No but seriously, this week has been a bad but good week. As I told you last week, I would not have any practice time because I had another big test coming up, and I did end up spending all my time studying for it. So no new scales or tunes really. Well, except for the tune "Four" by Miles Davis. I am like 92% done with learning that. Its a great tune. And I know my next tune to learn. A Parker classic "Yardbird Suite".
So what did I do this week? Well, aside from studying, I did get some guitar in, as a matter of fact... I jammed yet again at the Monday night Jazz Jams. All I can say is that it went GREAT. Much better than my first time. I was must more confident, and less nervous, despite the fact that there were more people and even some UCT Jazz cats in the midst (whom I got to play with). So how it worked was I went up after a set was done, tuned up and plugged in. Suggested to the band leader (Ramon Alexander - pianist) that we play Blue Bossa. And that we did. I messed up a few notes in the head, but nothing too bad. We did trading of 4's which was a first for me, and it was fun! I don't want to jump the gun, but I think Ramon was impressed with me. After that we played Amy Winehouse's Valerie. After that, Ramon had left, so we got in a new pianist and new drummer, both where from UCT. None of us could decide a tune, so I suggested we try Grant Green's Sookie Sookie. I taught the pianist the chords quickly, and off we went. It was thrilling because I was telling the people when to solo, and who should go first, I also suggested we do fours, and so we did. Then I said back to head. So I kinda took the role of band/jam leader for that session, and it was great. I think I did a great job. To quote my friend who was watching me, this is from his Facebook status update:
"Yeah, ladies and gentleman Adrian Rogowski is on his way to the top. This man has been blessed by the Almighty to do a great many works! Lastnight at the jazz jam he just commanded the jammers with amazing tenacity - and it was only his 2nd official jam! Wow, and it was pleasantly surprizing to say the least! Very proud of you bro!"
Needless to say... I was quite chuffed!
There are video's that where taken. As soon as I get my hands on them, I will link it up here. But, all is not lost, there are some other video's that I have provided for you. Josh and I have been spending some time this weekend at my house, so we set up a small studio with piano and guitar and played some Jazz. He is trying to play more piano, so both him and I are growing in both our instruments. We dressed up for the fun of it, to get the vibe of a formal jazz show. Be kind when you watch, there are a few mistakes:
Enjoy!
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