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Muted Solos Sans Mic



 
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jhatpro
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PostPosted: Sun Feb 10, 2019 1:06 pm    Post subject: Muted Solos Sans Mic Reply with quote

Anyone else ignore the Harmon mute stipulation in big band solos if there’s no mic?
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zaferis
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PostPosted: Sun Feb 10, 2019 3:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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.
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jhatpro
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PostPosted: Sun Feb 10, 2019 4:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Exactly!
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jazz_trpt
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 12:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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. :-/
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cheiden
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 4:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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.
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dstdenis
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 12, 2019 1:10 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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.
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Ed Kennedy
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 12, 2019 6:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Some harmons have more "cut." I like the Emo aluminum for that purpose.
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