[Dixielandjazz] Improvisation - was Bios

[Russ Guarino]

My two cents worth.

I notice that when I improvise, it is as if someone else is playing.  I
listen and am surprised with what I hear.

However, at the same time, occasionally, I tell myself that I want to start
on the 3rd of the chord and then go from there. Or, "Start high and move
low", or, "Play this next one in the bottom register". Or, "I think I'll
start with a C to C glissando". So, once in a while, there is some
conscience direction.

I think the fingers have a mind of their own.

Russ Guarino

Stephen Barbone wrote:

> >Dan Augustine wrote in his bio:
>
> >Still want to learn how to improvise (i hear it in my head, but can't
> play it)
>
> Dear Dan:
>
> That is a common problem with classically trained musicians. My advice
> is to block out what you hear in your head as you are playing. Many got
> this advice from Miles Davis who said something like: "Man, when you
> hear an idea in your head while in the midst of a solo, don't try and
> play it because you will 'screw' it up."
>
> I don't know about others, but my improvs just come out as if someone
> else was playing the horn. If I consciously try and play a phrase that I
> liked previously, again (same song different night) I will almost always
> screw it up, unless it is a pet lick that I use often. Sometime playing
> with Tex Wyndham, he'll say hey that was neat. you pought to put it into
> your solo all the time. I won't know what he's talking about because I
> don't know what I just played.
>
> I can't think creativily with my conscious mind and play at the same
> time, except to throw in a quick sexy quote when a pretty woman walks
> by, but then, I've memorized all those, in every tempo and every key.
>
> Somehow I hear the relationship of the notes to the chords automatically
> without identifying either. Same in the ensemble. Somehow, I hear the
> relationships of what we're all playing as it occurs and play my part,
> which may differ from the usual Dixieland clarinet line. In effect, I
> forget all my musical training and/or the rules about how one should
> play. What about others? What do you hear and/or play?
>
> My advice, either write your solos out in advance and read or memorize
> them, or try and make your mind blank when solo time comes around.
>
> Cheers, and keep at it,
> Steve Barbone
>
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