DCLX+BMJB=TCB

This is a little project I did because I recently bought a new camera, and now I am basically teaching myself how to use it in addition to learning photography and videography from scratch. It’s been something that I’ve been wanting to get into for awhile now, and just decided to jump to it.

Other than being an unabashed fan of the Boilermaker Jazz Band, I did this mostly as an exercise in learning how to cut between multiple video angles. Btw, thanks to David Soltysik for letting me play with the original files of his recordings from that night. You can see his footage on his site.

I know it’s not close to perfect, but it was a good learning experience. Looking back, I may have been too much of a slave to include certain shots simply because I like looking at them. It was a great opportunity to catch the Boilermakers in rare form as they were on fire for most of that night as evidenced by your best set in the house shot of Rich tearing apart his drum set.  Plus there was the energy of the DCLX crowd and the dancers in the circle.

Everything is in chronological order, other than two short shots, and starts with the end of the second encore song: the theme from Sanford & Son. This was a compromise from showing the whole thing, and I wanted some time to acknowledge the band and show off the fun little bits that happened in between the two songs. David cut out at the end of the song, and I was about to pack it in myself, but I kept rolling on a hunch—really a hope that they would play again and they did not disappoint.

In case you’re wondering, the camera next to the drummer, Rich is the new camera: a Panasonic Lumix GH2. I was on the opposite side of the stage recording with an old point and shoot camera, a Sony Cybershot W350. That one was an impromptu decision earlier in the evening when I realized that I had it with me and decided that if I’m going to do this, then I’m just going over the top with it. David is recording with his hand held video camera in the middle of the crowd.

For those of you trying to decide on your next camera purchase, this is actually a good opportunity to compare video between a point & shoot, a dedicated video cam, and an almost DSLR. Although, it should be noted that despite the fact that the Cybershot shoots in HD widescreen, the rendering settings I used to create the final video was not kind to that camera’s footage and made it worse than it was.

Enjoy this little love letter from me to the Boilermakers and everyone at DCLX. Comments and critiques would be appreciated.

Favorite Videos 2010: Music

Just a note: This blog is going on automatic for the next week.  There should be a post every day Monday through Thursday with the rest of my favorite videos.  I’m not sure how often I’ll be able to check it while I’m at home or at Lindy Focus next week, but feel free to leave a comment and I’ll reply whenever I can.

Northeast Girl Jam 2010 Mable Lee with the Boilermaker Jazz Band

The people who organized Northeast Girl Jam did a great service by giving people the opportunity learn and be entertained by the legendary Mabel Lee.  Here she sings with the Boilermaker Jazz Band who once again demonstrate their versatility and virtuosity.

Snowball 2009 - Gordon Webster Sextet - Down By The Riverside

One of the good trends that has developed over the past few years is the growing relationship between dancers and musicians.  Here’s the godfather of Lindy Hop, Steven Mitchell, channeling a bit of James Brown alongside a couple other dances, Malcolm Holt and Naomi Uyama tearing it up with Gordon Webster’s band over at the last Snowball.

ILHC 2010 Jonathan Stout & His Campus 5

Yeah, I know it’s my video.  I’m biased that way.  Just before this jam broke out, I checked my clock and knew Jonathan was going to end with a hot one.  I figured that someone would film the jam, so I set up in front of the band.  I always wanted to get footage of a great dance band like Jonathan’s during a jam.

And just for comparison’s sake, the jam itself.

ILHC 2010 LED Talks Preview

It was the time of your life and you know it.

Uptown Swing Class Review Peter Strom & Stacia Martin

Best use of music to make an instructional point.

Wherever you are and who ever you are, have a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and/or a wonderful holiday.  Good luck and God Bless.  Take care, fare well, and all that Jazz.  I hope to meet you on the dance floor sometime soon in the coming year.