Thank You Tina Brooks!

[tonym]

having had these two on heavy rotation for a good month or so now, I've finally gotten my sax down from on top of the wardrobe. And played it, for the first time in ...phew....7 or 8 months.

20 minutes today, tomorrow? Who knows.

[jazzbo]

Tony, good news! Be just the tiniest bit concientious, okay?

[Free For All]

The long version of what Lon said-

Whatever the source of the inspiration, I'm always heartened to hear that someone was fired up enough to pull out their axe.

The hard part about pulling out an instrument that you have not played for awhile is the frustration of the "short-term chops". You feel great for a bit, then the lack of conditioning/maintenance kicks in. This is the moment of truth- does the instrument go back in the case, or does there arise a level of commitment/resolve to get back in shape?

This is what can become tiresome about playing an instrument. There needs to be a consistent frequency of practice to stay strong (cardio) so you have the chops to work on musical considerations.

Tony, I'm sending you good vibes and encouragement to continue long-term with your inspiration!

Edited October 14, 2005 by Free For All

[tonym]

Thanks fellas. I have quite frequent lay offs from the sax; maybe every year or so playing an hour or more each day then a year of zilch. Each time I pick it back up, the head remembers, the fingers sort of remember, the theory bit comes back in a matter of days but the stamina around my mouth.....that always takes time. I have the breath support --- possibly down to riding my bike every day --- but it's applying it!

Actually I was thinking back and , apart from 2 weeks in January, the last time I played in earnest was July 19th. 2004 , with a local guitarist. We both love the bossa nova stuff and played for a good two hours of Jobim material. Quite well in fact.

I'll try and get that sort of form back. Plus a bit more.