Thursday, November 21, 2019

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Arts and Crafts - Making Homemade Drums

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Arts and Crafts - Making Homemade Drums:      Looking for a great activity to do with your kids? How about making drums with your children. This is a great arts and crafts activity ...

Arts and Crafts - Making Homemade Drums

     Looking for a great activity to do with your kids? How about making drums with your children. This is a great arts and crafts activity to do with your kids, and afterwords you and your kids can march around the house with the marching band.


     To make drums and shakers all you need is an oatmeal container, or any snack container you can find. Open one end of your container, and put beans and rice inside your container. Also consider using beads and pebbles. Please, make sure to use hot glue of tape to secure any spills or choking hazards, and by all means, have an adult supervise at all times when making homemade toys. Very important, and NOTE! Avoid using kidney beans as they can be DANGEROUS if consumed uncooked.


     Decorate your drums and shakers with wrapping paper. Cut your paper to fit and cover your entire container with packing tape. If having your toddler, preschool or school aged child construct their instruments decorate with stamps, stickers, and color or paint them before covering with contact paper, or packaging tape.


     Fun activities for homemade instruments would include shaking them at various speeds. Roll your container between your hands and on the floor for different sounds. Use your hands or an object like a wooden spoon to hit or strike your instruments. Also, you and your child can have fun with your homemade instruments by dancing and shaking these instruments.


     Benefits for your homemade drums are in further development of gross and fine motor movement and skills, and visual discrimination learning about sizes. In other words, these are developmental and educational benefits in this arts and crafts activity. Besides, it`s fun.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Jazz Musician, Classical Musician, What`s the Diff...

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Jazz Musician, Classical Musician, What`s the Diff...:      Classical and jazz musicians are both on average highly skilled instrumentalist. However, jazz musicians are more sensitive to experime...

Jazz Musician, Classical Musician, What`s the Difference?

     Classical and jazz musicians are both on average highly skilled instrumentalist. However, jazz musicians are more sensitive to experimentation and unexpected shifts in music. In general, a jazz musician is better able to react and respond to changes in music, where as a classical musician may have a technique awareness due to years of technical study. Classical musicians focus on technique and personal expression they add to music. Jazz musicians focus on being prepared to improvise and adapt notes they`re playing.

     In a study of 30 musicians, all pianist; 15 jazz pianist, and 15 classical pianist found differences in the way these pianist process performing the same piece of music. Jazz pianist re-planned sooner than classical pianist on a study of playing a sequence of chords on a screen. This study was conducted by the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, in Leipzig, Germany. They found "the brain creates pathways over time in response to different musical activities". Neuroscientist speculate different procedures established in their brains while performing make it difficult to switch between styles. Repeated actions influence and change how musicians think. Musicians practice on areas of music that meet the demand posed by their chosen art. "Repeated actions change the structure of the brain".

     In conclusion, there is a difference in how jazz and classical musicians process performing music. The brain creates pathways to musical activities that differ from jazz and classical musicians. Repeated actions influence musicians thinking, and musicians practice to meet the demand of their art. So what`s the difference, it depends on the musical genre you have chosen.




The Brains of Jazz and Classical Musicians Work Differently, New Research Shows. (2018, September 25).
Retrieved from openculture.com/2018/09/brains-jazz-classical-musicians-work-differently-new-research-shows.html

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: NPR`s Tiny Desk Concert, featuring Roy Ayers

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: NPR`s Tiny Desk Concert, featuring Roy Ayers:      Fans of National Public Radio have heard of the Tiny Desk Concerts. On my computer I have enjoyed Tiny Desk concert performances by Esp...

NPR`s Tiny Desk Concert, featuring Roy Ayers

     Fans of National Public Radio have heard of the Tiny Desk Concerts. On my computer I have enjoyed Tiny Desk concert performances by Esperanza Spalding, Tower Of  Power, August Greene (a group that features Common, with Robert Glasper, and guest female vocalist such as Brandy), and Roy Ayers. In this blog I will share with you my thoughts and opinions on Roy Ayers` performance on NPR`s Tiny Desk Concerts.

     If you have not had a chance to watch and hear NPR`s Tiny Desk Concerts you are missing-out on some wonderful performances. One performance I reviewed is vibraphonist Roy Ayers. In this concert Roy Ayers gives us some of his most popular pieces for a 24:20 performance. Of three songs he performs "Searching" is one of my favorites. "Searching" sounds great! However, I would love to hear tenor saxophone and trumpet punctuate the background like on his 1976 Ubiquity recording.

     After "Searching" was Roy Ayers` performance of "Black Family". I cannot say I am familiar with this piece, but Roy Ayers released it in 1983, on his "Lots Of Love" album recorded on his label called UNO MELODIC. If you are looking for "Lots Of Love", well, good luck finding it. "Black Family" was re-released in the 1980`s on his "Drive" album. Also, "Black Family" was recorded on "My Vibes", in 2005. "My Vibes" represents the best of Roy Ayers` defunct UNO MELODIC label. Written by Roy Ayers and Dwayne Perdue, "Black Family" is inspired by Fela Anikulapo Kuti`s Afro-beat style.

