Spit Valve Central

Yesterday, one of the Jazz Groups I play in, the Dissonance, made their opening performance debut. Well, in their current form at least. (The group from Christmas has been refined and honed quite a bit)

 

This group of a few pros and a bunch of semi-pros has been working hard to get ready.  I think overall the performance came off better than I'd anticipated.  The concert was at the Locks in Ballard.  This is an absolutely wonderful venue.  A beautiful park setting with about 150 people or so enjoying a last sunny day in the park listening to live music. 

 

Pictures of the band have been added to the gallery.

 

Take a look.

 

G

The Crickets were at it again. We played for the 50th anniversary of the NW Railway museum. While it was a little cloudy, we were all safely under a tent. That made for some interesting accoustics.

The band is getting better and better every time we play. We've started including considerable amounts of swing into our rep. Even though I really like Dixie music, for me, it gets old quickly. I think mixing it up makes for a better show.

I believe this is the first show we've done with Jason's new Sousaphone. It has a very nice sound and projects much better. A nice pickup. It is hard to tell from the photos, but it has a lovely gold bell.

Last, but certainly not least, we had a guest sax player for the gig. She played wonderfully. (Thanks Molly)

Pictures have been added.

Gary

The Woodinville Community Band once again attended the Victoria Day Band Festival in Victoria BC.   The concert band played a wonderful concert Saturday in the Park.  The forecasted rain held off until evening and we played to a small but enthusiastic crowd.  The Jazz Ensemble fired off a nice set later in the day.(See pictures)  The Jazz Ensemble's second set Sunday morning was cut short by rain.

 

I believe a good time was had by all.  While the trip was time consuming and stressful, it was also alot of fun. 

 

 

Just came across the Wikipedia Jazz Portal.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Jazz

 It will be curious to see what's in there.  Whenever I see people talking about the history or definition of Jazz, there always seems to be tons of disagreement.  I think this is true of any art form though.  Art, music, drama, what have you, are at their best when they evoke an emotional response.  Once you're in the realm of emotion, right and wrong, who's better, what was more important, all become tied to taste and opinion.  I am always amused by how serious people take these things.

 Speaking of Jazz, our re-formed Jazz  combo the Dissonance, makes its maiden voyage tonight.  It's just a small performance at a company Open mic.    If I get any pictures, I'l post them.

 

-G

I was playing with  photo story editor and pulled together pictures from last years Dixie gigs.   I layed it over the Tin Roof Blues.

 

It should pop up in the Soapbox tool.  If not check here.

 

 

 

Gary

 

PS  Ya, I realize it's alot of the same photos I'm showing on the photo section of the Space.   I'll update those soon.