Thanks to Angelina Gauna (https://soundcloud.com/angelina-graciano-gauna) and Luis Santos (https://soundcloud.com/luissantos-1-1) for initiating this interpretation with their vocal performances, and allowing me to chip in on keys.

(Thumbnail image of postage stamp featuring the artistic work of Martha Poppe and celebrating the composer Heitor Villa-Lobos obtained from Wikimedia Commons; it's public domain)

Melodia Sentimental (Villa-Lobos) with Angelina and Luis

Initially I was messing around, just on keys, experimenting with applying some Barry Harris (the best music teacher ever) harmonic techniques, and using this legendary Beatles tune as a canvas.  But then decided to do a little lighthearted (OK, cheesy) multitracked arrangement, 'cause why not?

(Photo taken by me, though I can't take credit for the whimsical sticker additions; those creative enhancements were already in place)

The Fool On The Hill (Lennon/McCartney)

(Edit Dec 2022)... I stole the general chord sequence and bass line from the lovely tune written by Christine McVie and recorded by Fleetwood Mac called As Long As You Follow.  That framework inspired me to try some specific techniques on keys.  I did this a few months ago, and it's sad to learn of Ms. McVie's passing (yesterday, relative to the moment I'm editing this description).  So, I'd like to let this stand as a tribute, though unplanned as such.

weekend Rhodes vibing (edited description December 2022)

The late great music educator Barry Harris would do this thing where he would draw 4 numbers randomly from the set of integers 1 through 8, and then improv a tune on piano based on the drawn numeric sequence.    Youtube has a clip with one such occasion, where the sequence 2-6-4-7 was drawn: https://youtu.be/0-IRJsAi0ek?t=91.  My simple interpretation here on soundcloud is in the spirit of tribute.  To accompany my keys I also used a beginner level lap steel guitar (electric) I recently got (been trying to learn basics of C6 tuning w/ fingerpicks... I'm not good at it but it's fun and I like the added atmosphere).

Barry Harris 2-6-4-7 (a tribute interpretation)

I surely got this idea from elsewhere, but just passing it on.  I'm finding it helpful when (re)learning an unfamiliar/unpracticed/rusty key.  Idea is (1) from a record or other source, find a sample you like, preferably a portion lacking a strong melodic line.  A bass line that features only roots, or roots and fifths, leaves the most options open for using under various types of scales (e.g. major, dorian, blues etc).  On this example I sampled a choice segment from an awesome Cal Tjader & Eddie Palmieri track whose bass line features root/fifth.  (2) Load your chosen sample into your DAW, (re)pitch it so the key center of the bass line aligns with the key center you want to practice (if it's not already there).  On this track, I repitched the bass line root to B 'cause the key of B maj was the key I was focusing on. (3) Loop the sample at a natural place that keeps a flow going.  (4) With your instrument, practice the notes and different chords from the key/scale you're currently focused on.  

I guess it's kinda like a drone, in a way, but slightly less static, and samples come with their own rhythms, and the rhythmic aspect can be motivating.  I find I practice longer than I would if the backing wasn't happening, so maybe other players could see a similar effect in their practice.

a way to help add a bit of fun to scale/key practice?

(Edit March 23, 2023: Congrats to the competition winners!  Apparently there were nearly 1500 entries.  Fun concept to participate in.)

Rhodes invited all to accompany James Smith's acapella vocals.  Found out about it (via Pete Beat's awesome version) in time to meet the entry deadline. Keys track (bass notes & comping) was the third of 3 full-length iterations that i recorded continuously; went with that one, plus snaps and (sampled) drums.  Been enjoying listening to other participants' versions.

Spoken word rap: James Smith (via audio/video provided by Rhodes)
Instrument: Rhodes V8 plugin eval version provided by Rhodes, played by me
Finger snaps: my fingers snapping
Drums: samples from Loop Loft "Kitchen Drawer" set (drum kit + kitchen utensils = that), though I took extra groove-shaping measures to try to swing the heck out of it

Rhodes 'Missing Keys' competition - my entry

wrote out a chord progression on a napkin (trying to throw in a bunch of 2-5 and 2-5-1 sub-progressions, gratuitously, 'cause I never tried that), and demo-ed something out real quick on Ableton just using keys.  Silly, yet the process was more fun than I thought it was going to be.  Might try a different instrumentation and/or arrangement in future.  (Quickly/crudely tried to approximate a wobbly-onset Lyle Mays style synth lead sound using Operator on this).

(Photo snapped by me; I never know what to use for photos in this context so I tend to use a pic from a local park and/or trail, something mundane but pleasant, e.g. "this was a little part of my day" kind of thing)

Sunday chording

Haven't done one of these things in a while; felt an itch to get an Ableton session view groove going, try stuff, and see what sticks.  As material, chose a foundational Ellington tune that seems to be a common "try this well-known classic as the first jazz standard you attempt" suggestion offered by people who enjoy playing interpretations of jazz standards.  Simple interpretation here in the spirit of tribute.

C Jam Blues (Duke Ellington)

one first-wave Gen Xer guy's hobby music page

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Other tracks from Greg