     What is a Roy Ayers performance without his signature piece "Everybody Loves The Sunshine". Roy Ayers did not disappoint. This was truly the way to close-out his Tiny Desk performance. "Everybody Loves The Sunshine" is such a cool mystical piece, and his band, comprised of Mark Adams (keyboards), Trevor Allen (bass), and Christopher DeCarmine (drums) performs with such spirit and creativity. These guys are right in the pocket.

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: I Didn`t Know What Time It Was

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: I Didn`t Know What Time It Was:      Although "I Didn`t Know What Time It Was" is not in my repertoire, it is a jazz standard that musicians may be called upon to...

I Didn`t Know What Time It Was

     Although "I Didn`t Know What Time It Was" is not in my repertoire, it is a jazz standard that musicians may be called upon to play. Vocalist and bassist Natalie Fabian and Pete Coco, respectively, presented a YouTube posting of "I Didn`t Know What Time It Was" in a duet performance. Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=27&v=skSWMBAbebg so you can view it for yourself.

     Jazz vocalist Natalie Fabian from Garden City, NY, has appeared in five theater projects, TV as a singing caroler, and has sung the National Anthem for the New York Islanders hockey team with the Hofstra Vocal Jazz Quartet in 2012. Fabian was also featured soloist for the Huntington Cabaret project - Metropolitan Room, NYC, 2011, and jazz soloist for Jim Caruso`s Cast Party at Birdland, in 2011. You can see studio sessions with Natalie Fabian by going to https://vimeo.com/270281028, as she performs the Great American Songbook.

     Pete Coco is a mainstay bassist in New York`s jazz scene. Earning a DMA in Classical Performance from Stony Brook University, Pete Coco is an adjunct professor of music at Hofstra University. Pete Coco has a self - released debut recording called "Lined With A Groove". Pete Coco is also president and co-founder of Music Academy of Garden City, in Garden City, NY.

     This recording of "I Didn`t Know What Time It Was" appeared on April 25, 2016. "I Didn`t Know What Time It Was" is a popular song from songwriting  team Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart from "Too Many Girls" (1939 musical). This arrangement by Natalie Fabian and Pete Coco begins with an arpeggiated bass line from Pete Coco, and he is soon joined-in by Natalie Fabian who sings with her beautifully sultry voice. This is a wonderful performance by Fabian and Coco.

     If you are interested in finding a recording of "I Didn`t Know What Time It Was", you may have to locate this performance by Natalie Fabian and Pete Coco on YouTube. However, if you go to cdbaby.com, you can find other pieces for download where Natalie Fabian and Pete Coco appear. Look for "The Hofstra Songbook", by Dave Lalama, at https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/davelalama3, and you can download for a fee pieces of your choice.

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Esperanza Spalding - 12 Little Spells

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Esperanza Spalding - 12 Little Spells:      Lively, would be the word I would use to describe the bass playing and artistry of Esperanza Spalding, but unfortunately she is not pla...

Esperanza Spalding - 12 Little Spells

     Lively, would be the word I would use to describe the bass playing and artistry of Esperanza Spalding, but unfortunately she is not playing bass on her latest recording. Never standing still Esperanza Spalding continues moving through genres composing and creating music that is vibrant to the soul. In this blog I will discuss Esperanza Spalding`s new work entitled "12 Little Spells", and give my opinion on this new recording by Esperanza Spalding.

     Just as Miles Davis was not tied to one genre, Esperanza Spalding continues growing and surprising her listeners. 12 Little Spells is an imaginative work that is reminiscent of Flora Purim, but stands on its own merit. Simply put, Esperanza Spalding is an artist of great musical depth.

     Fans looking forward to hearing Esperanza Spalding play bass on 12 Little Spells will be disappointed to know she does not play on this project. Due to a lack of practice time on bass Esperanza Spalding decided against playing bass on this recording. This is a disappointment, but you have to appreciate Esperanza Spaldings respect for her instrument. Although Esperanza Spalding does not play bass on 12 Little Spells, this recording still enjoys Esperanza Spalding`s light and energetic vocal quality she brings forth.

     12 Little Spells is a collaborative effort with her ensemble. In a May 2, 2019 interview, Esperanza Spalding equates 12 Little Spells as "putting all the ingredients to a good spell together". In other words putting all the ingredients together as a collective effort by her ensemble. Esperanza Spalding said 12 Little Spells originated from a castle in Italy. Spalding said her experience was kind of mystical at this castle with other artist and creative people sharing ideas.

     I agree with a comment posted by a YouTube fan saying "I`m sorry, but can someone tell what happened to her? why can`t she play any more ..?" For that fan, myself, and others, Esperanza Spalding engages her audience with her beautiful spirit which comes-out in her singing and stage presence, but that`s not all,  Esperanza Spalding`s work on bass is a major factor in her appeal to her audience. At least for this fan, but I know I am not alone in wishing and hoping Esperanza Spalding will give us future projects and recordings with the complete package that is Esperanza Spalding singing and playing bass.





