Razzamajazz

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Jazz Oboe!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TIP8swMSi8&mode=related&search=

Just discovered this clip of Jean-Luc Fillon playing Jazz oboe in Paris. Really inspiring!. I have always been a great believer of playing the music you love on any instrument. This man pushes the boundaries and shows incredible technique and musicality. Go oboists!!

Friday, September 28, 2007

Watts and Waterstones.

Was amused to find myself in Waterstones tonight.

After the controversy caused by the new Associated board woodwind books, I was pleased to find a piece of mine in the grade 2 flute book. The piece is "Study in purple" and has a strong jazz feel. I think it will be quite a challenge for some grade two players until they get the tune and feel, but its fun.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Lunchtime symphony

I've been really quite busy, and am between projects trying to get organised. I was completely exhausted by making a Victoria sponge cake with my Mother this morning(!), so thought I'd have a lie down in the "quiet" at lunchtime.

I just listened for twenty minutes and was amazed at what sounds the wind was bringing in, (Children playing at a local school playground, a chain saw, trains, dogs barking, lorries, sirens, the wind in the trees,cars etc).

Its not till you stop, you notice all the things you miss because you are going too fast.

Someone once said, "Anythings dangerous at high speed". Perhaps we should all slow down, and listen.

Monday, September 24, 2007

Revised Razzamajazz!!!

The first revised Razzamajazz book arrived today!!!. new backing tracks, new pieces ( same old ones as well) two speeds and generally even better.

Recorder books1, 2 and 3, Flute books 1 and 2, Clarinet books 1 and 2 and saxophone books 1 and 2. COMING SOON!!!!!!!!!

Check this out

To hear Philip Achille ( age 18!!) play with the BBC concert orchestra at the proms this year click here!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci95dILGo_o&mode=related&search=

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Jim Hughes

We have just had a really special afternoon. We were invited to a concert by Jim Hughes ( Chris's harmonica teacher) in his sisters front room!.

Jim is a harmonica legend. He is probably best known for playing the theme for "Last of the summer wine", but has for years been a renowned session player and soloist and is a very respected teacher.

Jim has just been appointed professor of harmonica at the Royal college of Music, where his pupil Phillip Achille is studying.

Philip also played in the "Front room soiree" today, trying out his pieces for the first round of "Young musician of the year"tomorrow (he got into the woodwind final last year). Philip was a soloist with the BBC Concert Orchestra at the proms a few weeks ago.

The harmonica playing this afternoon was very special , and it was a privilege to be yards away from such musical and virtuosic playing in someones front room!.

What made it even more special was that Jim played one of my pieces (brilliantly!).