Arrangements...

Okayyyyyy...

I seem to have talked myself into being 'comissioned' to write a few arrangements in exchange for actual money. I felt terrified at first but I'm quite pleased with how things are taking shape so hopefully I'm adding a new string to my musical bow.

This has meant a reduction in piano practice but its all good musical experience :)

Wednesday Practice

20 Minutes Bergonzi On The Brink - All permutations at 60, 63bpm

20 Minutes All permutations along to CD then mixing up permutations.

Sold some old drum stuff today - I got £50 for it (Kerching!) I'm looking into selling one of my kits next week too so hopefully that will raise a bit of cash too.

20 Minutes: Neat Feet

Full Day

Yesterday was pretty full-on.

Spent about five hours doing arrangments for new quartet. I only just finished in time to make my first rehearsal - was actually loadingthe car while they printed out!

First rehearsal went well - fun fun fun :)

Second rehearsal was great too. It was good to hear the guys playing through my 'hot off the press' arrangements. The new cymbals sounded terrific and I think actually made me play differently (better?)

I'm looking forward to doing some more arrangements in preparation for next time.

First day of 'real' holiday

There is so much I want to do in the next couple of weeks and simply not enough hours in each day. Two weeks is not long enough!

30 Minutes: All Grade 3 pieces several times up to speed.

30 Minutes: Jerry Bergonzi Lunar - Five Permutations along to slow playalong.

Played Tennis... lost.

Came home and spent about 2 1/12 hours on arrangements fot tomorrow.

Sunday

Not much chance for hands-on practice in the last few days. I have been doing plenty of listening/reading/watching though.

I got the Modern Drummer Festival 2008 DVD and there are a lot of really good performances and interviews spread across four discs. I especially like Bill Stewart's band and Dafnis Prieto's sextet.
Also listened to lots of Mike Brecker (for a change) in addition to plenty of Dexter Gordon and Hank Mobley.

I need to get cracking with some arrangements - I hope to have four or five done by Tuesday.

Today:

20 Minutes Scale workout.