Looking for Advice

[jhatpro]

Here I am up early on a rainy Sunday thinking the gig my 6-piece trad group will be playing Thursday night for an audience of knowledgeable jazz fans.

What concerns me is we will be playing with two subs. Fortunately, they're very experienced, capable musicians but, still, the challenge of keeping the train on the tracks has me a little worried.

We'll be working with lead sheets from the Real Jazz Dixieland Book. The band has had the set list for several weeks. And our regulars, minus the subs, have been playing the ink and soloing well.

What I'm most worried about is the fact that the venue will be dark and noisy. So what's the best way to make sure there is no miscommunication regarding the two issues that, my experience, can lead to confusion/uncertainty: who's soloing when and when to take/or not take repeats?
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle

[Richard III]

What instruments are the subs playing? Are they critical or just supportive in your approach?

I know a guy who tours constantly. A different gig every night in a different city. He tells me that he's lucky to get to talk to the other musicians at the sound check. So the bass, drums and keyboard may have never played with him before and they just work it out. I've seen him many times and amazingly enough, they always work it out and sound good.
_________________
Richard

King 1130 Flugabone
King 12C mouthpiece

[jhatpro]

Thanks, Richard - good question.

One of the subs is on bass, the other bone. Both are very good. The bone player was in one of the North Texas State bands, the One O'Clock, I believe.

The bass player also has a good background. I've played with him in other bands and is excellent.

Still, as I noted, there are so many ways the train can derail....
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle

[Richard III]

I don't think you have any worries. The bass player should know what to do with just about anything that comes along. The bone player, if he is experienced with trad jazz should also be able to handle it all. The only thing to work out is letting the bone player know when you want him to solo. These guys will be looking for cues from you anyway. Nothing to worry about.
_________________
Richard

King 1130 Flugabone
King 12C mouthpiece

[jhatpro]

Thanks, Richard!

Another question: our rehearsals have left me with the feeling that some trad tunes get repetitious and lengthy if you play all the repeats and everyone solos for 24 bars over blues or 32 bars on standards.

Anything wrong with skipping the repeats and at asking the soloists to split 32 bars so you end up four soloists covering 64 bars before the ensemble out?
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle

[boog]

Hi Jim,

Sounds like a plan to me. Skipping repeats almost never seems to hurt the flow of the chart, unless it is a D.S. al Coda or some such, although on last Fall's concert, we did cut some of the original out of the D.S. to give the trumpet section a break! (Coconut Champagne). It is rare that we play a chart from top to bottom as written, it just depends on the composition. That is why they invented pencils!

As for dividing up a solo, I personally start to run out of fresh ideas about 16 bars into the solo, so I don't mind passing the phrase on to another. I have guys (and gals) in my band that can go on and on without getting repetitious, however, in most semi pro and amateur groups, these kinds of jazzers are rare!

My group varies from 16-22 folks, so perhaps we are more flexible than a small ensemble? Or not..

[jhatpro]

Thanks, Dave! Glad to hear you think my plan has a chance. I think one of the things that puts audiences off is tunes that last too long and soloists who drone on forever. As a result I’ve come to believe that simple is good, shorter is better, and less is more.
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle

[Richard III]

[Denny Schreffler]

[jhatpro]

Great advice - thanks!
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle

[jazz_trpt]