Newest Jazz Clips *3 Full Songs*

[SparBZ]

http://www.purevolume.com/saulsparber

This is my jazz band in the making.

It is composed of:
Rhythm Section:
Drums: Myself
Electric Guitar (x2)
Electric Bass
Grand Piano
Percussion: Congas

Horns:
Alto Sax x2 (He's very good)
Tenor Sax
Baritone Sax
Clarinet (??)
Trombone


The first two aren't bad. But then the band coordinator tried Seven Steps and the horns rushed the head as soon as we got in, and it threw me off right away.

Constructive Criticism is REALLY appreciated.

This was recorded with one Shure SM-58 in the middle of the audience. I'm pretty sure this is what was reflected in the crowd, and I can tell I was blatantly overplaying in some parts of each song. Not to mention I can get excited.

[Tillmon]

needs to tighten up and lay back. The whole band, not necessarily just you.

[SparBZ]

Probably because the horn sections reading right off the charts and not really feeling the songs. I don't even read the charts, I just groove.

[Patrick323]

listen to the greats: Buddy Rich, Max Roach, Philly Joe, Art Taylor, Art Blakey to start with (they aren't the only ones of course lol). I wouldn't go into Elvin or Tony Williams yet. Transcribe some of their playing, solos and time behind soloists. Also take some time each day, even if only 15 minutes to just listen to their sound, interaction. Take it all in, but maybe focus on certain aspects of their playing so that you don't overload your senses.

Maybe transcribe stuff from other instruments as well - listen to phrasing. I remember reading that Elvin, recalling Art Tatum (piano) said how he could hear all the stuff Max Roach and other drummers were doing in his (Art's) playing. It all works both ways. One of the first things I transcribed was Miles Davis' So What solo.

That's a lot of stuff right there, kind of ironic 'cus I said not to overload yourself. These are just suggestions based on what I've been told and what I'm going through now.

Lastly, really focus on your own sound. My best playing occurs when I can listen to my playing without worrying about coordination - when it becomes really free. Then you become really concious of the sounds you and the others around you are making in real time. Becoming aware of all that is crucial to expressing yourself how you're intending to do it.

[SparBZ]

Thanks, any other tips? Not just for me, but for the band?

[jcreamer89]

Practice less. Just show up to band pratice and see were it goes. Thats how many jazz greats do it. Do not let anything get in the way of your creative juices. Maybe the entire band should go camping to get closer, I have found that works for me. Just learn to love each other and share your passion for jazz. Remember you only have one life to make music, so make is rememberable. BTW: I think Art Blakey was a piano player before a drummer, and there is nothing at all wrong with that!

[Patrick323]

also to revise a bit, don't avoid the williams/elvin stuff, it's good stuff, just start earlier in history for transcription, i'd say

[The_One]

Holy crap you go to Blair Academy?

Isn't that where half the Harvard Wrestling team is from? neat!!

Oh i like your playing too. :)

[-TGP-]

Feel it man, Jazz comes from the heart.
Set up your fills.
Lay back for sureeee.
Switch your cymbals when you're keeping time.
Sounds good though.

[SparBZ]

Holy crap you go to Blair Academy?

Isn't that where half the Harvard Wrestling team is from? neat!!

Oh i like your playing too. :)

#1 in the nation baby.

Thanks for all the advice. I'll try to feel the songs much more when I'm able to play.