[Dixielandjazz] Melody Instruments

[Rob McCallum]

Hi Mike,

I don't think that's always the case.  There are groups where the trombone
not only takes the melody from time to time, but is the featured instrument
(take Jack Teagarden for instance).

The most common, or standard approach, of course is that the trumpet carries
the melody (or, more accurately, interprets the melody--because good lead
trumpet players make the melody their own and will probably not even play it
the same way twice--as jazz musicians, I believe it is their job to
continuously interpret the melody--I'm sure others will disagree with me on
this), and the trombone improvises a counter melody in the holds and spaces.
Then the clarinet weaves an 8th note improvised line through it all.

I think that this is so common because it works so well, and it's also how
this type of "dixieland" jazz tends to be defined.  It provides a "role" for
each instrument to work from.  95% of traditional jazz is (or should be)
completely improvised, and if the instruments keep to a general trumpet-lead
and trombone-counter, it keeps the jazz from becoming muddled.  The players
can play off of each other, rather than be oblivious to each other.  The art
is to collectively improvise meaningful music together.  The trumpet has to
create space (either through holding longer tones or rests) to give the
trombone room to work and vice-versa.

For a musical example, listen to the out choruses of Bourbon Street Parade
as recorded by our late listmate trombonist Jim Beebe and former listmate
Charlie Hooks (on Delmark Records).  When everyone comes back in after the
solos, the trumpet player is restating (and reinterpreting) the melody as
the improv builds around him.  As they continue and the playing intensifies,
the trumpet player starts improvising away from the melody itself but still
acts as a lead instrument.  The trombone is still, essentially, countering.
It's a brilliant example that really illustrates just how well the classic
horn line functions in a good band.

I think it may also have to do with the range and timbre of the instruments.
The trumpet, being higher, brassier and louder, is a natural lead
instrument.  The tenor range of the trombone seems to musically fit counter
to the trumpet.  Of course, in more modern jazz and swing combos which
mostly avoid contrapuntal group improvisation, any instrument can be the
lead and be the bearer of the melody.
Another reason, I think, is because so many of the founding fathers of
traditional jazz were cornet or trumpet players.  Buddy Bolden, Freddie
Keppard, King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Bix.  These were the big artists who
really defined the style.  Of course there were trombonists around, but none
that had the creative force and influence of these guys at that time.

Interesting question--and one which I've often wondered about myself.  As a
trombonist, I enjoy playing melody and lead.

All the best,
Rob McCallum






----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike C." <mike at michaelcryer.com>
To: <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2005 12:00 AM
Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Melody Instruments


> I'm just curious how come trombones in traditional jazz never have the
> melody? I asked a friend of mine who is an instructor and he clearly
> shouted "Trombones never take the melody!" Why ?
>
>
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