Well as you can see – Jazzician.org has a new look! I'm really anxious to hear feedback about it. I got a lot of compliments on the layout of the old site and hope everyone finds this one just as nice if not better. I removed a few areas that were not seeing much traffic like photos and the penguin jazz database. If I get enough requests I will try to find a way to put them back in place. Please feel free to drop me a line and let me know what you think!

This web change goes hand in hand with changes that I've noticed in my playing. Since my last posting the same consistency that I've experienced has continued and improved. It is a joy to pick up the horn now because things that were difficult are becoming easy. Particularly in the areas of playable range, tone and endurance. I am very, VERY pleased with my progress since moving to the Lawler as my only horn. I used to start to fade after playing for an hour or more. Lately, I've actually started playing BETTER after an hour behind the horn. My chops are warmed up and everything clicks. Don't get me wrong – I still have a LONG, LONG way to go. I just feel as though I am on the right track. I am starting to truly believe that all my patience and hard work will pay off in the long run.

I think the biggest reason for the consistency is my chops are getting used to the Lawler. It knows where the notes and sweet spots were located. In the past I would change horns like I change my socks. That may be an exaggeration but the bottom line is the notes and sweet spots are not in the exact same place on every horn. I was playing a Conn V1 and a Zeus which are two totally different blows. The Conn played open while the Zeus was a bit on the tight side. My chops were confused… F on top of the staff was here yesterday but now it wasn't quite the same. By forcing myself to play one horn (and a great one at that), my chops are are getting aclimated AND the target I'm trying to hit isn't moving. It is right where I left it when I last put down my horn. I have also committed to a Bach 2C Megatone mouthpiece. I took all my other mouthpieces to my mother's house so I will not surcomb to the temptation of making another switch.

How long with this high last? Stay tuned…..