This evening turned out to be exceptional. Just three of us were around to play and Don called early (has an early call in the morning for serious golf). So at seven the three of us started; second time to find the chords and line to "Begin the Begin the Beguine"; made progress then switched to "Theme for the Eulipians" to relax. Me on alto sax; Randall on flute/basss; Don guitar. Then (big bad, phd drama) John shows up; in a good mood. Then my daugher Julie and Sher, my wife; both good singers, good ears. Don changed his plan and kept playing way past 9:00. And at 10:30 he suggested we move down to the CCI to hear Rodger; I said OK if we take our axes. All but Sher move there and it clicks. Rodger is fun to play to. Good crowd and great weather (small neighborhood club; opens to padio in back). Home by 1:00 listening to "Jazz After Hours" on my Planet-CCRMA machine. All of the above to say: Thanks audio-folks. Our playing is improving and Songbird2 (the Linux machine) is a major asset. For me, the major benefit has been from listening. I'm a student of theory and a ear player. Good equipment helps. Two fine altos; good flute; Linux powered keyboard, jazz radio most anytime, ... So thanks, folks. I enjoyed playing tonight. Marv
