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I have a gig coming up and I have needed a little kick in the pants to practice. My solution this time was to skip the warm-up. Sure, I did not start "wailing" right away; I started practicing the part I needed, but down the octave to ease into the playing. While I always encourage my students to do some sort of warm-up, and to vary this day-to-day, playing is better than not playing, so do what you have to do. And, do not feel guilty about it. Just be happy that you put the horn on your face.
George, one of the singers in the After Hours Big Band, had requested an arrangement of this tune a long time ago. So this is a long time coming. The chart stays close to the original off of Rattle and Hum and I think it does a good job of showcasing the big band. Take a second and check it out by clicking here. Here is the video of U2, as well, for comparison. I lost the soprano saxophone player in my band, so I reorchestrated my arrangement for a typical big band, with two altos, two tenors and a baritone sax player. The rest of the instrumentation is typical as well. While I am biased, I really like this arrangement; kind of gives off a reggae feel, although that was not my original intention. Who knows what inspires you when you are creating back-up lines? Please give this classic song with a new twist a listen by clicking here. RIP Chester Bennington This is not a marketing ploy. I have loved this band for a long time. When Chester whispered, sang and screamed, I heard him addressing real issues; ones that helped me see things clearer. I would have liked to have thanked him for that and am saddened that I will never get the chance. Hopefully these two charts will find their way into your band's repertoire, whether you showcase vocalists or not. Click this link to get to the arrangements.
If you are in the Toronto area on August 13 (12:30-2:30) or August 27 (mid afternoon), come up to Newmarket and enjoy two diverse big band concerts with music that includes swing, Bossa Nova, rock, and R&B. Please check out the set lists by clicking here. To review the Newmarket Music Festival by clicking here.
Whenever you travel, be sure to bring your ongoing composition or arrangement with you. You always have the best of intentions by leaving it all behind on vacation or that visit to your parents, but then when you have some down time and you kick yourself because you get those shakes or cold sweats because you just need to write. You don't need to bring everything involved in your new project, like my family does on each vacation: musical instruments, golf clubs, sewing kits, change of clothes for a month, etc. Just something. So, do your musical self a favor and bring a project to work on. No need to go "cold turkey."
Charts for Sale page totally redesigned. Let me know what you think. #bigband www.drkmusic.com6/26/2017 I spent a great deal of time making my store more user friendly. Please give it a look and let me know what you think. Suggestions would be welcomed. Still more work ahead, but I think the changes are an improvement. Click here to take a look.
While I can not lead the band because of my daughter's baptism, the group is in the capable hands of Don Finlay. I look forward to a full report when I get back. I am sure the patio will be packed and the reception will be warm. Check out the set-list here.
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Dr. Michael KearnsMusician, educator, husband, father, web designer ... my life is like a mosaic with each piece vying for my attention. Archives
March 2019
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