[Dixielandjazz] Your opinions on "sit-ins" please?

[Mike Durham]

Hey Dave, everybody: as a young player, I was very grateful for the chance 
to sit in with more experienced musicians. In my experience, jazz audiences 
are extremely tolerant and encouraging of this. Now, some forty years on, I 
only wish there were more young people looking to sit in with my band. The 
only exception would be those persistent no-hopers who after several years 
still can't really play and are looking for their only chance to blow. These 
should be gently but firmly discouraged. As to good experienced players, 
known to the band, or with a reputation behind them, I find that band and 
audience alike enjoy the refreshment/challenge of hearing someone new 
playing with us. In both cases, two or three numbers seems about right. Hope 
this helps.

Mike D.


>From: "Dave Gravatt" <dave at creolejazz.com>
>Reply-To: Dave Gravatt <dave at creolejazz.com>
>To: "Dixieland Mailing List" <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
>Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Your opinions on "sit-ins" please?
>Date: Thu, 9 Oct 2003 20:26:34 -0500
>
>Greetings! I know this has been covered before, but I'm looking for
>opinions/perspectives from both band members and from those in the 
>audience.
>
>What do you think about musicians sitting in on a band's regular weekly 
>gig?
>Meaning, they have asked to sit in and are allowed to do so. Does it 
>detract
>from the performance or make it more interesting? Does it make the band 
>seem
>"less professional" somehow? If the musician sitting in is young and
>inexperienced but excited about playing jazz, should he be allowed to play?
>How many tunes is enough or too much? Anything else?
>
>I realize there are a lot of variables but am looking for whatever
>feedback/expertise you may offer. Thanks!
>
>Dave
>====================
>The Creole Dixieland Jazz Band
>"It's a treat to beat your feet"
>417-581-5626
>Springfield, Missouri
>http://www.CreoleJazz.com and
>http://www.Syncopation-Enterprises.com
>
>
>
>_______________________________________________
>Dixielandjazz mailing list
>Dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com
>http://ml.islandnet.com/mailman/listinfo/dixielandjazz

_________________________________________________________________
Sign-up for a FREE BT Broadband connection today! 
http://www.msn.co.uk/specials/btbroadband