Practice Jazz Piano With Useful Instructions

Jazz music has had a checkered history. It is widely believed that jazz was possibly born in New Orleans sometime in the 1920s. It is said that early African Americans, probably slaves, stumbled on to jazz music while trying out a fusion between their native folk music and the European form. In its early days jazz was more popular in bars. Perhaps it was this dubious association which prevented the growth of jazz music till the advent of the radio. The instruments popularly used were accordion, fiddle, flute, guitar, various percussion, wind, string and chord instruments. The most popular of them all were the guitar and the piano.

Today jazz music is popular once again. The main reasons for the popularity of jazz are two. Firstly, jazz has an individualistic style of rendition and secondly, jazz has a natural rhythm which is lilting and captivating. Amateurs and would be professionals today practice jazz piano using a variety of means. The obvious choice is of course the internet. One common method is to use websites which have a wide selection of songs using the piano as the prime instrument. You as the learner have a number of options. First of all you can select your favorite song. Secondly, you can select your choice of accompaniment and then you can practice jazz bass lines. Your options do not end here. You can also select the pitch, the song duration and its rhythm as well. Therefore, you could use a metronome as a guide for the rhythm or the beat. Since the metronome’s beat is adjustable you could increase the beat gradually while you practice jazz bass lines. You can practice to your heart’s content till you are satisfied. Once you are convinced that the result is satisfactory you could download in either the MIDI or MP3 formats.

An amateur wanting to practice jazz piano no longer faces the insurmountable task of looking for a teacher and commuting to his school during each visit. In the comfort of his home he can now learn jazz music.

Voodoo Music Festival | 10.30.09 Day 1 Photos from New Orleans, LA

Images by: Dino Perrucci Voodoo Music Festival :: 10.30.09 :: City Park :: New Orleans, LA We’ll have lots more from Voodoo with daily galleries all weekend and a full review early next week.

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Voodoo Music Festival | 10.30.09 Day 1 Photos from New Orleans, LA

Man arrested in Houston for 2008 killing in New Orleans

News – Impact – Times-Picayune – NOLA.com — Sun Nov 01 12:00:00 UTC 2009 A man wanted in connection with a 2008 shooting death in New Orleans has been found in Texas and will be extradited to New Orleans, a police spokeswoman said Saturday. The U.S. Marshals Service and the New Orleans Police Department's… about: 20140 473091 Breaking News Houston Law Law_Crime Law Enforcement New Orleans New Orleans Police Department Police police spokeswoman United States Marshals Service U.S. Marshals Service at: New Orleans Police Department

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Man arrested in Houston for 2008 killing in New Orleans

WWE Extreme Rules 2009 PPV Review

From New Orleans, Louisiana. Original airdate: 6/07/09

US champion Kofi Kingston d. MVP, Matt Hardy & William Regal, Trouble in Paradise — pin Regal (**1/2). This would’ve been more interesting without Regal. Nice match, though a bit short. I guess that means more air time for Vickie and Santina!

Chris Jericho d. Intercontinental champion Rey Mysterio in a no holds barred match, rollup — pin (***). Your winner and NEWWW Intercontinental Champion and now the NINE time IC champ… and the greatest IC champ of all time dammit… Jericho! End came when Jericho counterered the 619 by stripping Rey of his mask and pinning him with a rollup. Great ending as I thought Rey was going to win after he smacked Jericho with the chair. The crowd was into it and it was good back and forth match-up.

CM Punk d. Umaga in a Samoan strap match, Punk got the GTS on Umaga — hit the final turnbuckle (**). This show has been ridiculosuly Smackdown heavy so far (not that I’m complaining, Raw has sucked, though I do like Raw’s beating on senior citizens). Anyways, this is my most hated stipulation; confusing for the audience and just very dull. Kind of like TNA’s matches. Anyhoo, this was a pretty boring match; kind of a downer after Jericho-Mysterio. Surprisingly, the crowd was more into Umaga than Punk.

Meanwhile, Gregory Helms (why is Hurricane doing the interview?! What’s up with dat?!) is backstage with Christian. Xian says he’s going to miss Tommy Dreamer, then Dreamer cuts in and says Xian will not be the ECW Champion, then Jack Swagger cuts in, but Christian and Dreamer just walked away when Swagger started talking. LOL @ the Swagger diss. I always wanted someone to walk away like that.

Tommy Dreamer d. ECW champion Christian & Jack Swagger in a Hardcore match, DDT — pin Swagger (**). WWE put the last remaining 5 ECW fans in the front row as Dreamer went straight to them after he won. Anyways, this is Dreamer’s  first title in like a gazillion years, aside from some throwaway Hardcore title runs. This is also his longest reign as ECW Champ. He’s earned that second third slice of cake. Speaking of which, I guess they’re going to have to break out the old Mark Henry belt extensions for Tommy.

