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Not perhaps but definite recruit for Luqman! You are really modest to think people would only listen once to your line up, you should give yourself more credit! I really enjoyed your BFT and you know all that beautiful music I didn't know about and will have to explore more, makes me feel humble but grateful too. It is so great that between all the terrible things that happen in the world that there are people who still are able to create such beautfiul things like this music and we can all hold on to that. Thank you, Spontooneous! Kind regards, page

I believe you, I didn't mean to confront you or anything. Sorry if I made you think that I was. It was just a question and a comment. In some scenes singers are still not accepted as musicians, and I was just shining my light on what I think is important regardless the instrument. I do understand what you meant now, again sorry for the misunderstanding.

If your comment was meant for me, I didn't take it personal and it is okay to joke. I think not everyone who plays an instrument is a musician and not everyone who sings is a singer. The way I see it is that every musician should sing (if it were only during practise) and every singer should play an instrument (same there with the note that the voice is an instrument as well). Although I still have a hell of a lot to learn about music and people may not look at me as a musican, I do feel one and actually that is simply for the reason that the music is in my blood/my heart and somehow needs to find its way to come out. It is my way of expressing myself and while singing/making my music, it is probably the time I am the most me. btw I didn't notice your comment until today since I didn't look at the answers after my last about Luqman Hamza. Sorry for the late response.

Thanks Spontooneous, yes I understand it is about the journey. I learn so much just by listening and not even knowing who it is I'm listening too. I'd like to think of it as broadening my mind. I didn't look at the answers since last time I posted, since I wanted to give you my thoughts/inside feelings without influence of the answers of the others, so straight from the heart so to speak; but I will look into all of them now. re: 4 and 7, I'll look into the answers of the people you mentioned. re: 5, I'm really embarassed I didn't recognize a Fender Rhodes, man, some more to blush over. Hope you guys will forgive me for this one. Where is a 'head-bang' smiley when you need one. re: 11, I like the lyrics too although I didn't catch all of it, I still miss a part. I did try to write it all down as I did for the Luqman tune and will again to try to complete it. It probably will not be a surprise that as a singer I'll always notice the lyrics and will search what the song is about. I especially like the fooling around with words like in this song happened too. You can add something extra in a song by using certain words and sentences. And I really must confess I'm a sucker for a beautiful phrase. Thanks again.

Download please, Tom. thanks, page

So nearly the end of the month. I didn't really come up with that many answers, but here's my view and experience with your BFT: Happy song, sort of question/reply. It sounds familiar. It seems there are phrases mixed in it from other songs which reply to the theme every time which is slower than the phrases. Is that a kazoo which makes that buzzing sound? Piano, bass, drums for the rest. overall nice happy song. answered this one, see my earlier reply. Still haven’t found one of his albums but iI’ll keep looking. What a joy to have discovered this man! seems like an easy 12 measure blues progression although I don’t really hear a blues in it. Nice song, I have no clue. Piano, saxes and trumpet. Beautiful piece. I can’t really a theme although maybe that is because it sounds so new to me. Piano, double bass, drums. Funky stuff. No clue on this one either. Bass and drums, tenor and alto sax II think, organ (is that a Hammond?) A second tenor. Also a bit funky. Nice to hear some percussion. One phrase keeps repeating itself. Overall a fun song. Piano and bass. ‘Round Midnight. I think I hear a fagotto, if that is what you guys call it, we call it fagot. I first thought of a bari too, but no that’s not it. One of my favourites of your BFT, stunning! Will have to look into this artist indefitinitely! Very lovely piano playing too. Round Midnight is one of my favourite songs btw. Is there a clarinet at the beginning? Some strings too I think, cello or double bass played with a bow? Very nice theme, reminds me of a Charlie Parker song but than at a piano, probably more recent than that. Piano, bass, drums. A bit bluesy. Sax, piano, drums, bass. Seems like a fast jazz waltz, maybe 6/8. I like the theme but the solo is a bit too much for me at a certain point. piano, bass and drums. I wrote down ‘tubes’ but I don’t know what the instrument is called although I know what it looks like. Hornplayers sound a bit bluesy. Lovely intro. Very nice. already answered this one, see my previous reply, although I think I hear some rock influence in the singer. I’ve read the song is about a lovers quarrel that hopes for resolution, so I think they did a good job expressing that. Nice. I don’t know which orchestra this is but I do recognize the style, sounds like the times from Benny Goodman, but I don’t think it is his orchestra since the sax has the lead. Also trumpet solo, I prefer the one of the sax over it though. Still didn’t find this song. It really sounds like the Willem Breuker Kollectief, but I know that it isn’t it. I am curious who it is. Piano, bass, drum. I recognize the theme but really can’t come up with a title. It doesn’t seem to be a standard, maybe some national song? I’ve really enjoyed the music of your BFT. Some favourites are no. 7, 4, 6 and 8. Luqman Hamza (2) was a lovely surprise. If you ever run into him over there in Kansas, you can tell him he’s got a fan in Holland. Thanks again for sharing and making this such fun! Kind regards, page

