 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: wjk
Date: 2004-04-01 12:36
I have been hired to play at a party to celebrate a new business---my instructions are to play "elegant" jazz. I said "No problem, I'd be delighted."
I'll probably use a small combo---clarinet/sax/ guitar/ drums/bass.
Any suggestions re: repertoire/amplification?
Thanks!
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2004-04-01 12:51
Pay attention to dynamics, by 'elegant' the buyers probably mean 'quiet'.
Ellington
The Count
Mulligan
Perhaps something original?
Not the night for "Harmolodics", certainly.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-04-01 13:14
Wow! I haven't seen WJK around in ages! Welcome back!
Here's an idea. Most will probably disagree, but by elegant I'm sure they would include "Kenny G" type tunes. So maybe take a soft contemporary tune, and jazz it up a bit. Maybe some Stevie Wonder arrangements or the like (whose tunes were of an elegant jazzy style themselves).
Maybe lots of people would disagree with this suggestion, but I'm sure that the audience would love to hear your take on contemporary songs. Not to mention they'll be more likely to recognize them and that'll probably make you sound a little better too. So don't be afraid to mix something like that in there.
Alexi
Retired, playing more sax than clarinet, but still playing clarinet and still loving it!
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Author: saxlite
Date: 2004-04-01 13:39
Just played an "elegant" gig for a society awards dinner in Marin County, CA........started with a clarinet and guitar "greeting" at the door, moved to a combo of sax/clarinet, keyboard, guitar, bass, and drums. Used the old "fake" books and played the old standards with a light jazz interpretation, lots of improvising around the melody. Did fifties rock and roll after dinner. Was a great success, getting rehired for next year. Tuxedos are a must!
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Author: FrankM
Date: 2004-04-01 15:24
I love jobs like this. My buddy calls them "Flower Pot Gigs" meaning the plants, the wallpaper, the light fixtures and your music are all a part of the total ambience of the place you're in. If an occasional jazz fan nods towards you in appreciation, you've recieved about as many accolades as you can expect.....however, the $$$ is usually good and no one will ask for "Freebird" or the "Chicken Dance". Most important is your appearance and an unobtrusive volume.
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2004-04-02 03:37
Hey, Doc, I wouldn't use a sax with the Clarinet (maybe double). How about just four: Clarinet (of course), a drummer who knows how to play quietly, and pick two from keyboard (for REAL elegance, haul in the Boesendorfer), guitar, ans bass viol. That would do fine for me.
I agree with saxlite that noodling around old standards would be both fun and impressive. Some good show music would be fine. Kern, Gershwin, Lehar, Romberg, Rodgers. That sort of stuff. Weird, eh? No, it'll sound great. Wow, wish I could be there!
Regards,
John
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-04-02 04:01
What bothers me is that wjk is my student and lately has been playing more gigs then me!
No ... not really, but I am proud of him...GBK
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Author: wjk
Date: 2004-04-02 14:11
But really, they would be a bargain at three times the price!
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Author: claclaws
Date: 2004-04-03 01:06
Can't agree more with sfalexi about those familiar tunes for the audience.
As audience, I always liked to listen more carefully when I recognized the song, rather than chatting with the date.
Lucy Lee Jang
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2004-04-03 02:18
The guitar is going to need an amp. You probably won't, unless it is a big room and there are a lot of people (150 or more).
If the guitar player has a small amp/speaker combination, bring a mike and if you feel you really need it, plug it into his system. You will need to be able to set your level independently of the guitar. Keep the volume low so that people can talk without shouting over you.
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2004-04-03 13:28
John writes:
"How about . . . a drummer who knows how to play quietly . . . "
Ay! There's the rub!
I would guess that that particular drummer must be hanging out with the one trumpet player in the world who knows how to play a dynamic other than fff.
Susan
(who has heard one too many church bands)
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