Santina d. Vickie in a hog pen match to become Miss Wrestlemania, rollup — pin (DUD). The filler/bathroom break and if this match follows Santina’s Raw ratings, this might be the first PPV match to lose buys. Why is this even on pay per view anyway?! And they wonder why Smackdown is the better show. This is what I don’t like about WWE; the stupid soap opera ‘funny’ matches. Shame, Chavo is a clown now. Speaking of which, those pigs were scared when Chavo got tossed over the fence. Sadly, this goes on longer than the first few matches of the night.

Meanwhile, Chavo and Vickie Guerrero run into Goldust and Hornswoggle. Goldust asks her to sign a paper and launches into a torrettes spasm. Ok, tourettes Goldust is pretty awesome.

Batista d. WWE champion Randy Orton in a cage match, powerbomb — pin (*1/2). Both guys delivered a turkey of a cage match that was over quick. Big Dave just roided up and won clean. So far, the longest match of the night has been the Hog Pen match.

John Cena d. The Big Slowww in a submission match, STF — submission (**). Once again, it’s up to Edge to save the PPV. Anyways, I don’t need to know Show’s ring and shoe size everytime he wrestles. We get it, he’s the largest athlete in the world and it’s physically impossible for C-na to make him submit. Cena tries to overcome teh odds, but the odds are too big! Then again, Cena has ALWAYS shown indomitable spirit and heart when it has mattered most! So, if anyone can do the impossible, Cena can! OMG! Cena once again showed his superhuman ability to overcome the odds! It’s a miracle! Cena inspires the world again! Wait… I just heard breaking news that Palestine state has been approved!! Iran is selling their atomic bombs to buy Kittens and flowers.

Jeff Hardy d. World champion Edge in a ladder match, Jeff yanked Edge’s whole body in between two of the rungs — retrieves the title (***1/2). Sweet Jesus, did there REALLY need to be about 30 ladders out there?! And what’s the deal with the champions coming out first nowadays? Anyways, both may have snapped their careers in half, BAH GAWD! End came when Edge went for a spear and Jeff mid-airs a Twist of Fate! This was a GREAT match as Smackdown’s roster delivered in tonights show.

CM Punk d. Smackdown champion Jeff Hardy, two GTS’s — pin (DUD). PUNK WINS!!! PUNK WINS!!! PUNK WINS!!! Holy crap! Punk cashed in! Money in the Bank, son! Punk is now a 2 time champ. Smackdown saves show again! Hardy just had the shortest world title reign probably ever. And one can only hope this means a Punk heel turn as it looked like Edge was starting to go face earlier on. I want WWE to bring back the “Better than you” gimmick.

Final Thoughts: Action action action! Five title changes in one night! Nobody’s got more surprises and twists and turns than us! This was the greatest night in the history of Nitro~! *guitar* WWE really needs a crusier tag belt to fully complete the evolution to 2000 WCW.

Man, 25, Found Shot To Death In New Orleans

Members of the New Orleans Police Department said Saturday morning that they’re investigating the apparent shooting death of a man.

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Man, 25, Found Shot To Death In New Orleans

Tulane Surgeon stabbed death French Quarter fire-Dr. Ralph Edward Newsome Jr

“Dr. Ralph Edward Newsome Jr Tulane Surgeon stabbed death French Quarter fire”.

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Tulane Surgeon stabbed death French Quarter fire-Dr. Ralph Edward Newsome Jr

Voodoo Music Experience (day 1) Gallery Spotlight: New Orleans, LA – Oct. 30, 2009 (LiveDaily)

City Park, New Orleans once again welcomed throngs of fans—many dressed in Halloween costumes—to the 11th annual Voodoo Music Experience on Friday (10/30.) Day 1 of the three day musical smorgasbord included; Eminem [ tickets ] & D12 [ tickets ] , Justice [ tickets ] , Ween [ tickets ] , Silversun Pickups [ tickets ] , The Black Keys [ tickets ] , Janelle Monae [ tickets ] , The Cool Kids …

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Voodoo Music Experience (day 1) Gallery Spotlight: New Orleans, LA – Oct. 30, 2009 (LiveDaily)

What You’ll See at Aspen’s Winterskol

Since Aspen is a wintertime playground for so many people, it is only fitting that everyone in Aspen during the month of January participates in Winterskol. This is literally a celebration of winter, cold, and snow – which is a great deal of what makes Aspen, well, Aspen! Winterskol is the ultimate Aspen party.

Winterskol is held during the month of January each year, and it is the wildest winter celebration you will ever experience. The highlight of Winterskol is the Canine Fashion Show, where pets are dressed up in crazy clothing, such as miniature bridal gowns. Winterskol has been an Aspen tradition for more than fifty years – and it will continue for at least another fifty! The first Winterskol celebration was held in 1951.

During Winterskol, more than 40 events are scheduled in the downtown area, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk Mountain, and Snowmass Mountain. The entire area gets involved in the activities. Winterskol is a celebration of Aspen’s Nordic ancestry, as well as a celebration of winter. While most events are scheduled in advance, Winterskol also brings several surprises as well. You just never know what you will find at the Winterskol celebration – until you are there.