I didn't know you had that kind of trouble. I'm sorry to hear about ith. Health is a great good, I'm well aware of that.

Ah, ok. I thought you were making a joke because of the smiley you posted and you didn't really like it. I like the quiet too, maybe especially since my own work is for small intimate setting and I therefore choose the simple but also serene tranquility that it can bring . I've always liked the duo of guitar with singing, they have something special and fit each other well I think. I've learned to play on this one, mainly chords for accompaniment of the singing of the children in my classes and the known popsongs everyone does, but a bit of melody playing too. I've always wanted to learn to accompany myself too, but haven't in jazz so far. At some point my left shoulder began to hurt too much and I couldn't really play anymore. I'm trying to pick it up again after a number of years and I need to re-learn a lot without getting the pain again and also I have to learn to play the diminished and sus chords and others I didn't learn before but need to know. Some musician friends advise me to choose piano over guitar since I have played that too in the past and jazz chords would be easier that way, but I hope I will be able to get at the point of performing with it somehow. That is a beautiful instrument you have!

Yes, I remember and I understand. It is sort of similiar for me with my singing and writing. My first or main reason is to express myself, let what is inside come to the surface that way. Music is a loyal companion, one you can count on. So it can be happy with you or lonely with you or what ever state of mind you have. For me that's kind of reassuring. I'll always trust on this to be able to be honest, with myself as well as with others. Kind of therapeutic, yes, fun too though. I can't really play bass of course. It was just that none of the other singers played instruments and since I played some guitar the host of the workshop planned me for the bass. I only learned a few pop/rocksongs. The Kiss song was actually a tough one and the guitarist took part of the original bass part over from me since it would be too much for a beginner like me. I've always liked the bass as an instrument, especially the double bass which has something magical, but electric basses as well. The sound is sweet and low, I like that.

Liefs page. That's a nice color! I have about a dozen guitars and a half dozen basses. And two drum sets. And an electronic piano. And a contrabass violin. And a kazoo. Wow, impressive. You play all of them? I have a kazoo too and a keyboard and several flutes ánd a C harmonica. I took a blues course a few months back. Yes, my guitar was made in Italy actually, it is quite pretty hey. I only plan to play acoustic. I played bass once too, only at a workshop where there were too many singers. I played Kiss, would you believe that, lol. I was made for loving you, baby!

Ah, well maybe it is not impressive but it serves the purpose I have in mind as a jazz singer songwriter. Besides that, it was a gift from my brother.

Here's mine:

All those pictures you've posted in the past years. How many guitars do you own. jb? Maybe you remember my bassplayer friend I was sitting next to. I think at that time he had 37 and his house is very small I can tell you. I think he sold a few when he wanted a specific one from N.Y. but he still has a lot. A pity you don't do recordings, I'd love to hear some of those sugars. If the coffee has a good taste, how 'bout it?

