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hastings jazz club at the white rock hotel |
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Tittle Tattle Etiquette of a jazz punter Applause I overheard a rock musician talking to a friend about a gig he had done at a jazz venue he said "and they kept clapping in the middle of a number" A wry smile crossed my face as I realised the guy had never been to a jazz gig. It is the norm in jazz to clap directly after a solo and even cheer if it was great (great meaning you enjoyed it) you don't have to understand it and you do not have to wait until the end of a number to show your appreciation. Not everybody is going to experience a solo in the same way, so what touched you might have left someone else unimpressed but that doesn't matter show your appreciation if you enjoyed it. Jazz nerds know that and accept that we experience music differently. Solos This is what jazz is really about and they keep the music alive and fresh. It also means no two gigs are ever the same. A solo is in the moment instant composition - the greater the musician the greater the reservoir of ideas and how to use them in fresh and exciting ways. Talking Why you should not talk when someone is taking a solo. Sound is the improvisers medium and when you talk you take up some of their space, also your conversation can intrude on their internal thinking. You know that expression I can't think - well an improviser can experience that when trying to compose an instant solo, the external noise can hamper the internal thinking of a soloist and so inhibit what they create for you. Learn to trust them and they will take you on a musical journey that will engage your emotions. Give then your attention and they will give 100 percent. Signs of a great player The essence of all jazz is that somewhere in every number there is a point where the music is being composed on the spot. The great jazz soloists are masters at doing this, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Courtney Pine etc. Another sign of a great player is their tone colour e.g. Miles Davis, Pat Metheny, Wayne Shorter, Andy Sheppard etc. their sound is distinctive and usually very pleasant on the ears. Speed and fluency is something most great players acheive. Dancing (come on this is Hastings) Dancing is allowed and I would positively encourage it if you felt in the mood. Some nerdy purists will be alarmed by these comments but what the hell the music is to be enjoyed and they would agree with that fact. |
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