-
Originally Posted by fep
The little experience I do have with this has made a big difference.
Similarly, playing with people who so-so time/groove can really bring you down.
-
10-04-2011 12:14 PM
-
Originally Posted by jmstritt
-
Originally Posted by FatJeff
My view now, is that you cannot really know them all. There hundreds and hundreds of standards and jazz classics that are commonly played- I think that knowing/hearing the commonalities between them (the basic changes that get reused) and the ability to read the head (if need be) is probably the best strategy if you don't want to devote excessive time to memorizing the 500 must-knows.
I played a sit-in gig last Friday with Tepid Club of Cool (a local 40's style swing combo) and didn't know a single tune except for A Train- I had to hear the changes during the head statements and be ready to comp/solo for the rest of the tune. It was a nice challenge, and it went pretty darn well. Finding the tonal centers and the form (AABA, ABAC, blues, etc) was enough- We had lots of fun trading 4's even. Good times.
-
Originally Posted by JakeAcci
Another thing we (members here) have in common is we obviously like to talk about our experiences and share our insights; too many players won't loosen up and show their cards- as if they have a secret that was gifted to them via creative intuition or rigorous academic training. Boo on that! Let it all hang out!Last edited by JonnyPac; 10-04-2011 at 03:34 PM.
-
Reading is my biggest weakness right now. Working on it day by day though!
-
Weaknesses.....
#1 Jazz Vocab.
I have a small bag of licks that I consider "classic" jazz licks, I want to make it bigger. I play other peoples solos, but not many of the phrases make their way into my vocab.
#2 Swing.
I attribute this to being an electric bass player and to playing so much Brazilian music, I feel like I can swing a bassline just fine, but when I start to solo, I find myself doing a lot if straight 16th note ideas (I like to play fast) I need to work on articulating the swing style better.
#3 Tone and live sound.
I need to take more initiative to change my strings, clean my fretboard, get my instrument set-up, etc... to ensure that I always have the best possible tone. I also have a problem with being too loud when I get really into it. That's a big one, too much volume can really turn off the listener.
#4 Ears
as many of you know, I am really, really, really, into theory. Unfortunately, this is in some ways counter productive to my ability to really play jazz and improvise. granted, it has helped my ability to play the instrument through exercises, compositions, reading ability, memorization, etc... but I still think in scales and shapes way too much when I improvise. I mean, I can sometimes turn it off and just listen, but that can be difficult for me given that much of my musical experience is coming from a place of theory and application as opposed to just listening and playing.
number four is by far the biggest weakness in my skill set. I get down on myself about it all the time. I mean, it's pretty lame when your drummer has to yell roots at you because he's got better ears than you
wow, that was cathartic. I'm sure there are plenty more too.
-
Originally Posted by fep
I think my problem is one of "intensity". That is to say......I am too much "in the moment" and effected by the music. This causes me to react as the listener might.
More often than not I get more emotional than I should. It's the only part of music that interests me so I'm always going after it. I want the rush but when I get it I am debilitated by it and make mistakes.
I think I can solve this by being detached. Not caught up in what I'm doing so much.
There is a book (that was mentioned on this site) "Effortless Mastery: Liberating the Master Musician Within"
The book deals with this scenario so I have ordered it and await it's arrival.
I never thought about being "detached".
It seems like the opposite of what I've always strived for.
But now the concept makes sense to me.
If I am detached, can I play with feeling?
I hope so.
-
Reading and remembering songs.
-
Right hand picking at high speed - way too sloppy.
2014 Gibson ES175 1959 Reissue Natural
Today, 02:21 AM in For Sale