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Tromba Mundi 2: Electric Boogaloo is in the can

June 21, 2011

After a long 3 days of recording, Tromba Mundi has another CD’s worth of music recorded. This time we recorded at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where Dr. Belck is the Chair of Jazz Studies. He asked one of his colleagues, Kim Pensyl, also a trumpet player (among his many talents), to be our engineer. Kim couldn’t have been more helpful in the booth. He also has a new CD out which all of you should go and buy right now.

The sessions stayed remarkably loose, as it can be a tedious task to record. There were several “had to be there” moments, including hearing the beauty of what 5 trumpets can do and the tragedy of me tonguing low ‘G’s.

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Rehearsing

June 21, 2011

We’re in the second full day of rehearsal for the Tromba Mundi CD. The group is starting to sound really good. We’ve got a couple of guests joining us for pieces that have 6 and 7 trumpets. Alan Siebert, the Professor of trumpet at CCM, and Doug Lindsay, Associate Principal Trumpet of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra have been generous with their time, and a pleasure to get to know. I’ve known Doug from playing Pops with Cincinnati, but this is the first time I’ve met Alan.

The hang is great. We’ve been solving all of the problems of the Trumpet World. It’s almost time to take over.

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iPad 2

March 12, 2011

Here’s what Apple does better than anyone else: makes pretty stuff that I immediately want. Generally speaking I don’t get the first generation of anything. Despite really wanting one, I waited and got the iPhone 3G, then upgraded to the 4. My father spoiled me last year by getting me an iPad. Within days I was addicted. It is, by far, the best media consuming device ever. So what would the sequel be like? I had to swing by Best Buy to find out (the closest Apple Store is over an hour away). Despite only a few ounces, the 2 does feel significantly lighter, and is significantly thinner. It does seem faster, and the cameras are a no-brainer. But the coolest part may be the new cover. Part of the “hard part” of iPad ownership is the case question. I’ve done what I’ve seen lots of others do-get a slim great looking device and cover it in Apple’s original case which, despite enveloping the entire device, is the lightest solution with the best protection. The new cover has magnetic hinges that connect to exactly the right spots automatically and covers only the top of the iPad perfectly. It’s so pretty and functional- how could I not want that?

By the way, if you haven’t tried the Trackpad yet- do it. It’s just better than a mouse.

One more thing, I wrote this whole post on my iPhone 4. Let me know how it looks.

-Joey

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Welcome

November 6, 2010

The idea of online forums is great.  Unfortunately, it seems nearly impossible to have a rational discussion on one.  Often the people that post the most are given the most credence, which can be very dangerous.  I don’t post very often on these types of forums.  Even just offering factual information can lead to a back-and-forth that is ridiculous.  But those of you that already know me know that I have strong opinions on nearly everything.  That is the intended use of this blog.  Here I’ll be talking mostly about trumpet, music, basketball, sports, technology, and pop culture.  I’ll leave the comments open in case you want to argue or agree with me, but I’ll delete anything profane or just stupid.

Check back often, and let me know what you think.

-Joey