Dr. Michael Kearns
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Simplicity and the groove of swing

8/19/2015

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Appreciating a Nestico chart the other day. Unison rhythms that just swung. I recently finished a 70's pop chart. Lots of unison lines but intricate rhythms. Quite a bit of work. Looking at the score of a swing master made me realize that simplifying an arrangement can really work and you probably get more "bang for your buck." That is, I might over-write my charts at times. Let's take that lesson into my next assignment. 
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Some jazz tomorrow

8/7/2015

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Playing in a small group tomorrow. Been a while since I played some standards and really, I mean really, played jazz. I often do it within the confines of the big band and it can be hit or miss. If you are not familiar with the melody of a big band chart, it is more difficult (I feel) to sell a solo, as it can be detached from the arrangement. In a smaller group, the melody can really be the thread that holds the music together. By "the melody," I mean the rhythmic, melodic, stylistic, and dynamic aspects of that melody - not just the notes. You really need to know the tune inside and out and then you can hint at that melody. Looking forward to doing that. 
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Change is a commin'

8/2/2015

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Working hard in preparation for some change. Let's just leave it at that. Sometimes a radical change is a good motivator. Buy a new mouthpiece, change instruments, drop that sad-sack of a boy friend (don't say that you got the idea here) . . . change scares you, it energises you - it just might get you back on track. 
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    Dr. Michael Kearns

    Musician, educator, husband, father, web designer ... my life is like a mosaic with each piece vying for my attention.

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