[Dixielandjazz] stride vs. comp

[David W. Littlefield]

At 12:01 PM 1/23/2003 -0500, Rob McCallum wrote:
>Do you find that part of the drummer's role is also to assist with dynamic
>contrast?  It seems that big band drummers act almost as substitute
>conductors in "driving" the band, setting up the different sections, and
>leading the p's and ff's.  Keeping the beat rests with the hi hat and ride
>(and of course the string bass).  Is it the same while playing the dixieland
>style?

That's included in "sound and feel of the band", 
>> A few small changeups are cool, as is an *occasional* break, sometimes even
>a
>> solo--perhaps a couple per set. Your main creativity must be in supporting
>> the rest of the band; of course, the drummer has more tools to work with,
>> and that can have significant impact on the sound and feel of the band.

But I well might have specified the dynamic aspect, and that, as you say is
assisting with dynamic contrasts. However, perhaps I didn't specify it
because I assume the drummer should basically be following the other
instruments. The art would be in selecting the tools to enhance what the
horns are doing, making different sounds to avoid monotony. But drummer
wouldn't offer significant *contrasts* to the horns like backbeats or bombs
during ballads; no drummer worth his salt would play the rider or open
hi-hat during a guitar or banjo solo because those are "ringing"
instruments--he'd play something lightly percussive and choked. 

As for big bands, rhythm section is the floor for 9-13 horns; basic support
principle is the same, but the horns are doing basically different stuff
and have some different needs from those in small bands, hence so the drums
must do what's necessary, and probably have fewer options. I've always
found it interesting that whereas 1920s and very early 1930s stock charts
had finely detailed drum parts that told you when to sneeze and fart, the
big band charts provide almost no guidance... 

--Sheik

>
>----- Original Message -----
Sheik quothed:
>> Whatever rhythm instrument one plays, one should do what's appropriate to
>> the music genre, the basic style of the band, and what the others are
>> playing. This requires knowing what the leader wants and constant
>listening
>> to the sound of the *whole* band. 
>>
>> Sorry bass and drums, but your role is basically straight rhythm. KISS. A
>> few small changeups are cool, as is an *occasional* break, sometimes even
>a
>> solo--perhaps a couple per set. Your main creativity must be in supporting
>> the rest of the band; of course, the drummer has more tools to work with,
>> and that can have significant impact on the sound and feel of the band.
>> Bass creativity has little basic entertainment value, can screw up the
>band
>> very easily.

>>
>> At 08:57 AM 1/22/2003 -0600, Pat Cooke wrote:
>> >      IMHO, stride is for solo piano....when you have a bass player,
>leave
>> >the bass notes for the bass to play.  I find a comping style much easier
>to
>> >play bass with.
>> >      Also, a piano and a banjo(or guitar) in the same band is not a good
>> >idea, unless they have played together long enough to know what chords
>the
>> >other will be using and when to make the changes.
>> >      I've played with a number of groups where the piano and banjo are
>> >playing different chords at the same time.....Maddening!
>> >    Pat Cooke
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >----- Original Message -----
>> >From: "Charlie Hull" <Charlie at easysounds.com>
>> >To: "Charlie Hooks" <charliehooks at earthlink.net>; "DJML"
>> ><dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
>> >Sent: Wednesday, January 22, 2003 8:51 AM
>> >Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Solos vs. Banjo Styles
>> >
>> >
>> >> IMHO banjo can be compared to piano in a band.  Some pianists can't let
>go
>> >> of striding or playing every beat even tho they can be set free by
>letting
>> >> the bass and drums carry the rhythm.  Ditto with banjoists -- many
>insist
>> >on
>> >> playing a chord for every beat, while others -- epitomized by Bill
>> >Dendle --
>> >> 'comp' like a good pianist, doing off-beat sparks and tasty fillins.
>> >> Depends on the band's makeup, too.  If you have both piano and banjo,
>you
>> >> don't want them both comping and filling at the same time.
>> >>
>> >> I agree whole-heartedly with Charlie Hooks.  A plink-plink-plink,
>> >> chord-on-every-beat banjo or piano can really box in a soloist's
>ability
>> >to
>> >> flow and use passing chords.  To me, it inhibits the imagination and
>> >> creative juices.
>> >>
>> >> But we are each unique, thank the Diety.  Viva la difference!
>> >>
>> >> Charlie Hull
>> >>
>> >>
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>> >>
>> >
>> >
>> >
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--Sheik
David W. Littlefield, Piano, Guitar, Banjo, Washboard
Compiler: "Dixieland FB" (Bb, C); "30S-40S FB (Bb, C)"; "Gig Book"
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