posted on February 19, 2012 by Gandalfe

“The body is a community made up of its innumerable cells or inhabitants.” ~ Thomas A. Edison I often think of the bands I’m in as family away from home. It is so comfortable gathering together, getting our stuff out, … Continue reading →

Posted in Band Management, Big Band, Community, Facebook, MJB, MJJO, Saxophone, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Hard Core Jazz ~ Nice chops

Posted on October 29, 2011 by Gandalfe

I luv bumping into this stuff on UTube. Life is good in this, the modern age of computers. For your jazz listening pleasure, enjoy David Matthew’s Manhattan Jazz Orchestra’s take on “SuperSax”. my peeps. Got enough sax in your life? … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz, MJB, Music, Music Instruments, Sax Quintet, Saxophone, Seattle, sex, Swing Dancers, YouTube | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Big Band Dreams and Schemes

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Gandalfe

Having started and run two big bands to date, I’m currently luvin’ my Microsoft Jazz Band. For the upcoming 2012 season though big changes are in the mix. First, I finally have a functioning brain trust  committee and one that … Continue reading →

Posted in Band Management, Big Band, Hobbies, Jazz, Microsoft, MJB, Music, My World | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Big Bands ~ Stream of Consciousness

Posted on July 29, 2011 by Gandalfe

“We dream in order to integrate experiences from our daily lives into our stream of consciousness about our life.” ~ Patricia Randolph I have been listening to big bands around the Seattle area for the last ten years now. And … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Band Management, Culture, Dancing, Female vocalists, Jazz, MJB | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Come out swingin’

Posted on May 19, 2011 by Gandalfe

Just posted this fun video of the Microsoft Jazz Band kickin’ it with Larry Neeck’s “Come Out Swinging” to a very appreciative audience. Micah Lapping-Carr covers the alto sax solo and Kress Franzen is caught busting out all tbony and … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Band Management, Big Band, Culture, Dancing, Entertainment, Hobbies, Jazz, Microsoft, MJB, Music Instruments, Saxophone, YouTube | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Mad Romance – Real Americana Vocal Quartet

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Gandalfe

Here is an example why I always include vocalists with the Microsoft Jazz Band. They wow the audience and brings people back to see us again and again.

Posted in Band, Female vocalists, Jazz, MJB, Vocalist | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

MJB: Basie’s “Switch in Time” ~ Go for the swing…

Posted on February 3, 2011 by Gandalfe

The Microsoft Jazz Band regales the dances and audience at the Third Place Commons on Seattle’s eastside. Soloist extraordinaire Kress Franzen finesses the hell outta his sweet trombone solo. The band is directed by Ray Guyll. Suzy created the way … Continue reading →

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Microsoft Jazz Band does Zoot Suit Riot

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Gandalfe

The MJB performed their first gig (of five per year) on Seattle’s Eastside at the Third Place Commons. Did I mention how much I love working at Microsoft? We usually have two practices before a gig and the roster rotates … Continue reading →

Posted in MJB, Music, romantic, Swing Dancers, teachers, Video, Vocalist, Work Related, YouTube | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment