Organic Sound Lab Sample Library

I have been going through my archives and sampling snare drums, kick drums, high hats, grooves, and other nice sounds to sequence. I am up to 11 kick drums, all sounding different! Thanks to the great drummers I have had the privilege of tracking - Nathan Ellman-Bell, Alan Munshower, Adam Miller, and more.

Brother Jack McDuff

I have to say my favorite B3 organist of all time is Brother Jack McDuff. When I was in the record store the other day, I ran across this:

And, for 2 reasons it had to be mine: oh yes, my namesake Shakey Jake is on the cover, but Jack McDuff is in the liner notes. This music is amazing. Organ, Guitar, Harmonica, and Vocals. No Bass, No Drums!

Schoenberg's Theory of Harmony

I am revisiting Arnold Schoenberg's theory of Harmony. This book, from around 1911, was published before he made his most important changes in style. One may expect to find Schoenberg writing some out there theories of 12-tone atonal composition, but this book is actually as square as it gets. He lays out the rules before he allows you to break them.

I am approaching it as an arranger, composer and bassist. I find that if I go through the exercises, write them all out, and then practice them on the bass, the most simple things become even more solidified in my mind, my ears, and my fingers. Concepts such as the "law of the nearest way," help me discover new ways of voice leading through chords with minimal movement.

In a way I feel like I am starting over. Back to square one! But it is fresh fresh fresh and exciting. Let me know if you would like to use the book after I am finished with it...

Band Apart at L'Escalier

My last show in Montreal, August 18th at L'Escalier with Band Apart, that's John Paton's music, with Jake Henry and Ivan Bamford.