Moore, Marcus J., Esperanza Spalding - 12 Little Spells "Live Liner Notes", 12 Little Spells: Live Liner #6, Concord Records, October 27, 2018, https://www.facebook.com/Esperanza Spalding/

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Thank You

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Thank You:      Technically, I taught my first lesson when I was an elementary student in fourth or fifth grade. I gave my classmate a clarinet lesson,...

Thank You

     Technically, I taught my first lesson when I was an elementary student in fourth or fifth grade. I gave my classmate a clarinet lesson, and in return she gave me a flute lesson. That quid pro quo worked well, even though it was only one lesson in elementary school. I do not know what became of Marie and her family due to the natural transition of life; we move on. I think about this some 50 years later because I am teaching students independently on clarinet, flute, piano, and saxophone. In other words, I am doing now what I did for Marie as a fourth or fifth grader giving a clarinet lesson.

     That is how life works, many of us grow into what we decide to do as a career choice. I remember hearing a story about how the late great saxophonist Joe Henderson became a professional musician. Basically, he picked-up saxophone in school as a young student. Henderson joined the military and played saxophone in the military band. He was honorably discharged from his military service playing saxophone, and as Joe Henderson would explain before long he was making his living playing saxophone.

     As musicians we all have our stories on how we began. In general, you begin learning to play your instrument, and before long each playing opportunity leads to building your skills in performing music. For many of us in music, if not all participated in recitals, school concerts, community ensemble performances, garage bands, and other performing opportunities. Those performing opportunities I have mentioned go into making professional careers in music.

     As I look back on music in my life I have so many people to thank for the rich experiences I have enjoyed. I am grateful to all who have influenced my musical growth, and charted the path for me to teach music to others. I have had, and still enjoy the privilege of teaching music to my students. I also take great pleasure in being a professional musician, and thank those musicians who have been a major influence to me as a musician. I also thank those musicians who share the stage with me. I am honored. Thank you.

Sunday, March 3, 2019

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Greater Detroit Jazz Society

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Greater Detroit Jazz Society:      If you are a jazz fan looking for others who share your passion for jazz, then I have a group for you - Greater Detroit Jazz Society. G...

Greater Detroit Jazz Society

     If you are a jazz fan looking for others who share your passion for jazz, then I have a group for you - Greater Detroit Jazz Society. Greater Detroit Jazz Society is dedicated to promoting classic jazz, big band, Dixieland and Swing.

     Greater Detroit Jazz Society features concerts and performances in Metropolitan Detroit, such as Jazz at Shield`s now in its 20th year. You can enjoy pizza while listening to some of Detroit areas finest jazz artist on the first and third Saturday monthly. Go on-line to www.greaterdetroitjazzsociety.com to see a list of artist performing at Jazz at Shield`s.

     Like barbecue? if so, be sure to check-out Greater Detroit Jazz Society`s Rec Bowl Summer Jazz Series - Jazzin With Some Barbecue. This event is an annual GDJS jazz picnic and potluck held in August, so mark your calendar. Note - this event is for GDJS members and musicians, so I strongly urge you to become a member of Greater Detroit Jazz Society so you can enjoy jazz picnic and potluck at the Rec` Bowl, in Mt. Clemens, MI. The Rec` is a covered outdoor venue that includes a bandstand, sound system, barbecue area, and dance floor. The Rec` Bowl is located at 40 Crocker Blvd., Mt. Clemens, MI 48043.

     Another event promoted by GDJS in spring and fall is Terrace Inn Jazz Weekends, in Petoskey, MI. Greater Detroit Jazz Society sponsors two weekends of jazz at historic Terrace Inn in Bay View (Petoskey). A weekend package includes all meals and concerts. Terrace Inn is located at 1549 Glendale Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770. Spring jazz weekend, May 10-12, 2019, featuring David Tatrow and Friends with vocalist Barbara Ware. Fall jazz weekend, is October 25-27, 2019, featuring Roy Heitger`s Cakewalkin` Jazz Band, and Dave Bennett Quartet.

     GDJS sponsors Michigan Jazz Festival that occurs every third Sunday of July, in Livonia, MI. This festival takes place on campus at Schoolcraft College. This is a free festival that runs from 12 Noon to 9:00 pm, on Sunday, July 21, 2019.

     GDJS also promotes jazz education. GDJS has teamed-up with pianist Scott Gwinnell to develop Metro - Detroit Jazz Workshop now in its 9th year. Scott Gwinnell`s Jazz Workshop is located at Michigan State University Detroit Building. Information on Scott Gwinnell`s Jazz Workshop can be found at www.helpwithjazz.com.

     Mardi Gras Party and New Years Eve events for jazz fans is also offered by GDJS. For more information on GDJS events you can receive a bi-monthly newsletter by joining GDJS. Contact Sally Bolle at (248)909-8668, or by email at sally@greaterdetroitjazzsociety.com. You can also contact Membership Director Nancy Blake at (586)610-9871, or by email at lilmagill12@comcast.net