[Dixielandjazz] Note count

[Gary Kiser]

Hi,

I can't see how one can rate someone's chorus by counting notes.  For 
me, it is what he/she does with those notes that count.  Is there a 
story?  Is there development?  Yes, I have heard many fantastic 
technicians play wild and crazy choruses that didn't do anything for 
me.  Yet, I have heard so many minimalist choruses that were ... well 
... minimalist.  A musician's style, technique and musical vocabulary 
will influence what he/she is comfortable playing.  If the muso sounds 
comfortable and in his/her 'groove,' I generally enjoy what he/she does 
whether minimalist or notes a plenty.

On this same sort of idea, I am bothered by musos that take multiple 
choruses just to take a longer solo.  I appreciate someone that can 
develop an idea and build on it throughout her/his solo.

I play a half dozen times a year with a monster of the alto sax, Daniel 
Huck.  He is the only musician with whom I play that has really mastered 
the extended solo.  He will do a feature each set and it isn't uncommon 
for him to take 5 or 6 forms on the tune.  But, I swear, it doesn't feel 
like 6 forms.  He develops a couple of small ideas and then plays them 
off of each other and the energy just goes up and up.  I don't know how 
many times I've played with Daniel where at some point in his solo, I 
think to myself; "ok, here comes the end because he can't go any 
higher."  But, then he does.  If you have never heard Daniel Huck, put 
him on your wish list.

This started as an addition to the 'many note' thread and has finished a 
plug for Daniel Huck.  Anyway, he would love to play the States even 
though it is clear he wouldn't get paid what he gets over here.  He is 
more a 'jazz party' class of musician with over 200 gigs a year.  
Nonetheless, he would love to play an American jazz festival once.  So, 
if there are any interested festival directors . . .

All the best, Gary

Gary Kiser
www.sacapulses.com
www.mojobrassband.com