Ok, I’ve decided on my list, here it is as promised: unison: One note samba minor 2nd asc: How Insensitive desc: Für Elise Major 2nd: asc: Silent Night desc: Mary had a little lamb minor 3rd asc: That night (original), you can pick: Georgia desc: Dance (original), you can pick: Hey Jude Major 3rd asc: Oh, when the Saints desc: Summertime Perfect 4th asc: Wilhelmus (our national song), you could pick: "O Christmas tree", orginally "O Tannenbaum" desc: Oh, Come all ye faithful Tritone: asc: Maria desc: Something's Coming, lyric line A part Perfect 5th asc: My favourite things desc: The way you look tonight minor 6th asc: Before (original), you can pick: Black Orpheus desc: Love Story Major 6th asc: My Bonnie lies over the ocean desc: Nobody knows minor 7nd asc: Somewhere desc: Watermelon Man, other one I've found is “None but the lonely heart” from Tchaikovsky Major 7nd asc: When I fall in love – lyric line B part or Ceora desc: Something Wonderful from Rodgers & Hammerstein Octave asc: Nature Boy desc: Willow weep for me Thanks again, all of you, for helping me putting this list together.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday!

Yes, I can understand what you are coming from. There is something about the music in a special environment such as a cathedral or a place where people come to express their faith. When I was a girl I especially loved the musical part of going to church. That was the best part for me since at such a time I felt connected. There is also something about performing in such a place even when the purpose isn't of a religious kind. I have a few times with a big band but also with a choir. It just adds something special even when you don't believe in anything. For me singing and making music has to do with expressing myself, who I am, so maybe that is partly something that has to do with this feeling. I don't know.

I didn't say it was and it wasn't meant unfriendly. Sorry if you thought so. I'm kind of new to singing jazz, just been at it for around 8 years now and yes it seems she has a good course there to teach. I do know her as a singer, so I think it will be handy for vocalists to attend it. She uses the method CVT which is a good method for technique but in jazz it is more about expressing a feeling, telling the story or at least that is what I feel with it and so I use another method, one that helps you to crawl into the song to make it more believable. Thanks again for your input, really. Sincerely, page removed personal comment

Thanks for the links. That was not what I was asking about though. I'm not looking for such a course at the moment, nor for a vocal coach since I already have had one for years. Ear training is something you'll have to train yourself, every day, in whatever way you can. It doesn't stop no matter the period you have been playing already, any musician can tell you it is hard work. A befriended guitarplayer who has been at it for 30 years tells me he keeps his ear training up to date by spending an hour a day at it, just a part of his practice routine. For those who have a day job like me it is important to divide the time in such a way to work at different aspects, making it a solid practice routine so I'll have to set my priorities straight. I'm not new to ear training, I'm just looking for ways that will help me get better and songs that you can refer to intervals are a helpful tool.

Every time I read something about the Lighthouse café I have to think of my friend Sandi. She grew up in Hermosa Beach and saw all the great ones. She told many stories from that time, I can't recall something about Shorty Rodgers or Warne Marsh right now. I can't ask her any more unfortunately, since she died in 2011. Thanks for the link.

Right, thanks.

Ah, thanks for the tip. I wouldn't usually go for that in the tourist areas of Amsterdam either.

I don't know, I wouldn't be surprised if it was. Yes, they would add homemade mayonnaise. Much too fat for me. I'm really curious about the combination fish and chips so if I ever come to Britian I plan to check it out. What kind of fish do they use for that?

Those are both lovely! Thanks! What does "sitting a piano" mean? I played piano from 10 till 15 years old, almost solely classical music. During my last year there my father died and I couldn't concentrate on anything anymore and since the lessons were too expensive for my mom I had to quit. Years later when I already was a teacher I dragged a few of my colleagues to guitar lessons that were especially meant for school teachers to learn to accompany children with singing. We solely learned simple chords, no jazz chords, but I used it to my benefit at the time. That said I would sooner have a visual of an interval at the piano than at the guitar. I had to sell my piano when I moved to another place and now I do have a keyboard so I can look at the intervals and play them while singing, yes. In your explanation, you mean something like 'translating" the interval to the C as if it were the root? If that is what you mean to say, I think I already have been doing that since C major is the easiest key on the piano and it is easier to see what something is. Thank you for this suggestion.

Maybe so, but that doesn't change the general opinion and the judgement on looks unfortunately.