by CongaTick » Tue Mar 04, 2008 4:09 pm
Sat in Thurs night --as I often do- with a trio of exceptional straight jazz musicans. First few times I did so I was a a bit intimidated, but managed to settle in with nice swing patterns and fills that were appreciated, often getting “good job” compliments from these guys and the other musicians who sit in. My solos however, (in this straight jazz set) were not as strong as they should be. I was/am a bit nervous about them and find myself playing out the timing with timid emphasis on some of the beats. And yes, on occasion I would “lose it” but get it back with the drummer’s help.
On Thurs, the drummer – the leader of the group-- came up to me during the break after one of my solos and in a friendly way said, essentially: 1.Jazz is all about the tune/ melody. I had to understand the melody. 2. He would keep time during my solo, and I should just play, improv and have fun. 3. During his solo, I would keep time. 4. I needed to exercise "those muscles" (meaning my solo chops, I think he meant) 5.This was not a problem during the weekly jams, but in a gig situation it would be.
He didn’t offer these comments in a way meant to be a put-down, but as helpful advice—which is how I took it and thanked him for it. Since then I’ve tried working on some solo patterns that would fit into a straight jazz set in the interim, but still have to admit a lack of solo confidence, but no lack of confidence in backing the rest of the music.
Here’s the question: Given this scenario would you show up to sit in on Thurs night, or not?