 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: wjk
Date: 2004-09-07 17:48
For an upcoming gig---it is only myself on clarinet, a bassist, and a percussionist. I can't say I really miss the guitarist or pianist, and it is fun improvising, but any hints on "keeping up with the rhythm section" and staying focused and on tempo? Thanks!
Post Edited (2004-09-07 17:48)
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Author: msloss
Date: 2004-09-07 18:03
Play fewer notes and play some rests. You don't have to play every idea that comes into your head and you don't have to skronk continuously just because it is your turn. Listen to some Count Basie, and see how he approaches it. You could play 3 notes in a whole 12 bar break and come off cooler than trying to play to collected works of Charlie Parker in 30 seconds. Then take all that extra airspace to focus on time and chord progressions.
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Author: BG ★2017
Date: 2004-09-07 22:36
I'm sure that many of us have played gigs with "those who never let the changes get in the way of their technique!" Don't be one of them.
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Author: ned
Date: 2004-09-08 10:27
So it's jazz then, I take it?
* You should know the chord changes in your head or at least have a book in front of you.
* Ask the bass player to play straight lines and to keep his improvising for his solos.
* Start numbers by keeping strictly to the melody and extemporise only gradually.
* Make sure it's you who calls the numbers.
* For inspiration you could listen to Jimmy Guifree who played in ''chordless'' combos as I recall, and you could also listen to Gerry Mulligan's pianoless quartet of the mid 50s, to mention just two who come to mind.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2004-09-08 14:35
First I have to disagree with John Kelly's first two suggestions. Suggestions 3 and 4 I just don't understand (my English is bad sorry).
Since it's pretty much impossible to concentrate on EVERYTHING while improvising, you should have some things that are automatically. From my experience 'time' is the most important thing that you need to play automatically. If your time was fine whne you played with the piano/guitar then there is no reason it will not be just as good without them. Only advice I can give you is practice like you are playing in the gig but yb yourself, without a metoronom of course. If you can do it alone then you could do it with another player too (unless the other player is not keeping time)
Good luck..
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2004-09-10 14:44
Your sound should ride above the rest, not dominate the changes...
Aim for the topmost note on whatever progression the bassist plays.
It won't hurt to put in a "quote" or two, so long as you've transposed.
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