No Sunday practice because I had a paid drumming gig. 

Monday

• Moose the Mooche
  • 2 mallets on the melody
  • 4 mallets comping
  • I practice with the recordings.
    I slow them down if need be.​On Moose I’m currently using the brute force method of memorising, however, I do listen to the recording. My next step will be to write it out by ear, one phrase at a time. This should solidify it in my memory.
    
• Major scales in rhythmic patterns
• Rootless ii V I, 4 mallets
• sight reading simple 2 handed piano music on the marimba.

Short practice today because I'm off to play drums in a big band!

• Major scales in rhythmic patterns
• Rootless ii V I, 4 mallets
• Satin doll with a counter line in the left hand. I started figuring out how to play with 2 mallets while holding 4. 
• Marimba sight reading: Jumping Jacks by Andrew Markow. This is a 2 part canon. (Both hands follow each other.)
• Wailed through when the saints on the xylophone. 

20 minutes. 
​
Time to go. 

​

• 12 major scales in rhythmic patterns
• 60 jazz chords played broken. (Today I played them descending.)
• ii V I rootless chords, major keys. (I’m feeling increasingly confident comping with 4 mallets.)
• Sight read the 1st section of the Handel on the marimba. 8th note equals 60, 80, 100, 120. Sticking at the end of measure 4 is L R, landing on L in measure 3. 
• Reviewed Bb Rhythm changes, Have you met Miss Jones, Bb blues, Summertime, In sentimental mood, and Take the A train on the vibes. (Using Rick Dior's valuable suggestions, I began experimenting with soloing on the rootless voicing outlines. I feel confident with my swing and blues chops, but my Bebop chops need some help.) 

 

D. 

Mallets
12 harmonic minor scales
60 broken jazz chords
minor ii V i rootless voicings
I practiced "Arabesque," by Gurlitt
Tonight I will revisit the minor ii V i patterns and practice one piece. 

I practiced playing the melodies and chords with the following recordings.

​David

This blog reports on my preparations and practice regime for this exciting milestone. 

Trio of Mallet Kat, guitar, jazz bass.
Venue: Golf tournament.
Pay: Good
Stakes: Low
Music: Jazz Standards.

Day 1 Practice.

• 12 major scales 2 octaves. 2 mallets
• 60 broken chords in 8th notes. 2 mallets
• Jazz ii V I rootless chord progressions in 12 major keys. 4 mallets
• Sight reading, Handel. 2 mallets
• Practiced Afternoon in Paris for 10 minutes. 2 mallets

30 minutes. 

I did ear training on my walk by listening to classic rock tunes and figuring out the chord progressions, piano and drum parts.

45 minutes

YouTube: https://youtu.be/ThlqLtya1jw?si=hgx6BkKoUv46_YnY I watched this video the evening before.

I important background. I know the repertoire; I've been playing the tunes professionally on the piano for over 50 years. I’ve been playing the xylophone since the pandemic. So, I’m not a total beginner.
​David

I agree with Wynton Marsalis that excellence takes commitment and dedication to the craft. And the fortitude to withstand years of loneliness in the practice room. 

My view from the drumkit.

Composed by my student Gåetano Giordäno and played by him with Rory Slater on Bass and myself on drums.