How To Solo My own approach to soloing is to focus less on perfection and more in my overall spontaneity and expression as a performer, At the same time I try to be aware of the overall momentum of the arrangement as a whole.
My own belief is that a lot of Jazz Musicians don't realize their role as arrangers. Although it is true that Jazz offers a lot of freedom for the soloist, the soloist also has a responsibility to think about the overall arrangement and create a build or make sure the wave is being embellished. If you don't, the solos will be long and directionless and the audience members might start doing the subtle watch glances. As long as a solo has some kind of energetic momentum, it'll definitely hold the listener's attention. From this perspective, I tend to focus less and less and perfection, and more and more in focusing on ways I can engage my listeners and keep them on their feet... as I do this; however, I find that the demand for better technique drives me to strive to develop my technique as well. In conclusion, I think it all comes down to one thing... in Jazz one, two, hundred are a million mistakes are always forgivable... The one thing that's NEVER forgivable is punishing an audience for coming out to hear live music by putting them to sleep. |
The Key Principles:
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