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jhatpro Heavyweight Member
Joined: 17 Mar 2002 Posts: 10204 Location: The Land Beyond O'Hare
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Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2019 1:06 pm Post subject: Muted Solos Sans Mic |
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Anyone else ignore the Harmon mute stipulation in big band solos if there’s no mic? _________________ 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 |
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zaferis Heavyweight Member
Joined: 03 Nov 2011 Posts: 2326 Location: Beavercreek, OH
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Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2019 3:56 pm Post subject: |
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I wouldn't say every time, but certainly it's a concern/thought every time this happens. Quite often "called" by the lead player as the tune gets pulled up.
If it's section work and the section wants to BLOW and have the color heard, but most of the time it's a choice to go with straight, cup or without.
Of course, there are a bunch of other variables: how loud everyone else is, the size of the room, indoors/outdoors, how many players, etc.
Solo tone, especially MuteMeister's, would be a good substitute, but how many players actually have one in their bag?
To me, the problem with going to straight mute is that most of our straights are to loud or free-blowing, and don't provide the same buzz as we're really after. - ideally, without adding a mic, I'd use a second "tighter" straight. _________________ Freelance Performer/Educator
Adjunct Professor
Bach Trumpet Endorsing Artist
Retired Air Force Bandsman |
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jhatpro Heavyweight Member
Joined: 17 Mar 2002 Posts: 10204 Location: The Land Beyond O'Hare
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Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2019 4:04 pm Post subject: |
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Exactly! _________________ 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 |
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jazz_trpt Heavyweight Member
Joined: 25 Nov 2001 Posts: 5734 Location: Savoy, Illinois, USA
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Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 12:00 pm Post subject: |
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Depends on the nature of the arrangement.
I think harmon mute amongst a big band ensemble section is pretty tricky and shouldn't occur often. Sometimes advanced arrangers will mix a couple of harmon parts in with another mute type for a different color, and I'll respect those directives.
Solo harmon mute in a big band setting almost always calls for a mic so in those settings I usually check with the director to see if I can get away with something a bit livelier.
I have played in some big bands where all mute indications are ignored. :-/ _________________ Jeff Helgesen
Free jazz solo transcriptions! |
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cheiden Heavyweight Member
Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Posts: 8914 Location: Orange County, CA
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Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 4:52 pm Post subject: |
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Depending on the vintage of the piece I'll sometimes use Harmon with stem, which cuts through better. But I certainly agree that with no mic and a group that can't get the volume down there's no point in blowing your brains out trying to be heard. _________________ "I'm an engineer, which means I think I know a whole bunch of stuff I really don't."
Charles J Heiden/So Cal
Bach Strad 180ML43*/43 Bb/Yamaha 731 Flugel/Benge 1X C/Kanstul 920 Picc/Conn 80A Cornet
Bach 3C rim on 1.5C underpart |
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dstdenis Heavyweight Member
Joined: 25 May 2013 Posts: 2123 Location: Atlanta GA
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Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2019 1:10 am Post subject: |
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We play with Harmon mute when called for—no mics. It’s a nice texture, and the soft dynamic can be a nice contrast. Makes the loud bright stuff that comes later sound bigger. If the Harmon parts are lost in the mix, the other players need to back off and balance. _________________ Bb Yamaha Xeno 8335IIS
Cornet Getzen Custom 3850S
Flugelhorn Courtois 155R
Piccolo Stomvi |
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Ed Kennedy Heavyweight Member
Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Posts: 3187
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Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2019 6:30 am Post subject: |
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Some harmons have more "cut." I like the Emo aluminum for that purpose. |
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