Win some, lose some

The viola stand didn't work because the shoulder rest and pickup got in the way. I didn't make the kingfisher rehearsal because of a longstanding dinner date. Uhg.

Found out that the reason I don't have such a big bass sound is because I am lipping up every note-lots of overtones, plenty of colour, but missing out on that fundamental which gives the fat sound which defines a tuba. The remedy is to practice lipping up and down and listening for the sound I like. Lots of air.

Thanks to John the soprano cornet player from DVBB for that discussion-a man who knows much about embouchures.

Laundry and Bar Open tomorrow-303 Sunday.

Viola stand, Kingfisher Klezmer and an old friend.

We purchased a violin stand for Mrs Dawei (a.k.a. Madeleh) for her viola so that I don't step on her fiddle on stage. Awesome place! He understood Mikey Teachest's desire to put a tuning head on his teachest, and is having a think about it.

First Kingfisher Festival rehearsal tonight-should be good! I'll play oopah rather than melody-get some momentum behing the amassed folkies.

Started playing my old 3-valve Eb. It has a tiny bore, and sounds more like a bass 'bone when you overblow. Maybe an alternative to the valve trombone for Django solos.

RDI?

Is RDI (for Recommended Daily Intake) too wanky a name for a Jazz/Latin brass band? I reckon the best things we do are the computer game themes (croc, super Mario) arranged by Jamie Barling, our fearless leader.

Cleansed

Lordy, my clothes stink after a visit to the laundry! A really good night, despite heaps of stress about the PA. Mickey teachest did an amazing job with the desk. Always sorts out our sound, never gets any extra money. Chris Tanner got up and played Blue Drag with us- so slaughtered that he couldn't stand, but still an awesome player. Not sure what the trad jazz crowd made of us, but hopefully we will survive there long enough for them to like us.

Sweated my bodyweight.

Dirty laundry

Very excited- Tzigas gigs supporting Hoodangers satellite Virus at the Laundry- Saturdays about 7 pm. Gigs at 303 High St Northcote as usual, with occasional appearences at Open Studio up the road opposite the Northcote town hall. (Taegan, get a website!)

More activity

After a long silence, it is time to start posting again. This has been inspired by an argument about alcohol abuse I had with a long-time drinking buddy- witness the carnage.

A new link to Tzigas, the main band that I play with. Awesome crankin' Gypsy/Klezmer.