Favorite traditional activities include the Canine Fashion Show, Winter sculpt, the Buttermilk Uphill Race, and Snowmass Splash. Don’t miss the torchlight descent and the fireworks display over Aspen Mountain. Don’t miss the unique competitions happening all over town. There is constant live entertainment all around town as well. If you are planning a ski vacation, and you want to have the time of your life – your destination should be Aspen, and your arrival date should coincide with the start of Winterskol.

Winterskol is an ongoing week long party with something for everyone. Amusement, entertainment, parties, and celebration are top priorities during the week of Winterskol. You have to experience Winterskol at least once in your lifetime – and after you have been once, you will be back. Winterskol is a celebration that is comparable with Mardi Gras in New Orleans – but a lot safer, and in many opinions, more enjoyable.

As they do for Mardi Gras, people come from all over the world for Winterskol. Event packages are available, but all of the lodges, hotels, motels, condos, cabins, and campgrounds sell out early. Make sure that you book lodging for Winterskol well in advance, and take advantage of the packages that the various lodges offer. Packages typically include lodging, airfare, rental cars, and other things that you may require as well.

The Ambiance of Venice, Italy

Ahhh, Venice..sounds of Andrea Boccelli resonating from open balcony windows. Two young lovers comfortably embraced while savoring a nice gondola ride through a quaint canal. Couples strolling down the narrow cobblestone streets mano-a-mano. Romance is in the air. And there’s no better place for romance than a trip to Venice.

Venice’s main waterway is the Canale Grande (Grand Canal) which snakes its way through the city for approximately 2 miles. Other canals will feed into and out of this one. The Grand Canal is the “Main Street” of Venice.

A good vantage point to see the Grand Canal and its activity is from the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto). The Rialto Bridge is one of only three bridges to cross the Grand Canal. The original wooden drawbridge collapsed and was rebuilt a few times culminating with its current day stone structure in the late 1500′s.

Piazza San Marco is really the heart and soul of Venice. This is the main tourist focal point of the city. It is a place where people (and pigeons) congregate to people-watch. The place to be seen sipping some cappuccino or to people-watch outside one of the cafés overlooking the piazza.

On the Eastern side of the Piazza lies the Doge’s Palace (or Palazzo Ducale). This was the seat of the government during the glory years of Venice. Housed inside are artistic treasures and masterpieces by the famous renaissance artists Tintoretto and Veronese, among others.

Next to the Doge’s Palace lies a former prison. From here, prisoners were led across the Bridge of Sighs (or Ponte dei Sospiri), as a final walkway prior to their execution. Today, the bridge is used in another manner young lovers are promised eternal love if they should kiss in a gondola underneath the Bridge of Sighs. I told you Venice was a romantic city! Where else can a grim bridge connotate romance?

Murano glass-making, craftsmanship and artistry that dates back to the 13th century, was originated and perfected in Venice. It is definitely worth it to see these craftsmen at work. They usually have tours where you can see them in action. There are hundreds of shops, particularly on the island of Lido.

A discussion of Venice would not be complete without discussing the pre-Lenten festival of Carnevale. Carnevale, from the Latin meaning “farewell to meat”, is Venice’s version of masquerade balls, costumes, parades, grandiose events, etc. The idea, of course, is similar to the Mardi Gras in New Orleans or the Carnevale of Rio de Janeiro, where Christians celebrate one last “hurrah” prior to Lent.

Another famous Venetian tradition is to visit a “cicchetteria”, a little restaurant-bar establishment usually hidden in many of the alleyways of Venice. On Saturday mornings, prior to lunch, you will see Venetians visiting the “cicchetterie” to sample “gli spuncioni”, or hors d’oeuvre type appetizers. Similar to the tapas used in Spain. Don’t forget to wash it down with some refreshing “cicchetti”, or the local wine (red or white) served in these establishments.

If you like to gamble, Venice has the most renowned casino in all of Italy. There are actually two that operate alternatively at different times of the year. You will usually find one of them open, except for holidays.

Despite the above, Venice is not problem-free. Flooding and polluted canals have been a concern for some time. Some of the world’s brightest engineers have been working on a system to alleviate the “acqua alta”, or flooding that can occur after a heavy rain or during an extraordinarily high tide. Piazza San Marco has been known to be flooded for a few hours at a time. And of course, during the summer tourist season, Venice can become quite crowded. It is best to make your plans well in advance.

However, Venetians are very resilient. The town was basically built by trying to defy Mother Nature’s sea. It is this resilience that has served the people well for many centuries. Venetians are a special breed that live life to the fullest. They are a people that know how to perservere. And persevere they will for many more centuries to come.

A trip to Italy would definitely not be complete without considering Venice on your agenda. It is easily accessible by train (about 4 hours from Florence) or just a quick flight from Rome. Ciao!

Body of stabbing victim found following fire in residence on Toulouse Street

After New Orleans firefighters were called to battle a fire in a house in the 900 block of Toulouse Street near Dauphine in the French Quarter Saturday morning, the body of a stabbing victim was found inside.

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Body of stabbing victim found following fire in residence on Toulouse Street

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