Trp Players that improvise..

[Cozy]

Kadamn! What a posting; one of my faves. Borrowing from a generation I usta know, "Heavy, man." Thanks to thoughts from Mr. Parise, brnt99, Nicholas, Quad C, Mr. Turner, Pedro et al. (can't remember 'em all)...
...I don't have anything to contribute right now. Still taking in all the fine comments. So philosophical rather than stratospheric. Thanks.
Ok, had to say somethin' -- Thanks to Tom Turner and several others for recognizing the efforts of section guys. We all like to play lead and/or solos, but when placed in a section, one likes his/her work to be recognized and appreciated. Too often the big dogs forget to offer praise, or even to notice that it's warranted.
The rhythm section holds us together, but the section folks add the harmony and embellishments that inspire the lead/jazz players. Like Tom Turner said, a strong section guy can raise one's level of play.
Top Cat or grunt runt, we should all notice and express appreciation for work well-done.

Cozy
http://www.cozychops.com

[rch-tech]

Ahhh -- if only there were 72 hours in a day, and we still only had to deal with life a mere fraction of that time, then us hobby players who wish to meet the levels of those more focused players on this board, could practice more...

[pfrank]

Beethoven was popularly known as a great improviser before people knew of him as a composer. Hyden improvised on harpsichord along with his symphonies. Franz List, well, he was a hell of an improvisor. On and on the list goes, because in Those days, there was no division between a non improvising "classical" music and the popular/folk music of the time. The music of Now is Always improvised, weather it is written down or not! A "composer" comes up with material In The Moment and writes it down. It may be changed later, but it's a spontanious impulse then, too. Where is comes from is the creative mystery, worthy of contemplation.

When someone thinks that they "can't improvise", and they want to, I suggest that they forget idiomatic rules (like be-bop) and just play something, anything. Just make yourself happy, have fun. You've got to get the energy moving First! Then you carve it into something other people can relate too, something idiomatic. That carving process might take years and years, but so what? If you don't care to improvise that's OK too.
_________________
"Truth is not in the heights but at the bottom of all things."
Paul Twitchell