More gig prep, tennis and gym

Charted out most of the tunes and ran through them on the V-Drums this morning. Played tennis... lost (the shame) and then hit the gym. Now: Wine Time!

Gig prep... Update...

Soent a couple of hours this morning listening to the CDs for Fridays dep gig, charting out some of the tunes then playing along on the V Drums. Looking forward to the gig - should be fun.

This afternoon I go into a rehearsal room with John B for some two drumkit madness.

The three hour, two drumkit session was fun as ever. Its always surprising to see what comes out in different contexts. I think I know at least one more lick than I realised. Some new ideas to work on too...

Killed myself at the gym. Again. I'm still fat though.

(Over) One Year On...

I just realised that I have been blogging (and piano-ing) for just over a year. I guess this is a good time to reflect on how I have progressed musically in the past twelve months.

I haven't managed to practise as consistently as I would have liked but have definitely made big improvements in my playing (both drums and piano.) I have just started looking at some Grade Five jazz material and my piano knowledge has helped a great deal in the transcribing and arranging I've been doing recently. Alter Ego is still developing nicely and I have two other semi regular projects on the go - Frith St and the Coastal Quartet of Doom.

Now I have access to the V drums at home I should be able to improve my drumming further and hopefully work towards the diploma.

Today:

30 Minutes Piano - All Blues Head @ 60bpm I was fairly pleased with how quickly this seemed to come together.

30 Minutes Yo Me Songo A & B Sections 60bpm

Sunday

Stockton Festival today. We opened the procedings on the 'jazz stage' I felt the set went really well although it seemed to be over in the blink of an eye. Plently of positive feedback so hopefully it sounded okay.

I stuck around to catch most of the other bands... always good to catch up with folks and hear some of the other local players. I musy get back into practice mode this week before I head abroad again!

Saturday update

Thursday we ran through the Frith Street tunes and recorded a take of each one. Things are taking shape...

Thursday night I went down to Darlington to see a band I will be depping with next Friday - a ten piece soul band with 3 horns and two backing singers... should be fun!

Yesterday was a day of rest (shopping, gym, eating and drinking)

Today I had a drum hang with John Blackburn. We watched drum porn, swapped stories, went out for food and most importantly he lent me his Roland V drum electronic kit... I can now practise at home much more easily (at least until November when John is next in the country)

Gig tomorrow.

Thurs

Yesterdays rehearsal was productive. I'm still tired from Swiss trip so I was flagging a bit towards the end. Went out for dinner in Wylam for the traditional pre-holiday Francis family send-off. More rehearsal today and then off to see a gig with the band I'm depping for next week. YET another late night :( Roll on Friday!

Wednesday AM

So much for holidays...

Rehearsal last night - great to be playing my own drums again.

I have full days of rehearsal today and tomorrow in preparation for some recording work next week. Also need to fit in a rehearsal for a dep gig I'm doing next week. Too busy for my liking! I'm supposed to be relaxing...