"Blues In The Night" Big Band Recording #jazz #bigbands

Our big band, the Cats Jazz Band of Los Gatos, meets every Thursday for practice.  This past Thursday was our last meeting of the semester and we said goodbye to our bandleader. Russell Zimmer, who has taken a more full time job as music director for a school.

I think the best song we played on Thursday was "Blues in the Night."  It was darn-near perfect.  Have a listen.

http://yourlisten.com/Stogiebass/blues-in-the-night-07272017

Planning My Next Bass Attack!

Tonight is the last semester session for the Cats Jazz Band of Los Gatos, California.  We will have a break for a couple of weeks, and resume in August.  I am not sure I am coming back, however.  I'm a bit bored and not terribly inspired.  Maybe it's time to give my rival a chance to play bass with the band.  I've been at it for three years now, and maybe it's time to move on.

I think my major goals right now are these:

• Learn as many jazz tunes as I can, with a goal of 100 tunes.  This should prepare me for any jazz jam or gig.
• Improve my knowledge of acoustic bass.  I need instruction on technique and how to avoid fatigue.  I have found a potential teacher.
• Play in as many jazz jams as I can.  I will look for ones nearby this summer.

My Handy Zoom Recorder has been an excellent asset for practices:  it records the music very well and gives great feedback on how you actually sound.

Update:  I've decided to stay with the Cats Jazz Band for the time being.  I need the practice at reading notes.  Reading notes well takes time, and the Cats has improved my note reading considerably.  However, I'm not good enough yet, so I will stay.