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allanglen snapped a picture
Sorry for the distinct lack of booths, this week. I've been away for a few days, visiting @manek43509.
It's been a very enjoyable and relaxing holiday. Just what I needed to recharge my batteries.
Kit took this picture of me when we were out at lunch yesterday (I think I was photographing the chandelier!).
I'm heading to London today before I catch my flight home. As of tomorrow the work starts all over again!
Where did you go on your last holiday?0 commentsApril 9th, 2012
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allanglen snapped a picture
This is how I spend my Sundays.
Transcribing bebop lines in 7/8!
How do you spend yours?2 commentsApril 1st, 2012
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allanglen snapped a picture
This was my office on Wednesday.
I love spending time in the studio. A lot of musicians don't (and I can totally understand why) but I find it a very enjoyable experience.
The session was for some of the college students. They had been recording Motown covers as part of one of their projects and myself and one of the other lecturers went into the studio to lay down the horn parts.
We recorded six tunes in three hours. Not a bad afternoon's work!
Afterward I headed in the Edinburgh to catch a gig by tenor saxophonist Bob Reynolds and bassist Janek Gwizdala. They were touring the UK with keyboard player Gary Husband and drummer Louie Palmer.
I knew the gig was going to be good, but I wasn't prepared for just how exceptional it was going to be.
Listening to the guys play just made me want to go home, get my horn out and practice! (I doubt my neighbours would have bee that thrilled, though!)
A great day all round!
Where do you like to spend time?1 commentMarch 30th, 2012
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allanglen snapped a picture
Very tired!
I was ill all last week with the cold and I've still not managed to entirely shift it.
I was in Aberdeen last night, to see the amazing Chris Potter Quartet (he's the saxophone player in the picture). I didn't get home until 3am and was back up at 7am to get to college. Hence why I'm tired. Totally worth it, though!
What a gig. It's inspired me to throw myself back into practicing. Already done three hours today.
Now I'm off to do some private teaching.
What has inspired you, recently?1 commentMarch 19th, 2012
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allanglen snapped a picture
Another booth from the office.
It's been a rather busy day. Lots of one-to-one lessons and then two theory classes. Now, I have half an hour off and then I've got my Introduction to Logic class.
Can't wait to get home! It's been a very, very long day.
At least I'm keeping out of trouble!
When was the last time you were in trouble?2 commentsMarch 7th, 2012
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allanglen snapped a picture
Off to a meeting.
Decided to wear these glasses, for a change. Haven't worn them in a while!
Do you wear glasses?
How many pairs of glasses/sunglasses do you have?4 commentsMarch 6th, 2012
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allanglen snapped a picture
Excuse the puzzled expression.
I'm in the middle (I say middle, what I really mean is the beginning!) of designing a new Logic environment for my EWI. (For those unaware of what an EWI is, it stands for Electronic Wind Instrument. Think of it as a synthesiser for saxophone players!)
It's proving to be a bit troublesome, but I'm sure I'll get it sorted!
Today has actually been pretty productive. Gym and golf in the morning. This afternoon has been spent practicing and working in Logic. All in all, a rather fun-filled action-packed day and it's not even 5pm!
What has made you look puzzled, recently?1 commentMarch 4th, 2012
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allanglen snapped a picture
I have a Cadbury Creme Egg. All is well in the world.
I had my usual stint at the music centre, this morning. Then met a friend for some lunch.
This evening has been spent catching up with emails and cleaning my golf clubs. I got my clubs regripped yesterday. What colour of grips do you think I got? That's right. PURPLE! Well technically black and purple. They look fantastic! Cannot wait for the start of the season.
I've got another pretty hectic week ahead of me. It's all good, though. The gigs are starting to pick up. January and February are generally quiet but March is looking good, as is the summer.
Do you like Creme Eggs?1 commentMarch 3rd, 2012
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allanglen snapped a picture
There just aren't enough hours in the day!
I've been trying to finish three lesson plans before I head off to a rehearsal. I've got one completely finished, one nearly finished and one... well I'd rather not talk about it!
Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining (although, it does sound like I am). I just could do with a day where I have absolutely nothing on and can crack on with work.
If someone discovered an extra hour in the day I'd use it to practice. I constantly moan at my students that they should use their time at college a lot better than they are. I used to practice between five and six hours a day, and, by God, I miss being able to do that much. I still practice, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I can go for a couple of days without doing anything remotely resembling practice!
And, on that note, I'm off to a rehearsal.
If you were given an extra hour in the day, what would you use it for?4 commentsMarch 2nd, 2012
Allan Glen is a 28 year old male from United Kingdom.
About
Freelance saxophonist/woodwind player, lecturer in music at Stevenson College, amateur photographer, keen golfer and obsessive movie lover. I enjoy good food and wine, friends and of course; good music!
I've studied at the University of Strathclyde here in Glasgow and also Berklee College of Music in Boston.
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Television
The Simpsons, Futurama, Family Guy, House, CSI, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Life on Mars, Friends, Scrubs, M*A*S*H, Frasier, Taxi, Top Gear, The West Wing, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Black Books, Cheers, Boston Legal, anything by Michael Palin
Books
Stephen Fry, Italo Calvino, Arthur Conan Doyle, Andrey Kurkov, Ian Rankin, Alan Alda, and many many more.
Music
Michael Brecker, Jerry Bergonzi, Bob Mintzer, Rick Margitza, Dave O'Higgins, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, John Scofield, Dino Govoni, Maria Schneider, Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, David Berkman, Kenny Wheeler, Dave Holland, Bob Brookmeyer, Gil Evans, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Randy Brecker, Vince Mendoza, Chris Potter, Yellowjackets, The Beatles, The Jam, James Taylor, Paul Simon, Paul Weller, Stevie Wonder, Morrissey, The Smiths, The Beach Boys
Movies
The Godfather Trilogy, Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Scarface, Looking for Richard, Back to the Future, Indiana Jones, The Departed, Munich, Schindler's List, Casino Royale (and most other Bond films), Silence of the Lambs, Die Hard (all 4 of them), Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico