 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clarinetgiggirl
Date: 2003-08-20 07:00
I am playing in a short, low-key gig at a blues festival on Saturday. I am OK with my solos, but am having difficulty playing the fills, that is the gaps whilst the singer is singing. I just don't know what to play. It has to be simple stuff I know, (mostly standard 12 bar blues), but what exactly? Any ideas would be appreciated.
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Author: Burt
Date: 2003-08-20 15:19
Some ideas:
Don't play many notes. When practical, mimic the rhythmic and melodic patterns of the soloist.
Play in a different octave from the soloist.
Follow the chord structure of the piano/guitar part. For the most part, play notes on the beats which are in the chord unless the soloist does otherwise. If the fill goes through chord changes, put notes which are in the new chord on the beats.
Minimize use of any notes not in the chord of the the piece, except for minor 3rd and minor 7th, which emphasize the blues style.
Think in terms of introducing the soloist's next entrance.
Good luck, and enjoy.
Burt
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2003-08-22 22:57
This whole technique is an extension of the call and response/ question and answer used in negro work songs. Any fills should be "conversational" or in other words complement the vocal. Part of the mind set would be to imagine a conversation between you and the singer. It is important that you both leave enough space for the other otherwise it becomes an argument not a conversation. You can imitate the singer or play something contrasting. If the singer shouts you can whisper or shout depending on the emotion. The whole feel also needs to be relaxed or "back of the bus" otherwise it will sound corny. Listen to some blues, I would suggest some B.B. King he is the master of this sort of thing. The instrument used is irrelevant it is the genre you are after.
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