Category Archives: Music

Snowmagadden 2021

Posted on February 14, 2021 by Gandalfe

It started snowing in the Seattle area, all of the PNW actually, yesterday and much to our surprise we got almost 9 inches overnight! Here the obligatory photographic proof. The chickens are not quite sure how to take the white … Continue reading →

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Painting the Homestead 2020

Posted on August 2, 2020 by Gandalfe

We downsized into this lovely home in 2011. It was a short sale and the home was built in the last depression (2007). After 13 years since it was first painted, and with a number of touch ups and repainting … Continue reading →

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Selmer Reference 54 Limited Edition Hummingbird

Posted on May 8, 2018 by Gandalfe

From a recent for sale ad: A rare alto from 2005, … this limited edition saxophone commemorates the 50th anniversary of the passing of Charlie “Bird” Parker and features an iconic hummingbird engraving on the bell. The Reference 54 series … Continue reading →

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I found one of my fav band teachers, Mr. Robert Lake

Posted on March 30, 2018 by Gandalfe

Originally posted on The Bis Key Chronicles:
There are at least two of my favorite stories to tell about growing up in the mid-west and being a sax player. One is when the Urbandale, IA middle school teacher picked a jazzy…

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Frank Ticheli ~ An American Elegy

Posted on February 19, 2018 by Gandalfe

From Frank’s FB page: When I composed An American Elegy in response to the Columbine Shooting tragedy, I thought it would be a singular episode, or at least a rare one, in our nation’s history. Sadly, I am constantly reminded … Continue reading →

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Project Band ~ People Turnover

Posted on January 27, 2018 by Gandalfe

Jazz is about being in the moment. ~ Herbie Hancock Every year my band has turnover. People move, get new, harder jobs, get divorced, … you name it there are so many good reasons for leaving a good band. Some … Continue reading →

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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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Rico ~ A Long Family Tradition

Posted on September 8, 2017 by Gandalfe

Today virtually every clarinet or saxophone performer has at one time or another performed with a Rico reed—and it all began in France with Joseph Rico in 1928. Rico, a talented musician born in Italy in 1876, ran away from … Continue reading →

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Tom “Bones Malone” – Sweet Home Chicago (Bari)

Posted on September 4, 2017 by Gandalfe

Originally posted on SDartSax:
For my first post back after surgery, I decided to go with an old favorite. As a kid growing up in Chicago in the 70s and 80s, few movies had a bigger impact on me than…

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Earworm

Posted on July 15, 2017 by Gandalfe

“There are, of course, inherent tendencies to repetition in music itself. Our poetry, our ballads, our songs are full of repetition; nursery rhymes and the little chants and songs we use to teach young children have choruses and refrains. We … Continue reading →

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