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June 2008 NEWSLETTER

NEW LESSONS FOR JUNE:
Single Line
Double 4 note Tone Rows to learn:
1. Overtone Dominant Color for Soloing
2. Altered Dominant Color
3. Solo based on the chords to Shiny Stockings

Tunes:
Shiny Stockings (Chord Melody version)

There are many correlations to draw from this month’s lessons and song examples.  If you’re so inclined, you might try exploring the multitude of possibilities.

We always welcome and encourage feedback, discussion, questions, or if you wish, whatever is on your mind.  The Forums wait to be enlivened again!

As Always,
Barbara Franklin

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May 2008 NEWSLETTER

On a more personal note: Many of you are not aware how difficult it is to bring into being special offers such as the above mentioned, in addition to my sometimes chaotic quotidian existence, to which now is added the task of writing Ted’s bio/memoirs. (As Ted always said, “I’m not complainin’, just explainin’) This is a long, arduous labor of love, so please do not even think of asking about a date of completion!

Hence, I would like all of you to make the acquaintance of Nick Stasinos, a talented student of Ted’s and also a mutual friend of ours. Nick will be assisting me with the website, including all future projects, such as special DVDs and CDs of the incredible Ted Greene. It was Nick who came to my aid this month and offered his help when finding me overwhelmed by “everything,” and I graciously accepted. If you have any questions or suggestions, you may contact either one of us through the website, and/or of course the master Webmaster, the inimitable Dan Sindel.

Since it is Spring, the idea of spreading beauty through music comes to my mind again and again, this being so, I wanted to dedicate this month’s lessons and song to encouraging this ineffable concept.

NEW LESSONS FOR MAY:
Chord Studies
Chord Substitution Pt.2 (pages 6-10...)

Tunes:
When You Wish Upon a Star

Baroque:
Counterpoint - 2 voices yielding 3

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April 2008 NEWSLETTER

Take Heed!!!
There is something new to share this month.  An audio recording of Ted’s interview on KPFK Radio originally broadcast in 1994.
You will find this on the TedGreene.com Homepage!  Quite a treat

On another positive note:
A very interesting discussion in the Forums ensued from a simple inquiry regarding the chord progression  IV (or iv) bVII7 - I.   Three chords, with much to be said about them, ideas and opinions quite varied and all viable.   The reason I mention this is because it is exactly the type of thing that Ted would have loved to see generated, he loved to pose questions and let the responses lead in as many directions as possible, thereby bringing forth new and different ideas, he loved to stimulate the thinking process, his own and others as well. 

Ted Greene Playing at Joey B’s DVD
There is still time to add your name to the list if you would like a copy. You will find the list in the forums under "News and Updates". For those who would like to see a preview, please check out our video section. The entire DVD consists of Ted playing about 40 songs! For more information about the DVD please see the March ’08 Newsletter.

Lessons:
Chord Studies
1. Chord Substitution Pt.1 (5 Pgs. One of Ted’s early studies, very in-depth)
2. I’ll Remember April - (Chord Melody Treatments of the 1st Phrase )
3. I’ll Remember April - (Harmonized Melody - Jazz Piano & Orchestral)

Tunes:
What Kind of Fool am I?

This concludes a rather sparse news month, but it’s always great to have something new to share. Thanks to all of you out there for your participation on Ted’s website.

Most Sincerely,
Barbara Franklin

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Picnic News
Due to the response we have gotten, there will indeed be another picnic, providing that there is no rain on that day.

See Details Below:  
SUNDAY March 9, 2008
( 12 noon to whenever!)
This picnic is open to anyone who is interested in Ted Greene, his music, learning, sharing, and having fun. Bring food enough to feed yourself and perhaps share with others. Not massive amounts! Bring drinks for yourself, since we aren't sharing those. Barbecue-ing is not allowed at the park.

A blanket is good if you want to sit on the grass. There are also picnic tables where we meet. Folding chairs would also work fine. If you have a battery powered amp, please bring it. and of course; all guitars are welcome. We do a lot of playing and jamming, etc. Assorted and sundry items: sunblock, hat, digital camera. We met last time at the north east side of the park.

*** Please note *** There are TWO PARKS in Encino. Make double sure you are going to the correct park. (Last time 6 people went to the wrong one!)

Place:
Encino "Duck" Park
The 'back gate" is at:
16756 Moorpark St.
Encino CA 91436-1068

This "back" gate is closer to where we will be, but you can find us from either gate.

**Here is a link to a map

Directions:
Take the 101 Ventura Freeway to the Balboa off ramp.
Go South on Balboa to Moorpark--one block before Ventura Blvd.
Turn left onto Moorpark and park on the street.
There is no parking lot. Enter through the gate.
(you can also park in the Smart & Final lot and enter from Ventura blvd. Front gate: Less than 1/2 block east of Balboa, on the North side of Ventura Blvd. Right next to Smart and Final.)

JOEY B. WEDDING DVD ANNOUNCEMENT
We are preparing to make available a new re-mastered DVD of Ted’s entire performance at Joey Backenstoe’s wedding. Anyone who attended Ted Greene's memorial will remember seeing some clips from this. It's one of Ted's best- filmed performances. He's relaxed, inspired and performs many standard tunes on his Telecaster, most arranged on the spot. It's a must-have! In order to know how many copies are needed, we are asking for advance notice if you are interested. There will be a column in the Forums for you to enter your name.

As you may not realize, the website does cost money to maintain, therefore we will ask in return for the DVD a $12 donation. This will cover the cost of materials and production of the DVD, and hopefully help defray some of the website costs. We've been looking for ways to offset these costs- not as a way to make a profit, but simply as a way to help offset expenses. (This is a labor of love for us.) It looks like we will be able to add a Paypal link for donations to the site. Stay tuned for more developments.

**REMEMBER: AT THIS TIME - We are ONLY compiling a list of names. We simply need to know how many of you actually want the DVD.

New LESSONS for March
Jazz/Blues Section
*Beginning Jazz Turn Arounds
*Jazz Turnarounds (contrary motion) I7 bVII7 bVI7 V7 - 2 pages
*Jazz Turnarounds - Based on rhythmic figures mated to common progressions.

Chords Section
Harmonic Vocabulary Progression Study
*Page 1 - I ii
*Page 2 - I iii and I iii ii

Other Section
Harp Harmonics
*Page 1 ala Chet and Lenny
*Technique and Sustained Scales 3 Pages
*Scale runs with Chimes ala Chet and Lenny

Tunes
*Very Early (Bill Evans)
*In a Mellow Tone

A (sort of) Short Commentary
This month offers many very special lessons, events and opportunities with (I hope)vast appeal. The purpose being, to show by example a varied array of what is (and has been) available to everyone through this website.

To use a common cliché “times have changed” most noticeably in the past 15 or so years as the internet has become all pervasive. The most recent generations are (or have been) growing up in a world where “everything under the sun” is available at the touch of a button, and consider this almost as “their right to access” as opposed to “a privilege” since they have not experienced the world prior to this phenomenon.

As many of you are aware, all this information was once disseminated (not too long ago) in a “physical” format, e.g. published books, “tangible” CDs, etc.
Unfortunately (as I view it anyway) the desire for tangible items is fading rapidly. However the work involved in creating and producing such materials has little changed.

Ted worked very hard (albeit with love) to formulate his musical studies and lessons, as do many other artists with anything worthwhile sharing for the benefit of others, whether it was intended for pleasure or knowledge.

Ok Barbara, get to the point! This “easy” access seems to me to diminish the appreciation of the information in the sense that when something is easily attained, it is almost taken for granted, and consequently less valued than when effort is (has been) expended to procure such. This may just be the way of the world now but I sure hope I’m wrong.

Rebuttals welcome.

Sincerely,
Barbara Franklin

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February 2008 NEWSLETTER

Whilst engaged in an interesting discussion with Leon White, he mentioned that the last time he looked at the statistics for the Forums (well over a year ago) there were about 8000 views a month, and suggested I share with everyone the current statistics, which I am elated to do, as the activity on the forums has hit an all time high of over 42, 500 views last month!  Wow!!!

Also upon Leon’s suggestion, a version of “My Funny Valentine” was deemed an appropriate choice to offer since it is February, good idea Leon!  Therefore I have included 2 versions in the Lessons section under TUNES.

**And lastly, I want to congratulate our very own Dan Sindel on his debut playing at the NAMM show!  Here I offer you the text:
Dan's CD Signing & Live Performance (Fri, January 18th & Sat 19th 1:30p.m.) at TBD's booth was a great success!!!
All who came by the TBD Booth had a chance to meet Dan in person and get a "FREE" Collector's "Marching In" Advance Release Sampler CD as well as watch him perform to a few John Philip Sousa favorites. Dan also made a few surprise "guest appearances" along the way and performed his Symphonic Guitar arrangements at the booths of Glyph Technologies and Coloriffic Pickguards and everyone had a good time..!

Dan states: "In my humble opinion the event was very pleasing to say the least as well as a great opportunity to share my music with so many people. LOL, it sure seemed all the good folks working the registration area had taken an opportunity to enjoy themselves as well for a few seconds when we "struck up the band" and I played my guitar along to my Sousa interpretations, playing at NAMM is a dream come true for me."

***One more item to mention:  For some Ted inspired music:
vist http://www.myspace.com/timlerch

So if appropriate, throw another log on the fire, keep warm and enjoy!
Barbara Franklin

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JANUARY 2008 NEWSLETTER

Well..........Yet another year has dawned upon us. Hope everyone has reason to welcome in the New Year with a positive outlook and inspiration for their path ahead.

In the ineluctable cycle of ending one year and beginning the next, I have chosen to bestow upon you with all good tidings, Ted’s Melodic Patterns for Intros, Endings, and Interludes. There are 4 different ideas to work from, and these pages also offer insight on how to formulate your own versions. Lessons Section - CHORD STUDIES

For some divergence, I have also included 2 pages on what Ted terms ‘Classical’ Harmony for guitar. The quotation marks are Ted’s, he’s referring to ‘classical’ as meaning basic or traditional, which also encompasses contemporary application. Lesson Section - HARMONY

Lastly in the TUNES section there are 3 different arrangements of “Ain’t Misbehavin” Again, one has the opportunity to view the different aspects and styles from Ted’s wide perspective. It will be of tremendous benefit to carefully look at and compare all of the possibilities and options.

Happy New Year! Barbara Franklin, Dan Sindel, Bob Holt